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- This guide is written for buyers interested in the Marklin brand of toy trains in H0 scale. This scale is also known as 1:87 and has become very popular after WWII in the fifties. You may also find different scales for this brand: 1 Scale or Maxi (larger models) and Z scale (smaller models)
- What are Marklin trains? This trains are made in Germany and Marklin has gained a very reputable name in the toy industry. Marklin has manufactured quality toys for more than a century and this toys are highly appreciated by collectors all over the world.
- Why buying Marklin? Because you will buy not only a toy but also a collectible - Because of the high quality of the model - Because of the reliable mechanism that will give you years of service - And because of the wide range of locomotives, wagons and accesories available from this brand.
- Are this expensive? Yes, this trains are valued in Euros and you will have to be very patient to buy all the stock because they are expensive. You can start with a complete set for only a couple of hundred bucks but you can spend a thousand in a fancy locomotive with many digital functions if you want to.
- How it works? Marklin has 3 rails (feeding from the central rail and return from the 2 outer rails) - This system is only compatible with Marklin. All other brands work in 2 rail system. You will find though rolling stock from other brands made for Marklin rail.
- Conventional or Digital? Conventional locomotives work with a standard control unit (called trafo) - You will need one control for each locomotive and you may use signals to share the rail with other trains in the same circuit. Digital enables multiple locomotive usage with a single control unit with electronic addresses. You may command also detours and signals with this electronic addresses.
- So what should I choose? The vintage rolling stock from Marklin is available in conventional feeding. This models have achieved interesting prices for the collector. You may display them or you may roll them in a small layout. Digital rolling stock has a greater playability and realism but lacks the "vintage" look for my taste. Keep also in mind that all digital locomotives may work perfectly in a conventional layout. Unfortunately conventional locomotives may not work in a digital layout.
- And the prices? You may find conventional feeding locomotives for under the hundred in perfect working order. You may also find cars and wagons for ten or fifteen US dollars. You must be warned though that many vintage pieces from Marklin may achieve high prices over the thousand or even more specially for items from the late 40s and 50s. (with cardboard red boxes) - For the digital rolling stock you may also need to buy more accesories for the layout. Fortunately and in both alternatives you will be making a great investment because this brand always sells fast and at good prices. You can use as a guide the Koll´s catalogue for the full Marklin range prices.
- Belive me, this models are great and very enjoyable. You will not forget the first time you turn this train on. I still remember staying by the layout with my father and my brothers watching with fascination a 3000 steam loco with 2 cars rolling in a small oval layout. Wow, that was magic!!!!! Don´t miss it....
- You may find useful info at http://www.marklin.com/ - Thank you for visiting my guides and good luck with the hobby!
Guide created: 10/03/06 (updated 08/13/08)
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