Marx Train pictures

Here are a couple more custom locos inspired by CP and Southern I did before "retiring".  Lest anyone wonder if I took perfectly good pieces out of circulation, below witness what I typically chose to work with.  It's very satisfying to turn a basket case into something different and presentable.

TrainsRme:  beautiful work and besides giving yourself some neat variations you are saving them from the dust bin!  Bravo!!

Don 

Don, thank you for your kind words.  I had a lot of fun doing the conversions/restorations.  In fact, it was my favorite part of the train hobby.  Here's my favorite effort - a New York Central baggage car that Marx never made.  I used a scratched, rusty ATSF coach, the kind with the blank solid windows, as a basis.  Also an ATSF baggage using the photo wrap method, but I could not get the computer to interpret the silver color, no matter how hard I tried.  This sort of tan color is the best it could do.

TrainsRme:  OK I am impressed! The baggage car is great and what an addition it would make to the NYC passenger consist.

Here is my NYC consist (pulled by a Marx 333 just out of picture) and it could sure use a baggage.  I may just have to try and do what you did, although I am somewhat mystified by the "computer wrap" idea.  Could you post a few ideas on how that works?  That #333 would have no trouble at all pulling another car - its a great engine.

Thanks for posting

Don

Those NYC cars are some beautiful cars, aren't they?  I think the whole 3/16 scale line was great, though.  I agree, the 333 is a great engine, along with the somewhat similar 1829, and perfect for the passenger cars.

Glad to share my thoughts about that baggage car.  The basic idea is to print side views of a baggage car and affix them to the sides of your car.  Unfortunately, I have no photos to show.  For the ATSF I photographed a larger ATSF baggage car.  Keep the camera back far enough and centered so the distortion at the corners is minimized.  Import the shot into the computer and use the photo program to fiddle with the color to match it to your cars the best you can. Then, hopefully you have a photo program on your computer that can enlarge and shrink in gradations.  (I don't anymore, and I can't remember the name of the one that I did have).  You want to size the print so it fits neatly on the car side. The standard size 8.5 X 11 photo paper is large enough to print an image of the proper size to fit the side of these Marx cars.

The sizing will require trial and error, so I'd use ordinary paper to make some  test prints and save the more expensive photo paper to use once you get it right.  You can get a good idea how large the print will be by the image showing when you preview before printing:  If the length of the image almost fills the sheet sideways (even though the size of the display may be small, the ratio will apply) , Bingo - you're close.

Make two prints - one for each car side - and cut them out with a hobby knife.  Apply Scotch Double Sided tape, the permanent kind, to the backsides around the border.  The ATSF wording and the number were photographed from Marx cars.  Note that the color of those is much closer to correct.

I had to use this method for the ATSF because I couldn't think of a way to duplicate those delicate stripes in paint.  It would have been a mess.  The NYC, of course has nothing similar, so I used paint.

If I haven't explained this well enough, I think you can send me an email by clicking on my profile.  Oh, and since this is a photo thread, I'd better include a photo of another idea.  Lionel's #221 Dreyfus Hudson is just the right size for these cars, too.  Here I put Marx 3/16 trucks under an extra tender so it could pull the Marx cars. 

How about these cars for play value?  Searchlight car, dumping car, and crane cars.  The handcar's figures, which are actually closer to Standard Gauge size, bob from the jointed hips when the car runs.  Their faces were modeled after President Dwight Eisenhower, who was a friend of Louis Marx.  

This is my Marx 10005 pulling into the Noma station. 

TrainsRme:  THANK YOU for the data on how to do the computer photo print work to create a baggage car.  Not sure I am skilled enough but I have some "extra" cars and I might just try since they are sitting in a dark cupboard now anyway.  Thanks also for the picture of the Lionel 221.  I also have a 221 and an extra 1689 sheet metal tender or I have some extra Marx tenders.  You can be sure that the combination is going to have a go around the L&S pretty soon. 

