Converting from Marklin to DCC

[meng]

Hi all,

I'm relatively new and had a question regarding compatibility of AC and DCC. I have a Marklin Rheingold set (4228) and I was wondering if it would be relatively easy to convert that for DCC operation? If so, what would that entail? and what would I need? I'm at the point where I have mostly Marklin equipment, but not enough to dictate that my layout be AC. And it seems to me that DCC will allow a little more flexibility overall and in the future.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Matt

 

[Cjcrescent]

Marklin has their own Digital control system that is geared specifically to Marklin equipment. Have you checked it out? Here's one of many links;

http://www.marklin.com/tech/digital1/digital2.html

 

[meng]

Thanks for the link! I understand that Marklin is geared towards its own brand, but I was more interested in converting a Marklin set that I already have into something I can use on DCC. Surely this would be possible? And would it be as simple as swapping out the wheels? and removing the third rail shoe?

Thanks again!

Matt

 

[hunslet040]

Hi Matt.
I think there are at least two solutions to your problem.

1/ Change the wheels to insulated type from the Marklin un-insulated ones.
This link shows a supplier of replacement wheels.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/benno002-2?_rdc=1
You may find suitable wheels here.
If you are running the set on modern track then choose a wheel profile that is finer than the "Toy like" Marklin wheels as they will not go through the turnouts on code 83 track or possibly code 100.

Some time ago I converted a Marklin "Northlander" set from Marklin digital to DCC using wheels from this supplier which worked well.
I had to junk the terrible loco ( which was an F3 and not the correct FP7 ) and replace it with an Atlas FP7 but the conversion went well.

One further problem is that the table lamps in the coaches are illuminated and they may not work or be damaged by DCC voltages so these would need to be disabled or modified.
Obviously the skid will have to be removed and if lighting is required a connection to the wheels will be needed.

2/ The more drastic sulution but probably cheaper is to sell the Marklin item and buy a Trix or Lilliput equivalent.
There are plenty of Lilliput Rheingold coaches on the UK and European Ebay sites at various prices so it pays to compare them.
I have not seen a Trix set recently but the Lilliput versions are often described as "Trix/Lilliput" so maybe they are the same.
Trix and Lilliput are both 2-rail DC.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Colin.

 

[meng]

Hi Colin,

Thank you so much!! I feared it wasn't going to be an easy swap, oh well. I just love the detail and metal construction of the cars. It's such a shame that they won't get as much use. Thanks again!

Matt

 

[hunslet040]

Hi Matt.
The Trix versions of Marklin products are usually the same items but for 2-rail operation so should also be metal but I have not seen any to compare or confirm.
Likewise I have not seen any Lilliput so cannot comment on the construction.

I also have a Marklin 4228 Rheingold set so I have made my comments on conversion based on what I see on the actual items.

As I have a Marklin S3/6 BR18.4 Steam loco which suits the set I will not be converting mine.

The Northlander conversion was done for a friend who wanted one but did not have (or want) Marklin track or controllers.
This model was not available from Trix so had to be converted to 2-rail DCC.

Regards, Colin.

 

[allegheny pusher]

As hunslet040 said the conversion is possible but come at a price.I have done a few conversions and it´s pain and the result are often not want one had in mind.The biggest issue is the motor cause it runs stock on alternate currance and we need direct currance for DCC.You have to change magnets,diods and capacitors on the motor and so on when it is an older engine.Not to mention,even here in Germany it´s hard to get Trix axle parts for conversion.
I recommend to buy in the first place a 2 rail version.