The next choice is regarding solenoids, that is points and signals. Let’s deal with points first — they are easier… Please note, that this article about point and signals is still unfinished; I haven’t done my research yet — and just wanted a place to dump my current knowledge.
Points
I would be happy to switch my points in the traditional — that is analogue — manner for a while. Decoders for points are quite an expense. Let’s just look at my current — analogue — layout. It contains 17 points. When looking at my favourite model train dealer, one can see that each C track point costs €25 including motor. The Märklin decoder will add another €25. That’s €50 for each point. That is more than €400! That rises to nearly €1k when using the wide radius points. Luckily one can retrofit decoders as they don’t have to be collocated with the point.
What alternatives are there?
- To the motor: Conrad has a points motor (2199996-62) for €7 (or €5 when purchasing 10 or more). That’s €90 for the 17 points I have now.
- To the decoder: Uhlenbrock has a decoder (67600) costing €16 for two points, that would be around €135 for 17 points; and Tams has a decoder (WD-1) for €25 that can control four point. That’s about €105 for 17 points.
This sounds soo much better. Using the Conrad/Tams combination one would save €200 over the Märklin solution.
Signals
Here are two questions to be answered. Firstly how to set them and secondly how to manipulate them. The first issue is addressed by the same answer that deal with how to switch points. But the second one?
There are several methods:
- Assuming that the signal can control power to a stretch of track — i.e. when the signal is “red”, a stretch of track is disconnected from power — one has a simple way to stop trains. That’s basically the analogue way. But not neat as (i) the engine will stop very abruptly and (ii) all functions such as the headlight will be off.
- Assuming one uses a PC to control the whole layout, one can use feedback contacts that report when a loco approaches a red signal. And if the feedback contact reports which engine this is, the PC could slow the engine down to stop at the signal.
- Assuming none of the above, there are special breaking modules that supply the track with a negative DC current — indicating to the loco controller that the train should please stop. And as the loco is still supplied with electricity, the headlights will remain on.
The third solution is clearly the best. One of such modules is Viessmann’s 5232. But is’s not cheap at €30.
Oh there is a third question: which signals to use. Semaphores, clearly. But again, Märklin is very expensive. Alternatives are offered by Viessmann (for €25 per semaphore) — and those have always received praise.