Little Helpers - Analogue or Digital?

In this week's episode we'll cover a few topics around Märklin digital and analogue operations. This video was triggered by a few viewer questions. So, I will explain why I operate my layout in analogue and share a few thoughts on Digital based on my past experience.
I hope you enjoy the video,
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[@lvo1004]

I've been using a combination of analog and digital (Delta). Analog for the 2 mainline's and my old Delta control for the depot/shunting. All on m-track. In time I plan on going fully digital with the mobile station but this setup gives me best of both worlds. Once one of my analog loco's breaks down or need serious service it will be put in my display case and a (second hand) digital version will be brought, slowly modernizing my fleet without having to invest too much at one time.

[@The3rdRail]

Almost everything goes 😉 Thanks for sharing! Edit: In case you were wondering, I wanted to keep things simple in this video, so didn't cover "mixed" modes such as using a switch to toggle between analogue and digital, or isolating parts of the layout.

[@karlszilagi2766]

I could not agree more with your assessment of the digital vs analog question. Aside from lighting and smoke at a stop I think almost anything that can be done digitally can be mimicked in the Marklin analog system if one is clever enough. Please keep up your work. I love your videos and your fantastic layout.

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks Karl!

[@roguico]

I agree with you on this topic. This is one of your best videos, very well explained. I’m in kind of a similar situation, in December 2020 I brought out from storage a large amount of M track, wagons, coaches and 14 analog locomotives that had been in storage for more than 30 years. I also found I lost (or was stolen) a box with eight locomotives (Crocodile, Le Capitole, Swiss AE 6/6 and a few others I don’t remember). But I never used the bulk of this equipment, I bought used at that time and spent quite a bit of time cleaning and fixing some items before I had to store them due to lack of time and space. It all started in 1965 when my grand father gave my brother and I (we were 5 and 7 years old) a Märklin train with a 3000 locomotive starter set, extra track, a siding, a bridge, a mechanical level crossing and a train station. Next year we got an Märklin Sprint car raising set. A few years later a made a deal with my brother, he kept the Sprint set and I the railroad. For about 15 years I added more track, another locomotive, semaphores, houses, treasure, etc. but I never had a place for a fixed layout. Then I changed interest for many years until I bought the used equipment I mentioned earlier. So I like the models produced in the 60´s, 70´s and even 80´s, era III and IV. I like the way they sound, even the way they smell when they run. I want to have a layout the wait I dreamt but never had. I spent countless hours reading and browsing a few catalog I had, a Faller booklet I had bought and the Märklin 351 track layout book I also bought. Since December 2020 I’ve bought some locomotives, semaphores, accessories and used K track. My plan: - I’m building a M track layout to run analog trains with automation like you do, not as extensive because my layout is smaller. - run prototypically correct trains like you do - in a few years do a larger K track analog layout - later on do some digital testing and maybe migrate the K track layout to digital As a side project I did last year, as a Christmas present, a C track layout for 2 nephews which are 7 and 12. Hopefully they get the bug, both of them as well as their father. In a similar way, I worked in programming and tech support for over 20 years, from assembly language to 4 Generation computer languages, including network protocol programing and operating system custom modifications. And I still do a different kind of programming, I now do Smart Houses and audio/video control systems. As much as I like programming, for my hobby I prefer mechanical stuff and manual things. Same way I lost interest in chess after I started programming. I still need to learn a lot from you, I don’t miss any of your videos and I eagerly await new ones. Keep the good work and congratulations from me. Greeting from Costa Rica.

[@The3rdRail]

Hi, This sounds like a good plan, many thanks for sharing what you are doing and I am glad you find the videos useful/entertaining enough to come back for more. Take care!

[@kleinerfisch13]

Besser kann man es nicht auszudrücken, wie Viele in der 60, 70, 80, auch angefangen haben wie ich, 🙂

[@eaglerider1]

i find that each system has there own charme, advantage and disadvantage, and some times you can combine it, each in its own rail circuit

[@The3rdRail]

Sure, thanks for the visit!

[@derpreue3947]

Stay ANALOG ! It brings back memories of the childhood! M- Gleis und Analogue

[@The3rdRail]

Yep, that's the reason I give in the video 😉

[@vivadjango]

Very helpful information, thank you.