Don

Don, Glad to help out.  I think you should go for it.  If you're interested in doing a NYC car, the hard part may be finding a car you can photograph.  With ATSF it was easy - they're everywhere.  The computer work was the trickiest part for me, but I'm not much good on computers anyway.  The rest of the project is simply being careful, taking your time, etc.

Here are some Marx that are customized with commercial wraps that used to be available - don't ask - the guy went out of business owing me money.  Of the tank cars, the Mobilgas and Cities Service are wraps.  The KCS and MONON in the last shot are wraps.

Boomer0622, you have a real clean-looking M10005 there.  What a fun set that is.  I love the way it rattles along the track.

More rattlers in the same vein:

Ah, the wonderful wide variety that Marx offered.  The MONON diesels had four (functioning) wheels;  these had eight.  Click on photo to enlarge.

@TrainsRMe posted:

Boomer0622, you have a real clean-looking M10005 there.  What a fun set that is.  I love the way it rattles along the track.

More rattlers in the same vein:

I can't for the life of me figure out why, but I ALWAYS perk up EVERY TIME I see a little 4 wheel stamped/litho FM that Marx made. I really think they are the berries!

Is KCS and Monon the only road names those were made in?

FWIW: According to eBay, they're not cheap.

Andre

@laming posted:

I can't for the life of me figure out why, but I ALWAYS perk up EVERY TIME I see a little 4 wheel stamped/litho FM that Marx made. I really think they are the berries!

Is KCS and Monon the only road names those were made in?

FWIW: According to eBay, they're not cheap.

Andre

Also came in Seaboard.

Steve

The KCS is my favorite roadname for them. I'd like to get a set but they never seem to go cheap. Something in my price range will turn up.

Seaboard

This is a little video I put together of some Marx trains rattling  along. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eofM0LLSvRA

Boomer0622 - Omigosh, what an entertaining video you've made!  Your inventive setups are so colorful and fun-looking for running those beautiful pieces.  More rattlers there than in the wild west!

Thanks for that.

TrainsRMe,  Thanks for the compliment,  I do have fun in my train room.

Here's a clip of my one Wind-up rattling along,  It makes 1-1/2 times around the track on a full wind. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2XhocfI2e8

RamblerDon - well, in the meantime, here's something to help tide you over. 

Steve:

Seaboard, eh? Thanks for that info. My favorites would be the KCS (regional) and the Monon (past history with such a set).

I really don't need to be doing this, but I'm going to go ahead and ask some questions.

The little 4-wheel FM's:

I assume the dummy A has a "hook n' slot" (don't know what they're called) coupler on the rear?  Will a "hook n' slot coupler" mate with a "scissors" coupler? (i.e. Did Marx have a slot in the "scissors" coupler to allow that?)

RamblerDon said:

"The KCS is my favorite roadname for them. I'd like to get a set but they never seem to go cheap."

Via some casual eBay perusing, I've noticed that, too. Sort of a shocker really. One can almost indulge in good Lionel PW for the prices being asked for the cheaper quality Marx trains.  ???

"Something in my price range will turn up."

I wish you well in your quest.

Either a KCS or Monon set of 4w FM's would have to drop into my lap at a ridiculous price before I would be ready to commit. 

Marx made some nifty stuff, though. Lionel escaped me as a child (didn't had a Lionel three rail set as a kid) , but I was given a Marx litho set. I "think" it may have had a "999" engine. I distinctly recall it being steam, and I recall the red/gray NYC Pacemaker boxcar, Pacemaker caboose, I think a black gon, and maybe another car. All the equipment had stamped silver trucks and scissors couplers. The parents of the son (that had outgrown it) gave it to me. I think I was 7 or 8 at the time ('59 or '60)? It was a very robust little set. I couldn't play it to death like I had my Marx HO set from a few Christmas' before. (My Marx HO didn't make it to summer!) For Christmas of '62 I received a Lindberg Lines HO set... and that was that.

SO, though I had some exposure to Lionel 3-rail via a couple/three of my friends, my 3-rail roots go back to a hand-me-down Marx litho set. My HO roots are directly traced to that Lindberg Lines set.

