I am a Marklin modeler and wonder if this discredits me from participating in this forum. I know a center third rail puts 2 rail modelers at odds as being non-prototypical but I can point out that traction modelers run their electric locos without using the catenary, which is also non-prototype. Wish to comment?
Mr RonI am a Marklin modeler and wonder if this discredits me from participating in this forum.
Not at all!
Look at what this fellow does with three-rail O:
Mr RonI can point out that traction modelers run their electric locos without using the catenary, which is also non-prototype.
I'll bet I have at least three dozen "motors" and not a stitch of third rail or catenary. Oh well. Ain't about to give them up.
PRR_under-wire6_2k-1 by Edmund, on Flickr
IMG_6782_fix by Edmund, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
Mr Ron I am a Marklin modeler and wonder if this discredits me from participating in this forum. I know a center third rail puts 2 rail modelers at odds as being non-prototypical but I can point out that traction modelers run their electric locos without using the catenary, which is also non-prototype. Wish to comment?
Simon
I have watched many videos of layouts, both U.S. and European and almost all do not use catenary although it is being modeled. I heard this had something to do with the use of DCC not being compatable with catenary. I'm in the process of installing catenary on my Marklin layout. Instead of buying premade wires and poles, I have been fabricating them myself using code 70 rail for the contact wire and .062" brass wire for the messenger and hangars and .094" for the poles. So far, I have about 30 feet of wire done. With a homemade jig, It has been easy to fabricate the wires. I use a resistance soldering unit which makes a good solid joint.
Nope. You are more than welcome.
We have had a couple Marklin HO participants that shared their layout builds since I have been around here.
I would love to see some of your Marklin layout pictures in the Weekend Photo Fun thread.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I started in 2- rail back around 1950 and was active for about 10 years. Then work, marriage and other things took priority and I didn't get back into model railroading until about 1995. I just started up with marklin in 2019 and have built a modest sized layout with around 60 feet of track and 20 turnouts and of course scenery has to be done. I am presently making catenary and using M track.
It seems to me at one time David Popp of Kalmbach/MR was doing a layout (maybe a project layout?) that was US-themed using Marklin 3-rail HO equipment?
Mr RonI have watched many videos of layouts, both U.S. and European and almost all do not use catenary although it is being modeled. I heard this had something to do with the use of DCC not being compatable with catenary.
I hadn't heard that before, I can't why you couldn't use DCC with catenary? If it is/was an issue with power pickup, I would think the various makers "keep alive" type gizmos would solve that.
Love those traction models. I have 1/2 a DD1 and a GGI under construction in 1:16 scale, but don't know when I will be able to finish them. Health concerns are keeping me out of my shop so now I am in the house working on my HO Marklin layout.
wjstix It seems to me at one time David Popp of Kalmbach/MR was doing a layout (maybe a project layout?) that was US-themed using Marklin 3-rail HO equipment? Most of the layouts I've seen were European. Only 1 in maybe 20 layouts had an active catenary. Mr Ron I have watched many videos of layouts, both U.S. and European and almost all do not use catenary although it is being modeled. I heard this had something to do with the use of DCC not being compatable with catenary. I hadn't heard that before, I can't why you couldn't use DCC with catenary? If it is/was an issue with power pickup, I would think the various makers "keep alive" type gizmos would solve that.
Most of the layouts I've seen were European. Only 1 in maybe 20 layouts had an active catenary.
Mr Ron I have watched many videos of layouts, both U.S. and European and almost all do not use catenary although it is being modeled. I heard this had something to do with the use of DCC not being compatable with catenary.
I don't think the various manufacturers want to get involved in catenary as it is not too popular among modelers, concentrating mostly with steam and diesel. Europe is big on electric.
I have a couple of trolleys and a GG1, but I run them on standard 2-rail HO. I have thought of building dummy overhead wire, but I realize that would be so far down on the priority list that I'd never get to it.
I started with 3-rail Lionel in the early fifties and switched to HO about a decade later.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Ron, after 15 years here, I think I can speak confidently for pretty much everybody here: even if you were brand new, or had never been in the hobby, or were once active and currently were without any scale train materials and a layout, of any description, you would be most welcome. If you are the least bit interested in trains, it helps, but it isn't necessary. Not on this forum.
-Crandell
Hello All (Guten tag alles),
Mr RonI am a M(ä)rklin modeler and wonder if this discredits me from participating in this forum.
It matters not how you model, it matters that you do!
There are some on these forums that enjoy operating trains outside the usual North American Systems.
Come, read, enjoy and participate!
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Ron,
Welcome to the forum. If prototypical accuracy were the standard for posting here, I’m sure that we would all be lacking in some way, so don’t sweat it.
I ran Marklin for many years before switching to US two rail prototype. I still love the Marklin stuff. I had several large Marklin layouts, the last one was a US based theme running Us style rolling stock with Marklin locos on the point. I made this work using 2271 moveable point turnouts (k track) and various coupler ands wheel modifications. I also scratch built my catenary using American trolley wire as an inspiration.
I eventually tore this layout down and switched to American prototypes using DCC. I still have some of the Marklin equipment and a few locos including the Crocodile in the photo. I have more photos and info on my layout if you are interested - send me a PM (private message) and I’ll send you the PDF.
I have seen some excellent Marklin layouts on the internet in the last few years and of course there is Martin of Sweden who produces videos on a regular basis – the classic being the summer party video he put out a few years ago – very fun.
So which track are you using? The catenary you are building sounds pretty cool. I would love to see some pics. See the sticky on posting photos to see how to show us some of your work.
Here is the first locomotive I ever owned. It still ran (40 years old at the time) when this photo was taken in the 90’s.
Here is the crocodile in the weeds under trolley wire.
Welcome,
Guy
see stuff at: the Willoughby Line Site
DCC and catenary definitely work together.
Fremo, which is a module layout group, uses both. I saw a video of guys setting up the catenary. It worked. Impressed was I!
Don't forget: You CAN have the catenary be non-electrical, and just run regular 2-rail underneath. If you want.
Ed
I'm using M track and building my own catenary from brass rod and code 70 rail for the contact wire. A jig makes it easy to duplicate sections of catenary. I will post pictures once I figure out how to do it.
Absolutely not!!! We welcome your participation!
I have alway found Marklin to be very interesting, especially with its reputation for quality. I have a model railroading friend who is using Marklin. His layout is beautiful.
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!