[@The3rdRail]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Pisca-kk5cs]

I agree on many things you said… yes..plan, plan, plan!…sit down with a note book or engineering journal and write everything down from your track plans to engine decoders and computations you need. Also he is right on analog engines convert the ones you really want to run digitally other than that sell them and try to find a used digital equivalent in good shape otherwise you’ll be spending more money. One important thing to remember when you’re doing digital try to stay with one manufacturer example Marklin or Ecos when deciding on train control and switch control. On my layout it’s straight Marklin but my decoders are either Marklin or ESU. Great video

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks for sharing

[@CM-he8ni]

Comprehensive and detailed explanation on the two systems. Having returned to this fascinating and addictive hobby, ( I started when living in Berlin as the wall was being built!) it is fascinating that their is so much “old school “ items still available. Your expertise and shared knowledge just ensures that it continues . Thank you for continuing to share! Like another comment had stuff stolen in a house move😒

[@The3rdRail]

Hi, thanks a lot for your praises, glad you find the videos helpful, feel free to drop a comment if you are looking for a specific topic and I'll see what I can do. Enjoy your trains 🚂 😀

[@andersnielsen4390]

I agree with your reflections. I think it is quite brilliant what Märklin developed 60-70 years ago with relais, signals, contact tracks and catenary, that still today offers a lot of fun and inspiration. All the associated wirering can be a challenge. But that’ s just a part of it. BR, Anders

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks Anders.

[@roguico]

Agreed

[@and3583]

I agree and I prefer analogue. I have a z scale layout and am very happy with it. I have 2 sidings and a station, all have an insulated fish plate at the points and a switch so I can have 3 trains running. I have no need to get a computer involved :)

[@The3rdRail]

They are your trains, you do what you want with them 😉

[@franciscomesalles5422]

Very good explanation

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks and welcome

[@tomsmaerklintrainlayout6742]

That was probably the best video regarding model trains I have watched !!! I did pretty much the same you described starting a year ago, but also got into analogue AC & DC due to my interest in the Orient Express and related trains, as the locos I was looking for where only available as analogue or DC versions. After a year of building a digital C-track layout that can partially be switched to analogue and adding a DC oval I can control either analogue or digital, I decided to add another small M-track layout to test & run pre-owned rolling stock. I was tempted to convert an initial analogue RAm TEE I purchased w/o knowing about the new digital world, but have refrained and bought a digital version instead. I have also planned many layouts with SCARM, but enjoy running trains too much to actually build one, nevermind buildings & landscapes... Thanks again for your very informative and entertaining videos !!!

[@The3rdRail]

thanks a lot!

[@KPS-en8fz]

Again thanks for your very well done videos, I really like them! Digital and analogue must not be a matter of ‚either-or‘. I have just a smaller layout with M-Tracks (2 circuits) and beneth a lot of analogue locomotives, I have also some modern digital locos with sound and light functions which I also wanted to see in action on my layout. So I have installed a simple 2-pin selector-switch, which connects either the analogue transformer (red/brown) or the digital Mobile Station2 (red/brown) to the tracks of the corresponding track circuit. When operating the digital locos, the analogue ones must remain at the currentless tracks (e.g. in front of signals). This really works properly and I can enjoy all the digital functions of my modern locos just by using the switch. Based on the 2 separated circuits even parallel operation - circuit 1 analogue, circuit 2 digital - is possible. All turnouts and signals on my layout are operated only analogue, powered by a separate Märklin Light-Transformer. All brown earth/ground cables of transformers and Mobile Station are connected together (common earth/ground). BR Klaus

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks for sharing!

[@patrickmurphy6775]

Very informative1 Just what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@The3rdRail]

You're welcome!

[@tonvangenabeek4920]

Thanks for this very informative video, these are the questions many of us are dealing with. My solution was/is to make a combine lay-out. One is analogue for my old trains and the other is digital. The two separate layouts are like spagetti. At the main station for example there are both analogue as digital platform. For me the best of two worlds.

