I'm almost afraid to ask, but is this a good time to be starting up with Marklin engines? I see older 3 pole engines and understand they are a low tech option, and lack smooth and slow operation, so I've avoided those. I see articles about upgrading them to 5 pole motors but they are not so inexpensive as to make that an economical choice for a new buyer. And it seems most have been upgraded by Marklin already. The 5 pole motor Marklin engine I got for my first train runs well but I am leery of buying more as these appear to be getting phased out as well. It would seem prudent to pre-order the newer Marklin engines and just wait for them to come around. Also I don't know if it is OK to mix engines. I can't see why not but there may be more to this than I realize.
Their current offerings are beginning to add DCC. Other than that, they continue to release quite a bit each year, including locos (Loks) but these can sometimes be non-'Germany' as many loco models from other countries become popular or attractive. Not sure if they will go to a skew commutator in that small of a motor. Quality was a topic after they shifted some to China during the hard times some years ago but have brought much back or improved controls, I have heard. My feelings: If you like it, buy it.
I have some older engines with 3-pole motors; if they are well run in and properly maintained, I found that they can run just as well as locos with 5-pole motors.
I certainly am enjoying my 5 pole Marklin steam engine. Although in many ways it is no match for my modern Rokuhan BR181 it still has great charm! So I would say now that I will look to the future more modern offerings from Marklin but I would be glad to have some older ones too. Because they do run! If I see a 3 pole engine that I really want and the price is good I might buy it to try it. And it turns out mixing trains is a pretty cool thing to do. This morning I added switches to my little test track. I have never played with turnouts and sidings before, this is all new to me. I found I could use the their different speeds and also the fact that my Rokuhan will move before the Marklin will to run both trains with one controller pretty creatively. I had a lot of fun with that while learning how the switches work.
The old 3-poler are very robust and will probably last forever. The 5-polers are a little more in need of care in terms of cleaning the collector. In late 5-polers one winding was wound over two anchor bars. They have less torque and need a higher starting current. I do not like them. Everything that was last released, and equipped with the new can motor, convinced by good performance.
