Which Way To Start? Fleischmann Twin-Center or Marklin Digital?

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I want to start my model RR in Digital, but I don't know which way to go??

I'm in europe so those two makers seem to have the best quality according to my local model shops. But which way to go? Do I want to use the Marklin-motorola digital or go for Twin-Center (is it really compatible with both Marklin and DCC protocols??)

I really need some help here. I want to start right.

Thanks for your help.

PLato

[lupo]

[#welcome]
Take a look at LENZ or DIGITRAX also available in Europe, I won't go for marlkin or fleischmann right away, and remember the advise your LHS gives you
CAN be biased towards the systems they sell, ,but by the way: what kind of locomotives are you planning to buy or convert?
you could check out the NMRA for DCC: http://www.nmra.org/standards/consist.html#standards-DCC
you can also check out: http://www.dcctrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
lots of info to,
or http://www.fremo.org modular building with a US division
have fun !

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lupo

[#welcome]
Take a look at LENZ or DIGITRAX also available in Europe, I won't go for marlkin or fleischmann right away, and remember the advise your LHS gives you
CAN be biased towards the systems they sell, ,but by the way: what kind of locomotives are you planning to buy or convert?

Hi,

Thanks for the Info. I was actually hoping to get some sort of start set to get used to the digital control of trains and such. At the same time, start a small simple layout for a start and go from there.

Would you be able to suggest what shoudl I get to get started. A loco set, controler, tracks for a start. I'm mainly interested in steam locos from the 3rd era. Preferably DB trains (Closest to Poland).

Thanks for your help

PLato

[lupo]

If you want a starterset and if you want to model german steam 3rd era I think marklin an fleischmann both have digital starter sets at reasonable (european) prices, also you could take a look at http://www.roco.com or http://www.brawa.de also lots of european stuff of very good quality
btw: Marklin uses a middle rail for getting current to the locomotive, so is fairly limited in choice of locs, Fleishmann is 2 rail so compatible with lots of manufactures of HO equipment, and it looks more prototypical.

http://modelspoor.pagina.nl/

this is a dutch page with lots of european links, maybe there is something in it for you!

LUPO

[Anonymous]

I'd avoid Fleischmann/Marklin digital systems as I'm not sure whether they're compatible with DCC equipment. Lenz make some very reasonably priced digital equipment which is worth a look. Bear in mind that Marklin uses the 3-rail system as Lupo said, the same models are available for conventional 2-rail systems badged as Trix.