Convert DC turnouts to use in Märklin layouts

[@mhomburger]

Thanks for the great tutorial. I also enjoyed the freight train you had running at the end, lots of Swiss brands I recognize.

[@LaurenzEdelman]

Interesting tutorial, thanks

[@carlosalbertochaveznavatre8247]

Interesting tutorial, is it possible to do it the other way? To convert a double slip switch from MARKLIN into a DC track switch?... my track is ATLAS and my trains are american brands so my double slip switch cant be used as it is... can it be converted to the DC style?

[@thetrainroom]

Just buy a double cross over from Peco. Much easier.

[@joekrepps]

GREAT idea!! However, I'm having trouble locating the Peco product. Can you tell me the model number or who else makes a similar copper band? Thank you! :)

[@thetrainroom]

Looks like this product has been discontinued, You can buy a similar product from Weichen Walter: www.weichen-walter.de/ww-onlineshop/index.php?cPath=29_89_10&language=en

[@thetrainroom]

I found it. It has number: SL-18. But i might be disconitnued from Pecos side, but some dealers might have left over of it.

[@thelittleredrooster]

Do you always use the electrofrog versions of peco switches?

[@thetrainroom]

When using witha thirdrail it doesn't matter as both rail have the same potential. (It's only Peco switches I used)

[@ModelTrainFun]

Nice - I never even considered this. Question: now a year later does it still run reliably and can you recommend this method? Enjoy ;-)

[@thetrainroom]

The one switch (the middle one) which caused problem from the start still requires some adjustment, it's that some locomotive get stuck on it when driving too slow, iI just need to slightly push them. I just need to take time to fix that once. The other two are function perfectly after 2.5 years (I installed that in autum 2019, I made the tutorial about a year later) If it works from that start it will work.

[@ModelTrainFun]

@@thetrainroom Thanks - so the trick is to be very insistent on runnin characteristics from the beginning. Enjoy ;-)

[@thetrainroom]

@@ModelTrainFun Exactly. Unless you have a major damage on the centre rail, as it is quite soft, compare to the regular studded contacts.

[@SevenWelt]

👏👍

[@jeffliick1690]

What’s the benefit of dc switches over k track switches?

[@thetrainroom]

From Märklin you only get a curved switch with a inner radius of 360mm, which many third parties rolling stiock won't support. I need ones with a larger radius, so I had to modify from another brand. In short: The benefit is greater choice in different types and sizes. Same would apply if you want a Y-Switch, which Märklin never made.

[@jeffliick1690]

@@thetrainroom Oh I never thought about that. I’ve been thinking of upgrading to digital and switching out the m track for k track for the look of it, but that is something to consider. This video just became much more important and thanks for responding.