[@The3rdRail]

That the beauty of the 3 rail system: isolate the third rail/catenary and do what you want :) thanks for the visit.

[@Martin.]

Hi, Ich fahre nur analog und habe auch keine digitalen Loks. Bei anderen Märklin Freunden sieht man eine tolle Kombination aus digitalem Fahrbetrieb und analogem Oberleitungsfahrbetrieb mit den alten E-Loks. Dieses stellt meiner Meinung nach eine gute Alternative dar aus alter und neuer Technik. Beste Grüße, Martin I only drive analog and don't have any digital locomotives. With other Märklin friends you can see a great combination of digital operation and analogue overhead line operation with the old electric locomotives. In my opinion, this represents a good alternative of old and new technology. Best regards Martin

[@The3rdRail]

Sure, that's also a way to combine both worlds. thanks Martin.

[@Martin.]

@@The3rdRail you’re welcome

[@gordonholtshausen4383]

Excellent video thank you and informative as usual.

[@The3rdRail]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tewuiakminiaturenh0]

hello, a nice video about your basic thoughts about driving analogue or digital, meanwhile I also drive analogue locomotives on my track again, because it simply costs too much money to convert every old locomotive, there is the possibility of both circuits only digital, or one digital and one analogue, or both analogue, depending on which locomotives are set up, great explanation and demonstration, greetings Kai👌👍😊

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks for sharing your experience, take care.

[@LaytonJunction]

Hello my friend I run digital but do believe there is room for both systems as my late farther used to say if It’s not broken don’t fix it and if it suits your needs then that’s all that matters enjoyed your video cheers for now all the best al 👋🤗👍🚂

[@The3rdRail]

Hi Al, thanks for the visit!

[@LaytonJunction]

@@The3rdRail 👋🤗👍

[@johnwalsh6844]

I have the same problem with my collection. On my home layout I run analog, are my club layout I run digital. Great video. ❄️🚂

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks for watching!

[@belgiangeek2671]

Thank you for this interesting video. I have reached the same conclusion. Upgrading more than 15 locomotives to digital would be too expensive. So I prefer to stay in analog and automate train circulation with an Arduino and some relays

[@The3rdRail]

You are welcome!

[@frank1672]

Trying to find the balance between train operator and modeler is a fine art, I like to construct a layout so for me running locos on the same line is a good thing. I do however prefer the robustness of the all-metal locos as opposed to plastic but the latter does offer finer detail. Oh well, it's 'Horses for courses' as they say!

[@The3rdRail]

Only one thing matters, it is what you find fun.

[@railracer]

Your video has explained the analogue/digital question very well. I like yourself enjoy the electronics of the analogue system with trains starting/stopping and route selection with contact tracks and relays. But I also have digital and apart from the obvious lack of wiring/isolated track sections the beauty of the latest MFX locos is the very smooth running and up and down gradient's they do not run away maintaining a constant speed. If I started again what would I choose ? Don't know, I love the 50's/60's robust all metal construction but the new models are superb if as you say a little bit fragile.

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks a lot for your compliments and for sharing your thoughts. Enjoy your trains :)

[@franciscomesalles5422]

I plant to built the 1971 layout with C track

[@The3rdRail]

enjoy!

[@MMK96]

Thank you so very much for your videos and especially this one! It made me rethink my planning strategy whether to go digital or not. I'm planning a harbour pier layout (2 to 3 engines) with my beloved steamlocos from the 1970/80s märklin-production (3099; 3095 etc.). the first goal would be better slow-moving characteristics, which i would like to achieve without converting the motor and digitalization ... possibly by installing a fully electronic reverser (uhlenbr. FRU) with adjustable speed and acceleration delay … do you have any experiences with with these FRU's?

[@The3rdRail]

Hi, you are most welcome. About your plans: I don't have any experience with the Uhlenbrock FRUs so nothing to share on the topic unfortunately.

[@MMK96]

@@The3rdRail - Nevertheless, many thanks!

[@16jan1986]

As a operator of modeltrains from different makers (eksemple heljan) i use ac digital cause some simply will not work or will get damaged when running on ac analog

[@The3rdRail]

Always read the manual 😉

[@informatimago]

Besides, there's a way to run two independent locos on an analogue rail : one diesel or steam running out of the rails, and one electric, running out of the catenary.

