Power Supply

Another difference between Marklin and Micro-Trains (MTL) is the power supply.

Marklin trains and accessories should be run with a maximum 8 volts DC. Marklin power supplies from Germany may come with a German-style plug which must be inserted into an adapter before the adapter is plugged into the wall.

MTL trains run on a maximum of 10 volts DC. The Railpower 1300 power supply that came with my starter set was modified by MTL so that the label warns you to stop at 8 volts if you are running Marklin trains, 10 if MTL trains.

The MTL-modified power supply also warns that you should "energize only momentarily to prevent burning out the accessory" when using the power supply with Marklin accessories.