marklin switches

[Anonymous]

can anyone tell me if you can use marklin switches with code 100 track also will they work with a dcc system?[8]

[Anonymous]

Fuzzypa,

I ran Marklin for 30 years+ and have tried what you are suggesting.

You have stepped into a rats nest.

The simple, safe answer is that Marklin stuff is compatable ONLY with Marklin stuff. They have a different system that is 3 rail AC based using center track studs for power and both rails are the same ground polarity. This will cause a dead short if used with two rail US based DC or DCC systems.

The tricky part is that before they bought Trix they had a two rail DC line called HAMO (rolling stock only). You may see some of this for sale, but buyer beware. They have made Model trains since the 1800's so there is a lot of stuff out there.

There are several track lines. The older M track (all stamped metal. produced until about three years ago) is all incompatable with US stuff. The newer K track can be run with two rail DC, but it has the studs in the center ( they look less protypical). It is slightly larger than code 100 and uses NEM (European) track width and flangeway standards. Differences include deeper, wider wheel flanges, wider guard rail spacing, narrower points. It is generally compatable with US stuff but, Some RP 25 stuff won't go through it without alterations. Some of the newer K track switches will also work Two rail DC...But it is all tricky and unless you have the track for free, it will be more expensive and look worse than buying US protoype gear (Walthers, Micro Engineering etc).

[Anonymous]

thanks you answered my question and probubly saved my mind from frustration .again thanks roy callen