[@The3rdRail]

Sure... That would work too of course. Thanks for sharing.

[@kleinerfisch13]

ja da hast du recht, Analog zu Digital ist nicht viel günstiger als wenn man eine fertige digitale Lok kauft, nun ich Fahre mit Analog und Digital Lok´s, jetzt habe ich eine Lok Mit mfx Sound, und nur für die Lok muss ich mir eine Mobile Station kaufen, aber ich finde die Analog lok´s immer noch sehr gut, denn wenn man selber Rangieren möchte, ist analog viel Schöner, die Züge die Ihre runden Drehen, ist digital besser, 👍

[@The3rdRail]

Danke für deine Zeit und Kommentar. Gruss👋

[@adamdelarozza1985]

Hello sir, I have a question pertaining to the conversion of an older MArklin analog locomotives. Adding the sound board and the 5 pole motor to an older Marklin steam Loco will work on an analog old school system, i believe this is correct. There is no need to buy digital controllers unless you want t control many trains at the same time. With the old school system , only one train can be operated but the digital features can still be enjoyed. Is this a correct understanding? Thank you.

[@The3rdRail]

Hi, a digital conversion will work in analogue, but only with minimum functions: driving forward and backwards. Depending on the decoder, you might also get directional headlights, and may be even a couple of sounds, again this depends on the decoder, so you cannot assume this will be true for any digital conversion. If available in analogue mode, these features will be defined as always on and will usually be only a subset of all the functions available. So, if you want to drive, and are not bothered about additional functions, then you will not need a controller. If you want to change the configuration or switch certain features on or off, you will need a controller to do this. I hope this makes sense.

[@adamdelarozza1985]

@@The3rdRail Yes this does makes sense. I watched this very video again and its clearer now! Thank you vary much.

[@fokusnikfim]

Hello. Klasse video 🎥👍👍👍👍👍👍👍Thanks. Fim 🚂👮‍♂️✋

[@The3rdRail]

Thank you very much!

[@Kapparie]

Did you have c-rail before and did you also buy all your m-rail after selling your digital models?

[@The3rdRail]

I did have some c-track. I sold most of it and kept the period correct m-track to run the collection. C-track only came out in 1996 or 97 if memory serves me well. It is also much cheaper, but I already had a lot of it at the time.

[@marklinologe4685]

little helpers? hi it is always a pleasure watching your videos. Your analysis are pretty good Maybe you can help me with my special problem My 3065 with Telex (22970) works not correct (analog) Fuctionality should be 1. foward w/h Telex 2. forward with Telex 3. back w/h Telex 4. back with Telex In my case Telex is in all steps on Where is the mistake ? Where can i adjust something Wainting to your answer Hans-Beat

[@The3rdRail]

Hi, glad you like the channel. For your telex, I'd first check the couplings are really under power when they stay up. It could be some grease or dirt on the coupling that prevents them from going down. You can check by putting the loco on the track, activating the telex, drive a few centimeters to let the couplings go up, then deactivating the telex, move a few centimeters, push the couplings down by hand, and see if they go back up when you power the loco again. If they don't, you need the clean the couplings. if they do, take the body off and make a close-up video of the reverser and wiring, and what happens on the reverser when you switch from position 1 to 4, upload it to your channel as unlisted and send me the link using my channel email address, I'm happy to have a look when I find a few minutes.

[@marklinologe4685]

thanks for your quick answer , i ll do all the checks you have proposed and i ll give you my feedback 🖖

[@Pisca-kk5cs]

I agree on many things you said… yes..plan, plan, plan!…sit down with a note book or engineering journal and write everything down from your track plans to engine decoders and computations you need. Also he is right on analog engines convert the ones you really want to run digitally other than that sell them and try to find a used digital equivalent in good shape otherwise you’ll be spending more money. One important thing to remember when you’re doing digital try to stay with one manufacturer example Marklin or Ecos when deciding on train control and switch control. On my layout it’s straight Marklin but my decoders are either Marklin or ESU.

[@The3rdRail]

Thanks for sharing