eBay Guide on Märklin Power Feeders (Marklin Power Feeders)

Track Power Feeders

Many folks build a train layout with a single feeder track where the transformer feeds its power to the track.  If the layout is a small oval of track with one train running, this single connection usually works fine.  Or, if the track is fairly new and the multiple track connectors do not have any corrosion, then a single feeder track might work well on even a larger layout.  However, as the layout ages and corrosion sets in, then problems are likely to arise.

In general, we at Eckert Engineering believe that medium to large layouts require multiple feeder tracks.  Also, we also like installing “Dead Blocks” into the layout where the train will come to a dead stop, unless a “Signal” is on “Green” telling the train it is OK to proceed.  With the dead blocks installed, it is now necessary that each section of track before and after the dead block has at least 1 feeder track.  And of course the dead block needs a feeder track itself.

What is a feeder track???  This is a special piece of track with wires (a brown wire for ground and a red wire for power) for connecting the track to the transformer.

What is the issue???  As the train moves farther away from the feeder track, it moves continually slower (for the same transformer setting.)  Why??  The current has to go from the transformer to the feeder track, through the middle rail of all the pieces of track to get to the train, then go all the way back through the outer rails of the pieces of track, to the feeder track, then back to the transformer.  The track itself does not usually have any significant resistance, but the connectors between any 2 pieces of track can have significant resistance.  These resistances create voltage drops when there is a current flow.  Each individual voltage drop is usually hard to detect, but with many track to track connections, one can often notice that the train runs slower as it is farthest away from the feeder track.

What is the solution???  Add additional feeder tracks.

How often should a feeder track be used?  Here are some general guidelines that Eckert Engineering follows when building a layout.

• Use a feeder track (or attach feeder wires) on approximately every 10th piece of track.  Length is NOT the issue, but the track-to-track connectors are the issue.
• Eckert Engineering can solder wires onto any piece of Marklin M or K track to turn it into a feeder track.  Email us for details on this service.
• Attach feeder wires to every other piece of “K” flex track in a series.  Length IS an issue with the “K” flex track, because of the zigzag nature of the 3rd rail conductor at the bottom of the track.  Even though the track is 39 inches long, the 3rd rail has an effective length of 8 times that length.  
• Use a feeder track at the very ends of a block.  By following this rule, the train always has 2 sources of power, one from behind and the other from in front.
• Use proper wire size.  Märklin and Brawa wires are roughly #22 AWG.  This is fine for the feeder wires coming off the track to the bus.  Eckert Engineering uses #16 AWG gauge for the main bus wires.

Catenary Power Feeders

Eckert Engineering LOVES to build layouts with operational catenary (overhead wire system).  The pantographs of the Märklin electric locomotive can be used to collect the power and the outer rails of the track are the return path.

The same issue of voltage drops that we discussed in the track can also be an issue within the catenary system.  Thus we recommend having multiple Power Feeders within the catenary.  Thus additional catenary feeder masts should be installed using similar rules of thumb.

For both Track Power Feeders and Catenary Power Feeders, please visit:

Märklin Power Feeders

Eckert Engineering is a supplier of Märklin HO train items and Genuine Märklin HO repair parts.  Please visit our eBay store at:

Eckerts Marklin Trains and Parts