Marklin digital ac c rail track and trains?

I've collected Marklin HO 3 rail for years and like it. The center stud isn't too noticeable. I sort of look at it as an oil leak. Although if the prototype leaked that much the engine should probably be shopped. Sectional track of this type has the inherent problem of sometimes not having the correct length. Also, it doesn't standup, again like other sectional track of this nature, to repeated assembly and disassembly. Despite following instructions on how to assemble/disassemble the track, I've occasionally broken some of the substructure tabs.

Steve

I have only peripheral knowledge of Marklin, but from what I've seen and heard, it's just about bullet-proof. All of the European HO manufacturers offer products that will run AC on Marklin track, along with their standard 2-rail DC product lines. 

 

When placed in a scenic environment, the stud rail of the K track becomes practically invisible.

 

The locomotives pictured above, by the way, are AC versions from Roco and Rivarrossi...

 

Marklin AC is just as simple as Lionel AC.  No fancy wiring for reverse loops or wye's.  The is also digital command control, similar to DCC, but not compatible with DCC.  However, it is the standard for HO European Stud(3-)rail AC.

 

Rusty

Do you guys know if the roco z21 box or the esumobile control station and the new esu mobile control hand held will work to controll these brands of locomotives?

Roco Z21 will indeed work

 

Also, they are pretty much lionel/mth level of buletproof. C trakc is fine, when released in 1996-2000 they used a different plastic and thats the stuff that the tabs break off. post 2000 production corrected this and works fine. Its nice stuff!

Thanks for the input. I Wish lionel had this variety of switches in fastrack. This track line has curved,three way and double slip switches and from what I have seen it looks like some great track configurations can be achieved. I am starting to like these trains the more I watch them. Europian trains also have some good looking locomotives.

My father has always been a huge fan of Marklin and Fleischmann trains, even being lucky enough to have inherited a family friend's Marklin collection.  The European locomotives, especially steam, are so varied and beautiful in their looks and function.

 

For me, the German DB color scheme for steam was always simple yet beautiful.

 

Marklin has always made some amazing trains and track, and are on the level of Postwar Lionel or early Hornby for durability and ease of operation and repair.

 

Not to mention how gorgeous they are with the drive rods moving so smoothly!  Beautiful trains!

The ESU controller will operate the Marklin digital system.

It's a whole different world than our O gause trains. Everything runs reliably and the systems are complete. I grew up with Lionel AND Marklin trains. My Dad travelled overseas on business often and would return with his suitcase full of trains.We also had a neighbor in the military that often travelled to Germany and would take Dad's want list. I still have all those 1960's-1970's vintage Marklin trains and have added to the collection over the years. I also have a lot of Fleischmann HO from the same period. All great looking and running stuff.

Quick casey, do I need any thing besides the esu command station ( witch I just think is great btw) and the engines?  Or do I need some marklin controler to add to the esu? Still new to all this and watching every video on this marklin stuff to get a good understanding of it all. Let me first say.....
I LOVE MY LIONEL AND LEGACY STUFF!
Yes there I said it ,but this marklin track and these beautifull engines. Not to mention now mth makes ho compatable US models that can run on this track.
Really makes me want to sell my lionel collection and go this route. With the new ipad apps and the esu controlers.
Not to mention the marklin track. Wow one could build the ultimate layout.

The ESU controller does it all. It runs both DCC and the Marklin digital system. You may hear the Marklin system sometimes referred as the Motorola protocol. They are both the same. Here's a link.

Have you checked out www.ete.org ?

Bear in mind the Roco/Fleischmann Z21 and z21 are different animals,the capital "Z" version is a fully featured system that will run DCC,Marklin Motorola and Marklin MFX. The lower case "z" version is a stripped down entry level system.

 

The Z21 will interface with just about everything digital out there.ESU,Lenz,Digitrax,NCE,MRC,Zimo....

I have a Marklin central Station, an ESU ECOS and a Roco Z21. (before you guys think I'm nuts I should say my primary train interest is Marklin...)

 

All 3 are great, I find the Ecos to be best, or the Z21 (big Z) for a smaller layout. CS2 i'm not crazy about, it isn't as intuitive as marklins trains themselves

Thanks for you input guys.
How are the couplers as far as uncoupling and brand compatability?
Also please feel free to post pics of your trains and trackwork. Thanks.
The more I watch videos on the marklin tv youtube channel or videos on these trains in general I just drool over the details,aperance and the smooth running of these engines. The germans made some beautifull steam locos. Wow! I cant wait to get in position to buy and start collecting these trains. Since a steam locomotive is almost 1/4 the price of a legacy steamer. I will be able to buy three steamers for about the same price as one lionel.

Couplers are operationally wonderful. Marklin has two types, both work great and are compatible, but for bulletproof operation I'd convert to just one type and not mix. (easy to do as cars have NEM sockets)

 

Email or PM me if you have other questions on good resources/stores to buy and more. Whatever you do don't pay walthers-level pricing.

Thanks jp canton for all your info! If I have questions I will definetly email you.