Marklin New Design Central Station 2. The Central Station 2 is a digital control unit for Märklin model railways of the new generation. Its design communicates a high degree of functionality as well as stringent brand identity, reflected in the traditional colours red and grey as well as in a user-friendly shaping. The unit includes a clearly arranged colour touch screen as well as numerous operation options with which different trains can be directed along the tracks at the same time, while functions such as sound, lighting, switching tracks and setting signals can be controlled with the unit, down to the steam of a locomotive. These features are controlled with two sets of eight softkeys to the right and left of the screen. The wing-shaped silhouette of the unit is based on its operation: all control elements are arranged symmetrically in the centre, thus directing the focus to the keys, rotary knobs and monitor. This focus is additionally supported by the colour scheme, which optically connects the red rotary knobs to the monitor via an anthracite-coloured element.
Tim Hale- 08-04-2008
There seems to be a few of these 'play station' type DCC controllers with Bachmann's Dynamis taking centre stage.
As an 'oldie' who missed the PSP revolution this is all lost on me and I prefer a handheld that I can use with one hand.
Neil S Wood- 08-04-2008
Starting to look more like the Veissmann Commander now.
Andrew Mattock- 08-05-2008
I must admit that I think they're losing the plot a little... I was just about to buy the ESU ECOS command station on the basis that it was backwards compatible with my Mobile control (surely one f the most underrated handsets?) only to find that they appear to have dropped support for Mobile Control in favour of a derivative of the Dynamis instead! Sorry, but I'm NOT wearing that thing round my neck.... looks like my next generation command station will bow to the inevitable Zimo... even if I have to sell the house to afford it.
Incidentally who makes the new Maerklin unit? I guess after their recent spat it isn't ESU
Brian Considine- 08-07-2008
Incidentally who makes the new Maerklin unit? I guess after their recent spat it isn't ESU
As Neil, I suspect Viessmann (especially as this unit has a colour screen).