There was no more interest in 3-rail after my Lindberg HO set (I've essentially been in HO ever since) until the nostalgia bug bit me many decades later (early '90s). By '98 I sold out of 3-rail, and aside for a couple of lesser 3-rail "experiments" I'm "sort of" over 3-rail. However, every now and then it tugs at me. (These little Marx 4w FM's, Marx litho rolling stock, Lionel "premium" PW steam engines and Lionel's FA's are the primary culprits.)

We shall see!

Andre

@Robert S. Butler posted:

RamblerDon - well, in the meantime, here's something to help tide you over. 

LOVE the ABA set of KCS FM's!

Andre

Laming:  Marx fork-tilt (or scissors) couplers varied.  I don't recall the prewar metal ones having a slot for tab-and-slot coupling.  The later plastic ones did, and would accept the tab-and-slot.  A note about the 3/16 scale line with fork-tilt:  the early examples had the prewar style;  later ones had plastic, meaning the older ones had no slot but the later ones did.  (There were also examples riding on the higher trucks that had tab-and-slot).

"New Marx" fork-tilt were metal, but had the slot also.  However, the FMs I had had a different coupler yet at the rear of the A-unit, more of a drawbar really.  It was narrow, and had no slot, and was very close to the body - too close for coupling fork-tilts to them, as they would bind when negotiating curves.

Robert S. Butler:  Beautiful set you have there.

I am very shocked at times the money a Marx item will bring. Considering the not-Lionel stigma they have. As far as I'm concerned a train is a train. I have items from any manufacturer I can afford. High end, Low end - as long as they have that tinplate charm.

Here is a William Crooks set with fork-tilt couplers.  I have read that the loco is a pretty accurate model of a real one.  After buying the set I searched for the caboose and flatcar, which I found but had the plastic knuckle couplers.  To enable all the cars to run together, I made up a transition car having fork-tilt at one end and knuckle at the other from a cheap Lionel flatcar.  Loads from Robert Grossman topped it off.

Hey everyone, just wanted to say I am really enjoying this thread. Even though most of my MARX stuff are the plastic versions that K-Line reintroduced in their early years. Although I was drooling over the photo posted by @franktrain on the second page of this thread. That car is gorgeous and in great condition.

And I like some of the "restorations" you're doing @TrainsRMe. The E diesels look great considering where you started. And I was never aware someone was making "wraps" for the older tin cars. Those tank cars look great too.

Bear with me now on this next thought. On the MTH closing thread, there's some banter about Neil Young maybe taking over MTH. Of course, Neil will forever be associated with Lionel for TMCC and Railsounds. And yet Neil himself, when he reminisces about his childhood layout, he had MARX trains, which he remembers very fondly.  

With all the chatter other places about what digital advances trains will take next, or when the next "scale" new product will be made, there really is something magical about the simplicity, durability and practicality of MARX trains. Even the tin litho stuff has an impressive amount of detail on it.

Not everyone in the hobby has room for a stadium sized train layout. And with some of the videos seen on this thread, they really illustrate just how good the smaller MARX trains look on a smaller layout.

I really like the plastic plug door box car made by MARX. Unlike the Lionel version with double doors, the MARX one offers more paint scheme possibilities. I found a junker one at a train show, missing the sheet metal frame and trucks... just the beat up, scratched body. So of course, I bought it. Made a new frame, repainted it and here it is...

@TrainsRMe posted:

Here is a William Crooks set with fork-tilt couplers.  I have read that the loco is a pretty accurate model of a real one.  After buying the set I searched for the caboose and flatcar, which I found but had the plastic knuckle couplers.  To enable all the cars to run together, I made up a transition car having fork-tilt at one end and knuckle at the other from a cheap Lionel flatcar.  Loads from Robert Grossman topped it off.

