Dumb question

[PrimusPilus]

I never played with or even saw in person a PM train set, so it's total mystery to me . I was wondering, are the tracks powered, like with regular HO sets, or are the locos powered? And are the locos controlled through a transformer (so I guess the tracks have to be powered) or through a RC (then I would infer that the locos have to be auto-propelled)? Or does all that depend on the set?

And one last question: are all PM rails compatible with all sets? I ask because I'm kind of tempted to go after a modern set, but I think rail sections are not exactly easy to come by.

[schluss]

Hi,

Ok, let´s begin:

In the past , starting in the 1980s, Playmobil bought the tracks at LGB. These tracks were made on brass and there connected, like a HO-railway, to a transformer. So the engine in the loco is powered via the track.

In the mid of 1990s Playmobil decided to use plastic tracks. At this point each loco needs a battery pack to power the engine and the RC receiver. The loco is now controlled via radio control.

A RC-loco can be used on both track types, but the older trains can not be used on plastic tracks as plastic do not leads current.

About compatibility: LGB-tracks are compatible to LGB and plastic tracks are compatible to plastics...... and not vice versa.... In the past DS has offered an adapter which allows to combine both track versions, but this is sold out since ages.

Regards
Rainer


BTW: Do not start with trains. This is a cureless virus....

[PrimusPilus]

Thanks for the info, Rainer!

A train set has been on the back o my mind for at least some 5 years, but I always postponed the idea because I was waiting for my son to be old enough to enjoy it with me. But now I've found PM trains, and that would be perfect to play with him. Because of space I just can't go bonkers with the trains, but even in such a big scale like LGB I think I could manage a permanent railroad if I make it suspended from the ceiling.

BUT, for this project I need tracks. I'm definitively going for a modern set, like the #4020, so I don't have to worry about wires and a transformer, but I need tracks (plastic, right?) all the same . Are they really hard to find?

[flatcat]

Plastic tracks are pretty easy to find like on ebay, and a few shops may still have stocks remaining.

If you are considering a train, then I recommend you buy plenty of track and points/crossovers etc to get the most fun out of it, because Playmobil are very stingy with the quantity of track they gave you in an original set

Damo

[basilsdad]

Thanks so much for asking this question, PP and thanks for such an informative reply, Rainer.  This has been on my mind for quite some time as well, but I think for the time being I am going to enjoy the things that you guys have and post here.    
Joe

[tonguello]

Ok Im in.... so we need a new train theme! 

[playmofire]

You can also buy track as spare parts from DS, certainly in the UK, and it can work out cheaper than eBay.

Curves are easiest and cheapest to come by on eBay, but whatever track I'm buying I prefer to buy it boxed for easy storage.

[flatcat]

but whatever track I'm buying I prefer to buy it boxed for easy storage.

Really? Mine just all gets slung in a big plastic box!

Damo

[Luis]

i have 3 playmobil trains (1 of them is an RC one) and this is the first time i bother to read the differences
i have at least 2 train catalogs and they're all in German
i don't even think i've used them in like 5 years

trains are so beautiful!!!

[PrimusPilus]

Plastic tracks are pretty easy to find like on ebay, and a few shops may still have stocks remaining.

If you are considering a train, then I recommend you buy plenty of track and points/crossovers etc to get the most fun out of it, because Playmobil are very stingy with the quantity of track they gave you in an original set

Damo

That's what I saw with the sets that I saw for sale. Basically a circle or oval, and a small one, and that's it. So I'll have to get more tracks to be able to make a nice course.