How To Run Multiple Trains on a Marklin M Track

Last Updated: August 7, 2022 References

Do you want to run more than one model train on a classic Marklin M track system? To run multiple trains at once on a single track, you'll need to set up a block system. This wikiHow article will teach you how to set up a block system for running multiple trains on a Marklin M track, and answer common questions about digital and analog Marklin trains and tracks.

Section 1 of 8:

How do I run multiple trains on a single track?

1
You need to use a block system. A block is a section of track controlled by an electrical signal.
- Blocks are separated by creating gaps in the rail that carries the electrical current. You can purchase track insulators that can separate sections of track.
- Power is provided to each block using a switch. When the switch is off, power to the block is cut and the trains in that block cannot move. When the switch is on, power is provided to the block and the trains can move. This allows you to control the train movement on your track layout and prevent collisions.^{[1]
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2
You need at least one block per train plus one extra. For example, if you want to run two trains on a single track, you will need three blocks. If you want to run four trains, you will need five blocks.

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3
If you don't have all the M track parts, you can use newer Marklin tracks and parts. The M track series is a vintage series that was discontinued in 2001. This can make it hard to get new parts. Luckily Marklin has made sure that all their newer track series are compatible with the old series. So, if you don't have all the necessary M track parts, you can mix and match using parts from the C or K series.^{[2]
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Section 2 of 8:

What do I need to set up a block system?

There are a few things you need to set up a block system. The items you need are as follows:
- Tracks. These are the standard M tracks.
- Switching tracks: These tracks automatically turn the block off and turn on another block when a train passes over them.
- Signals or relays: These can be either traffic signal pieces or tracks that activate when a train passes them.
- Insulation Strips: These block power in between blocks and allow you to create different blocks.
- Power/Feeder tracks. These are the tracks that you connect your wires to in order to provide power to a block.
- Wires: These are wires used to connect to tracks.

Section 3 of 8:

Setting Up a Block System

1
Plan your track layout. You need to know where each block is going to be. Make sure each block is long enough for a train to go and stop.
2
Place a feeder track on each block. This is where each block is going to get it's power from.
3
Place a switch track at the end of each block. This will be used to stop trains when they reach the end of the block.
- If your trains are overshooting the block, you can place a breaking module after the switch track.
4
Place a signal or relay just before the switch. This will be used to start and stop the train on the current block.
5
Connect the signal or relay to the feeder track. Use wires to connect the signal or relay to the feeder track. It should be able to start or stop the train that is sitting next to it.
6
Connect the switch track to the signal or relay in the block. This should cause the train to stop when it reaches the end of the block.
7
Connect the switch track to the signal or relay in a different block. Connect the same switch track to the signal or relay of either the next block (the Push method) or the preceding block (the Pull method). This should create a cascading effect whereby the train comes to a stop at the end of the block and signals the train in the next (or previous) block to start.^{[3]
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Section 4 of 8:

Can I use digital trains on M tracks?

Yes, but it's not recommended. If the track is in good condition, you may be able to use digital trains and controllers on the M track. Check to make sure there is no wear or deformation on any of the tracks before attempting to use a digital system with the M track series.
- Any interference suppressors, such as suppressor capacitors will need to be removed before you can use a digital system with the M track series.
- If you run into any issues using a digital system on the M track series, it is recommended you upgrade to the C track series.^{[4]
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Section 5 of 8:

Can I use two trains with a digital setup?

Yes, there are multiple ways to use multiple trains on a digital track. You can create a block system with a digital setup the same way you would with an analog setup. Additionally, the mobile station that is used to control digital trains can pair with multiple locomotives and allow you to control different locomotives using the same mobile station. You can also connect two mobile stations to the same connector box.^{[5]
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- If you have two mobile stations connected to a connector box, make sure you connect the primary (master) mobile station to the port on the right. Connect the secondary (slave) mobile station to the port on the left.^{[6]
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Section 6 of 8:

How do I pair two locomotives with a digital power station?

1
Connect the connector box to the track. Connect the wires from your connector box or transformer to the feeder track.
- If you are unable to connect the wires to a M track feeder, you can connect them to any C track, which is compatible with M tracks.
2
Plug in the connector box. Use the AC adapter that came with mobile station to plug in the power connector.
3
Connect the mobile station to the power connector. The connector box should have two ports for the mobile station. Connect the primary mobile station to the port on the right.
4
Press ■ Stop on the mobile station. This cuts all power to the track. Before mounting a new train, it's a good idea to cut all power to the track to prevent shot circuits.
5
Place the train on the track. Make sure the wheels are placed correctly on the track with the wheels on each rail and the center probe on the middle rail.
6
Press ■ Stop on the mobile station. This restores power to the track. Once there is power to the track, the locomotive should pair with the mobile station automatically. When you see the initials "mfx" display on the mobile station display screen, that indicates that it is pairing with the locomotive. Once the locomotive pairs with the mobile station, you should see the train model appear on the screen along with a symbol that resembles a train.
- The default language for the mobile station is German. If you need to change the language on the mobile station, hold Shift and press the button that resembles a red wrench. Then select Sprache. Then select your language of choice. To navigate the menus, use the buttons to the right of the display screen to scroll up and down the menu. Press the button next to the option you want to select on the left side of the display screen.
- Once the train pairs with the mobile station, turn the red knob to make the train move forwards or backwards. Use the buttons to the side of the display screen to activate any other functions that train may have (lights, horns, etc.).
- If the train symbol or name on the screen doesn't match your locomotive, hold Shift and press the button that resembles a red train with a wrench over it. Select Change Loco. Use this menu to change the name of your locomotive and select a new symbol for your locomotive.
7
Press ■ Stop on the mobile station. Before adding a second go ahead and cut power to the track. This will stop all your other locomotives and prevent short circuits when mounting the second train.
8
Place the second locomotive on the track. Once again, make sure the locomotive is placed correctly on the track with the wheels on each rail, and the center probe on the middle rail.
9
Press ■ Stop on the mobile station. Once power is restored to the track, it should pair with the second locomotive, just like it did with the first train.
10
Press the button that resembles a train to switch trains. To switch controls from one train to another, press the button that resembles a train on the mobile station. It's in the lower right corner.
- You can add as many trains to your track as your power transformer is able to power. The mobile station supports up to 40 trains.^{[7]
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Section 7 of 8:

Can I use analog trains on a digital track?

Yes, if they are outfitted with a digital decoder. If order to use an analog train on a digital track, it needs to be outfitted with a digital decoder. Your local model train dealer may be able to assist with this.
- Not all analog trains can be outfitted with a digital decoder.

Section 8 of 8:

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Pull Method

1
The Pull method triggers the train in the previous block to go. When the train reaches the end of the block, the train stops and triggers the train in the previous block to go forward. This has a few advantages and disadvantages:
- Advantages: These are the advantages of the Pull method:
- Trains are less likely to collide with each other. If there is a problem with the track, the trains will just stop. There is less likely to be a cascade of collisions on the track.
- Trains have more distance before entering a block. There is more distance between the train that is leaving the block and the train that just left the block.
- You don't need as much space in between trains. Since collisions and cascade events are less likely, you don't need as much space in between trains.
2
Disadvantages: These are some of the disadvantages of the Pull method:
- More complex wiring. This method requires longer wires to connect to the previous block. Wires also tend to cross, creating a messier wiring situation.
- You need the exact number of trains to run. Unlike the Push method, you cannot run one train on this track setup. You need the exact number of trains all the time.