It always bothered me they went with plastic knuckle couplers on the freight cars. New Marx/ Flynn Marx made some nice freight cars also. But they used slot and tab couplers on them for some reason. :/

brianel k-line guy:  Thanks for the kind comments.  Beautiful looking job on your CP boxcar.  With those trucks and couplers, it must be a Marx-based K-Line like you mentioned, no?  Let's see more pics if you've got 'em.  This is an enjoyable thread.

RamblerDon:  Although Marx did use the droopy knuckle couplers on their cheapest cars, and they can't be automatically coupled, it seems to me that they do have four advantages:  They're more realistic-looking than any other Marx coupler, they're smaller, i.e., to scale than Lionel-compatible ones, they never, ever, come uncoupled, and they're more durable than plastic fork-tilt couplers.  (This last is just based on the number of wrecks I've bought with broken couplers).

Below are some Marx plastic freights with knucks, along with a cheap Lionel tank modified to use as a transition car - Marx on one end, Lionel plus Marx on the other, so I could run a lo-o-ong string of tankers.  Keep those pics and comments coming.

Here is a video I made of Marx passenger sets. Towards the end is a Wm. Crooks set.

@RamblerDon posted:

Here is a video I made of Marx passenger sets. <snip>...

Really like the "Premier" set. Very nicely proportioned for a train aimed at the toy market.

Andre

These just sold on eBay for $45.10 plus tax and $12 shipping.

Andre

@laming posted:

Really like the "Premier" set. Very nicely proportioned for a train aimed at the toy market.

Andre

I've always loved that passenger set. Marx really knocked it out of the park with the whole consist.

Sorry - just got back to this thread - so Andre, KCS and Monon are your favorites ...well, here's one for you.

Gee fellas, These are some great photos! I’m loving the costume paint jobs TrainsRMe, keep up the great work. Robert S. Butler, What fantastic sets you have. I paid around $60.00 for a Marx  Monon but it was well worth it. You gotta love the little guy. Its a beautiful loco with stunning lithography. RamblerDon, love the videos, keep posting. I will try to post pictures here soon. Been busy. Keep up the good work everyone.

                                                    Trainfam

Nice Monon set, Robert!

Yes, my first choice would be an ABA set of KCS FM's (no need for cars), for I can hear the KCS blowing for the crossings right here in my house. I've been within earshot to the KCS for decades (and have spent many pleasurable hours chasing their trains decades ago), so they have a special place in my train hobby.

The Monon is also a great little set. I was never around the actual Monon, but my reasons for liking the Marx Monon FM's is because back in '59 a younger next door neighbor ("Joey Pate") had one and we played with it over at my house... building bridges for its loop of track that we set among buildings and highways made from my Kenner Girder n' Panel set. Some fun times were had by Joey and I with that tough little warrior!

I think it was near Christmas of '59 that I got my own Marx set: The aforementioned hand-me-down set given by to me by the Fisher family. Oddly, I don't have a significant urge to try to piece together a replica of my Marx set, for I simply cannot remember what kind of steam engine came with the 8-wheel litho cars. I remember some features of some of the cars in detail... but memories of the engine are simply non-descript images of a black steam engine with zero specifics recalled. I "think" the steam engine did have a leading truck, but can't remember if it had a trailing truck, or how many drivers. I do think I recall it was metal (as opposed to plastic), but can't recall if it was die-cast or tinplate. I remember no specifics of the tender at all. (It was black!) Given that it was a hand-me-down set from the son of the Fisher family that was nearing the end (or was out?) of high school in '59, I think it's safe to say the set dated back to the late 40s or early 50s. It was in excellent shape, by the way.

All fer now!

Andre

Hi laming, I am 95% percent sure that I know about what set you are referring to in your posts. 

This might be it, the set shown above is a 25225 freight set. You posted in your previous posts that you recall pacemaker boxcar and a pacemaker caboose, this set features both of those cars. You also stated that you believe the engine was a Marx 999, well guess what, the engine for this set is a number 999. The engine also features a leading truck, which is another trait that your locomotive had. The body of the engine was made of die cast construction, not plastic. The only thing that keeps me from saying that I am 100% sure that this was your childhood set is you mentioning a black gondola, however this could just be chalked up to confusion. If you want more answers I suggest asking around here on the ogr form, lots of knowledgeable people around this part of town.

