Marx E7 Adapted for Lionel

Modifying the Marx E7A unit.  Need to create a bracket from brass strip (.031" x 1/2"), bent to pass under the pilot.  A Lionel dummy coupler is attached with a 2-56 machine screw.  It needs to be shimmed approximately 1/4" to couple with Lionel couplers.

How does one go about adding an E unit lockout switch? 

Mitch

Don't have any photos handy.

There's a clip on the front of the motor, with a wire going to a connection with the pick up shoe.  You want to cut this wire and add an SPST switch inline, connecting the other side of the switch to the spot you cut.  You'll need an additional wire from this spot to the headlight wire; use a wire nut to connect them.

@cbq9911a posted:

Don't have any photos handy.

There's a clip on the front of the motor, with a wire going to a connection with the pick up shoe.  You want to cut this wire and add an SPST switch inline, connecting the other side of the switch to the spot you cut.  You'll need an additional wire from this spot to the headlight wire; use a wire nut to connect them.

Gotcha!  I'll have to get an E7 and have a go at some point... 

Mitch

@cbq9911a posted:

I've adapted Marx E7 diesels to run with Lionel trains.  They're good runners, as good as postwar Lionel Geeps.  First thing I did was add an E unit lockout switch to avoid inadvertent reversals.

The Rock Island unit shows how I added a Lionel coupler to an E7B diesel.  Added an 0.40 filler strip beneath the truck frame and reattached the coupler bracket with a 2-56 x 3/8" machine screw.  I attached a Lionel dummy coupler to the Marx tab coupler with a 2-56 x 3/8" machine screw.  The tab needs to be drilled 3/32" for this to work.  There are two tab lengths on Marx diesels.  The longer tab length works better.

Fantastic! I love it !

A better photo of the rear of the dummy A unit.  This shows the shim of around 1/4" needed to get the coupler up to the same height as Lionel couplers.

Front of the Marx motor truck showing how the SPST switch is wired.  One end is wired to the clip at the top of the truck.  The other end is wired to the point where the ground wire attaches to the motor.  The wire coming off that point with a wire nut is for the headlights.  On this engine I replaced the Marx headlight with a pair of Evans Designs 5mm white LEDs.  One flashing for the mars light and one non flashing.