@laming posted:All:
You know, it's really a shame the Mark 3/16" (8-wheel) line didn't catch on better, thus the line growing to include more roadnames, more rolling stock types, more types of engines, and so on. For toys, they were really very nicely proportioned, and some offered surprises in regards to detail.
Take for example, the little center cupola caboose that inspired both Marx and Lionel to offer their tin versions they both produced. I'm assuming the inspiration for Lionel's, as well as Marx's, was what is generally known as the "Northeastern" caboose.
In this post, let's take a look at the differences between the cabooses that Lionel offered, and what Marx offered. Here's a picture I snapped illustrating the models being discussed:
Looking past the "played with" condition of the Lionel offering, consider the following:
* Overall proportions: Marx is the clear winner here. The trucks are not huge, the car body snuggles down onto the trucks nicely, and thus is does not have the "short, stubby" look of the Lionel.
* Paint scheme: The Marx has two color sides and the roofs are black. Again, a win for Marx in my books.
* Detail: Looking closer at the two, they both have end ladders and handrails, but when viewed in person, Marx has a more delicate "scale like" result. And here's the real surprise: See the corner arched grab irons represented on both models? Lionel's is embossed into the metal. The Marx model actually has separately installed wire grab irons! (I was highly surprised to see this!) Another win for Marx!
Also, the nice proportions extend to all examples that I've seen to date concerning Marx 3/16" 8-wheel rolling stock offerings. I so wish that more content had been produced, as well as more engine types built (to supplement the 333 Pacific) along the same line of thinking, that is: Well proportioned and nicely executed.
Ah well, it wasn't to be, so therefore I'm grateful for what Marx did produce... and I intend to snarf up select examples of the one's I can't live without!
Andre
Marx 3/16ths trains are like potato chips - it's hard to stop once start in on them...