                                                      Trainfam  

I am happy to see Marx Trains getting so much loving on OGR forum.  Keep them coming, I am learning lots about trains I never knew Marxs made.

Charlie

@TrainFam posted:

Hi laming, I am 95% percent sure that I know about what set you are referring to in your posts. 

This might be it, the set shown above is a 25225 freight set.

<snip: more good info>

The only thing that keeps me from saying that I am 100% sure that this was your childhood set is you mentioning a black gondola, however this could just be chalked up to confusion.

<snip>

Well, you may be right! Do you know what years that set was on the market?

As for the black gondola: Could be that my mind replaced the gray B&O gon with photos of black Nickel Plate or PRR gons I've seen many times since? I also don't recall a tank car (which may not have survived, thus not a part of the set by the time it was given to me), but my lands... that was so long ago and those details/features just weren't important to me then.

SO... yup... "confusion" reigns supreme in my pea-sized brain!

That's very likely the set. Interesting!

I shall resist the urge to find/procure such specimens to build a replica "set".

Andre

LOOKY HERE!!!

Billed as a 25225 set... with a BLACK gondola!

Maybe I'm not dazed and confused after all???

I'm resisting the urge to pull the trigger.

Andre

EDIT: Fortunately, I KNOW I can depend on my friends here in this thread to talk me out of doing such a foolish thing as purchasing a Marx set. 

@laming posted:

LOOKY HERE!!!

Billed as a 25225 set... with a BLACK gondola!

Maybe I'm not dazed and confused after all???

I'm resisting the urge to pull the trigger.

Andre

EDIT: Fortunately, I KNOW I can depend on my friends here in this thread to talk me out of doing such a foolish thing as purchasing a Marx set. 

Looks like you found it. I had a feeling that there was a black gondola! Might wanna get someone else to talk you out of that set, I’m not the best at talking someone out of a deal. I’m more proficient at talking someone into a deal. Hehehe. 

                                                      Trainfam 

Don't look at me - I've never been known to talk someone out of buying a train! 

So I made an offer via the "Make Offer" feature.

Was rejected immediately via the automated response.

Oh well.

Andre

Guys its great that the Marx pictures are showing up and we are even getting some additional folks on the thread.  Rambler Don - I also have that NYC consist with the 333 loco and what always impressed me was the Tender!  That thing is die cast and heavy enough to be a paper weight.  I don't think Marx ever did a better tender.  TrainsRme made a baggage car to go with the consist and he pasted pictures in this thread, check it out it makes quite a contribution to the consist. 

I don't have any additional Marx train items for this week (2 being shipped and 2 auctions finish tonight!) so pictures will come later.  I did however find a Marx item that I really like.  Here are the pictures.  This one right out of a neighborhood garage sale.  Its a "wooden wheel" Marx stake bed truck in fairly good shape.  The paint job is really wild , I know he made these trucks with lots of different type "signs or logos' on the side but this one is plain.  Likely from late 40's (?)

Here is the side vies, note the streamlined frame very 30's although I doubt the truck is that old.  Solid piece, shows play wear but like most Marx toys...it could take it.  Marx logo very inconspicuous, front edge of red stripe under driver's door.

Happy weekend, keep looking fellows I will post my new ones when they arrive.

Don

Don:

Shore do like the toy truck!

All:

Quick question about the Marx 999 engine: Does it have a reversing unit in it? If so, two position?

I honestly don't recall that about my little set I had from '59 to the early 60s. IF I were a bettin' man, I'd bet they don't reverse.

Andre

999 = Two position, forward / reverse

Thanks Frank!

That's good to know!

Andre

Dear me... what have I done?

Just submitted another offer.

It was accepted.

Paid in full and figure it will be shipped come Monday.

Requesting prayers for strength to not let this get out of hand.

Andre

...Andre - They've got you now!!! - "One of the many Marx toys. Have you all of them?"...and everyone on this thread knows how to answer that famous Marx question - "No, but give me some time and I'll see what I can do!" 

