Can Playmobil trains be digitalised?

[flatcat]

I was browsing new control systems for my Playmo/LGB trains (not that I could afford one )

And was wondering if the Playmobil trains can be coverted to digital, to use with, say, the Massoth digital controllers?

Damo

[Walts-Trains]

Yes the track pick up ones can be converted to DCC. I have had mine on Airfix multi train control since 1984.

[schluss]

Hi,

yes it´s quite easy to build in a simple DCC-controller, only a few (4) wires for the engine and if needed some for light.

Regards
schluss

[Giorginetto]

Why digital  ? I prefer analogue and thus got the LGB Jumbo unit . and hopefully will get hold of a LGB 50106 remote unit . Personally i prefer analogue controls for my 4052,4051 and Steaming Mary trains/ wagons. 

[flatcat]

Why digital  ? I prefer analogue and thus got the LGB Jumbo unit . and hopefully will get hold of a LGB 50106 remote unit . Personally i prefer analogue controls for my 4052,4051 and Steaming Mary trains/ wagons. 

It makes it best for exibitions. If there is a disaster (like there were a few at Knaresborough) I don't have to go running fumbling for the control box!

And you can stand and chat, socialising at the same time!

Damo

[zugpferdchen]

I prefer analogue and thus got the LGB Jumbo unit.

And why? Cause it's simple?
Do you know all possibilities of digital control?
Did you test it: controlling locos digitally?

One of the long-time analogous drivers of the Klickywelt did a modification, as he had seen it and tested.
And: No one did change from digital to analogous (back)!

Why digital  ?

The reasons for digital:

• each loco could go independent (different directions, stops, speed,...) on one track without contact breakers

• some functions could be set easier (as analogical): sound(s), smoke (also synchronous with the wheels), lights (also at stops), color changes of lights with the direction, electric clutches, 2 or more different locos in one train, controlling all functions on the fly with functional keys, many many setting options (with CVs),...

• controlling also the other events with one contoller: switches, signals, doors in locomotive sheds, barriers at railway crossings, turntable, lights of houses, lights and functions in wagons

• less cable(s)

[flatcat]

Does anyone know if the Gaugemaster Prodigy can be adapted/variated for use with G gauge?

Damo

[Giorginetto]

I am not convinced 

Analogues is much more stylish and classic and eeerrr nothing else really just trying to justofy to myself for spending lots of money in getting an analogue JUMBO controller i suppose !!!! 

Analogue for an old relic like me who is stuck in the late 70s/ early 80s 

[zugpferdchen]

I am not convinced 

It's how I said:
Some of us are conviced and some have to SEE it and TEST it. It makes a lot of fun!

[zugpferdchen]

Does anyone know if the Gaugemaster Prodigy can be adapted/variated for use with G gauge?

I think you can use it for G gauge like all DCC systems. You only need 1 (or 2) LGB or Playmobil rail connector(s) to connect it to the program track or the main track.

But, you have to look at the power (not in volts but in amp). The Gaugemaster Prodigy has 3,5 amps. That's enough for ~3 Playmobil motors (1 motor =~ 1 amp). For this power this system is not cheap.
e.g.
4052 (2 mot.) + 4051 (1 mot.) or
4050 (1) + 4051 (1) + 4053 (1) or
3958 (1) + 4054 (1) + 4051 (1)

If you want to control more locos (or more than 1 with 2 motors), you have to buy a booster.
But I am no friend of making more than one (booster-) district.

e.g. Me, I have a roco multimaus with 3,2 amps (but it's a system for ~80,- €!!). Cause I want more power (more locos with 2 motors: e.g. the 4010 with 2 motors, the 4016 with 2 motors,...), I bought a booster with 15 amps. So I can put 15 amps to the hole garden railway (no districts!).

The problem with the districts is: If in one district are 4 motors (if there is the 3,5-amps-district), all locos will stop. You can't go with more than 3 locos in that district!

Did you get it?