Some pics of my "new" 25225 set:

Pretty nifty, eh?

Andre

Great set laming. Great find!!

Don

The Marx 3/16 is my all time favorite. Once you start buying them. Down the hole you go. I just recently finished my collection of them.

I did a video series on them for my channel. I will add links in a bit.

That die cast tender for the 333 is very impressive. 

Thankee, Don, thankee.

Back in my Lionel years, I enjoyed cleaning up and servicing PW pieces that I would acquire, so I'm looking forward to cleaning up this set and making it the best it can be.

My interest in Marx trains (not to be confused with my interest in Marx toys) has always been their litho 8-wheel products. I could see me wanting some of those items, however, I'm very unlearned about things Marx. I have zero interest in the "new" Marx that existed for a time. I would only be interested in genuine Marx litho from their "postwar" era (early 1950s?), and have zero interest in their plastic line of trains.

I would like to start the learning process. Is there a better thread than this picture thread for asking questions about Marx trains?

Andre

Rambler Don:

A link to your video would be very much appreciated.

EDIT: Yes, I could very much me having an interest in a nice looking 333 later on.

Andre

Andre, I think the contributors to this thread can provide you with a lot of information about Marx.

Some other worthwhile sources are as follows:

Walt Hiteshew has done what I think has to be the best guide to Marx Six-Inch Cars and Joy line cars around.  He has a DVD which I see is still available.  See the link below.  

http://www.toyandtrainguides.com/

The old Greenberg guides to Marx are very good and they show up on e-bay from time to time.  

If I remember correctly there is also a Marx interest group out on the web somewhere.  Perhaps one of the other posters can point you to it.

I never really got into the plastic stuff. That is what my father loves though. Here are my main videos I did. You can always check out my channel for other videos. I don't want to look like I'm just pushing folks to get views.

I'd also recommend that DVD catalog. I don't mess with the earlier tinplate from Marx but I got it for the information on Joy Line, my other passion, and it is a very nice catalog.

Marx made some very nice and very affordable trains for the masses. Louis Marx even helped re-industrialize war torn Germany so I've heard. He was very good friends with a General Eisenhower at the time so I think the story is plausible.

On a side note this is why when Ike got elected President, He got extra figurines made of himself and the 1st lady for the Marx Presidents line. No other President had multiple poses, at least on purpose. I also believe Mamie is the only 1st Lady to get a figurine.

Laming: 999 had a 2-position reverse. Key to different versions is the casting of the pilot. There were at least 3 different versions over its run. Rarest is the open pilot with spaces between the stakes making up the cow catcher.

Glad you liked the truck. 

Don

@laming posted:

Some pics of my "new" 25225 set:

Pretty nifty, eh?

Andre

Congratulations a truly beautiful set, which looks to be in great shape. Sounds like you caved in, eh? 

                                                     Trainfam 

Robert:

I agree. This place is fine for me in regards to learning more. I'm not interested in going elsewhere for additional info. I think the group of Marx enthusiasts here are very knowledgeable and helpful, and I like the "spirit" of the exchanges. I was just a bit concerned about hi-jacking this Marx "photo" thread an turning it into a Marx 3/16" thread. I probably need to start a Marx 3/16" litho thread over in the tinplate section so as not to further hi-jack this fun photo thread.

OMG... "Tinplate forum". I just realized: I'm officially a "Tinplater" now!! 

Rambler Don:

Thanks for those links. Very helpful, especially vids 2 and 3. I saw a lot of 3/16" that would be fun to have, some I won't mind if I don't ever have it.

Don:

Thanks for the input. Yup, I like almost all Marx "rolling" toys. I had the Big Bruiser and the Super Crane when I was a youngster and never did wear them out!

TrainFam:

Thanks for the kind words about my new set! After all these years of being an "interested bystander" I did finally "cave-in"!

Andre

This ain't good...

It's in very nice shape and was cheap w/free shipping.

SO... I just had to hit the "Buy It Now" button.

What on earth have I started???

Andre

I got carried away with New Marx a few years ago. Bought tons of it. Finally had to kick that habit. 

Trains aren't the worst vice though. Unlike many other things you can usually at least get your money back if you need to sell something. 

@laming posted:

This ain't good...

It's in very nice shape and was cheap w/free shipping.

SO... I just had to hit the "Buy It Now" button.

What on earth have I started???

Andre

Uh oh.... sounds like someone’s starting a rapid buying spree

@RamblerDon posted:

I got carried away with New Marx a few years ago. Bought tons of it. Finally had to kick that habit. 

Trains aren't the worst vice though. Unlike many other things you can usually at least get your money back if you need to sell something. 

What you said at the end there is true for most collectors, But I just can’t sell anything. I mean don’t get me wrong there are SOME things that I can part with, like my old ho. But when it comes to O and standard gauge, I cannot bring myself to do it. 

                                                    Trainfam

@Don McErlean posted:

Laming: 999 had a 2-position reverse. Key to different versions is the casting of the pilot. There were at least 3 different versions over its run. Rarest is the open pilot with spaces between the stakes making up the cow catcher.

Glad you liked the truck. 

Don

Here's a photo of the different castings. I have a weakness for Marx 999's.

Morning crew!

I don't have a good shot (in the sale pics) of the pilot, but from what I can see, it's the "Rivet Strip" pilot like the 4th from the left. The video I watched last night indicates the engine was made in the late 40s.

A late 40s mfg'er date would be in line with the time chronology of the son being in, or just out of, high school by 1959.

Andre

The 999's were first made 1941 but the war started and production did not restart until after the war. They found that the open pilot was a weak design and started changing the design to make it stronger and more efficient design. Here's a broken open pilot 999.

Here is a Marx steamer you don't see too much - #1829.  It has a wealth of detail, made possible because it was molded of plastic.  A bit bigger than #333, under the hood it is the same.

Laming, congratulations on your score.  Have fun!

A piece that was a component of many sets was the plastic newsstand.  Sorry, these aren't great photos, being grabs from much larger shots - wish I could give you better ones -  but my intent is to show how detailed this charming little item was.  It had clapboard siding, and though it is molded in only two pieces, features "Valley News" I.D., magazines, newspapers and even a gum machine.  Painting it really demonstrates all the detailing on such a small insignificant accessory.

Here is some of my Marx trains

@franktrain posted:

Here's a photo of the different castings. I have a weakness for Marx 999's.

Frank, seems you and me have the 999 bug, I love them. I have two, but would like to buy more when I find the other variants. 

@palallin posted:

Here's three pics of the early '70s Big RailWwork Train in box.  This set is not mint, but it is at least Ex (the box is a little rough on the sides).  It is complete to the inspection slip, has minimal run time, shiny track, and a full bottle of smoke fluid.  There is even a spool of thread for representing wire along the telephone poles!  I don't have time or room to set it up and the moment, but, when I can manage it, I'll post more pics here.

This was my second set.  My grandfather gave it to me for Christmas when I was 7.  It still runs.

TrainsRme:  News stand is interesting. I have a very similar piece including the vendor inside and the magazines hung on the edge but it is plain sided made of wood and fiberboard.  It was sold by Cobler in the 50’s. It looks nearly identical except for color. 

Palallin - great set  I have an example but it’s missing some of the small pieces   I never knew about the thread  what  a find!

Don

Four-wheel hoppers and high-side gondolas.  The Penn is from an early fifties clockwork set, the General Coal is from a prewar Commodore Vanderbilt set, the other two are late fifties.  The green Lehigh Valley one is part of a set that a friend of my wife's gave me.  She and her husband found it in an old farmhouse they bought, and the set needed some hard cleaning, partly due to animal deposits.  

Here's some early style eight wheel Marx with scissor couplers. 

Franktrain, I enjoyed seeing your set.  I never collected any Marx with the scissors coupler.  I believe they were also called one-way couplers, no?   Was that a Marx invention or did Louis perhaps buy it from another manufacturer?  Do they stay coupled well?

Thanks for the look at your really old set.

TrainsRme / Franktrain :  Yes the "one-way" couplers were pre-war only.  They did couple sort of automatically but the cars had to be placed such the the dissimilar couplers on the two cars matched, hence the name "one-way"  I expect that Marx found them too complex to be manufactured at the price point he wanted and discontinued them in favor of the "pickle fork" couplers in both metal and plastic.  Franktrain - another reason why your set is pre-war is that it is made up of 6" cars with 8 wheels.  Marx only made 8 wheel 6" cars before the war and they were not returned to production post war.  Great set, thanks for posting.

Don

@TrainsRMe posted:

Franktrain, I enjoyed seeing your set.  I never collected any Marx with the scissors coupler.  I believe they were also called one-way couplers, no?   Was that a Marx invention or did Louis perhaps buy it from another manufacturer?  Do they stay coupled well?

Thanks for the look at your really old set.

When clean, with a good spring, they work amazingly well. There are electric uncoupler sections for them as well.

Steve

Another one followed me home...

I think I'm a sucker for low prices and free shipping. 

Was getting ready to blow some major dough on two batch purchases. One had 6 excellent boxcars therein, the other 8 cars (all the gons and 2 LNE hoppers), all very good condition. Fortunately, I was outbid in the last second shootouts.

The temptation on the boxcars: Had I won, all that would have been needed was the NYNH&H car and I would have had all the desired cars that are on my long list. (And one I wasn't interested in that I was going to peddle to one of you suckers... I mean enthusiasts. You know, to help defray the costs.) 

The gons/hoppers I would have retained 5, and peddled the other 3.

Frankly, I'm kind of glad I didn't win on the batch bids 'cause it would have about blown my monthly hobby allowance, but man, those boxcars were in EXCELLENT condition, and I understand the LNE hoppers are pretty hard to come by.

Andre

Here's the ones that got away.

The boxcars...

The gondolas and hoppers...

Andre

First of all, I'd like to thank you for all the "likes" you've posted.

Here are a few more 3/16 scale cars.

TrainsRMe & others...

Add me to the "Like" list, as well as you others that have been sharing pics here. I keep forgetting to hit the heart icon button.

Andre

Laming, I noticed you have started a Marx Q&A thread "Marx 3/16" Litho Thread".  That should be helpful to anyone who wants to know more .  There are some experts here.

Marx made only the three metal scale tank cars shown above.  I liked them very much and just had to have more.  Here are some customs.

@TrainsRMe posted:

Now that's pretty cool! What did you use for lettering? S scale decals (scarce)? O scale? What?

When I think about it, I could be tempted to custom paint/letter some boxcars.

Andre

The Koppers set was a reproduction for American Flyer, bought from an AF parts supplier.  The Hershey was dry transfers, individually applied from a stock sheet.  The Conoco and Shamrock are S-scale decals, but where they came from I can't recall at this point.  If AF made cars in those names I probably got them from them from the parts man too.  I recall the Shamrock instructions saying that the car body was to be silver in color, but I think white looks nicer.

Another way to expand the scale line is to install scale trucks on 4-wheel 7"-series cars.  Just snip off the truck sideframe, file to make it perfect, and drill holes in the floor to accept brass rivets to hold the trucks.  All these below were 4-wheel cars.

I never thought that I would be able to say this but I was actually able to get some free time today, so here are some pictures. First up is a set of meteor cars. On the bottom of one of the vista dome cars there appears to be a name written in red nail polish I believe that the name reads Betty Elen Remar? I’m not sure, you be the judge. 

Next in line for show in tell is a very clean Marx 454 automatic block signal. Usually when you find these the yellow label is heavily damaged. However this label is actually in very good shape. In addition the signal still has its box. But for the sake of time I didn’t pull out the box for picture day I keep all my boxes stored Away to keep the labels from fading. 

                                                 Trainfam

Nice looking items TrainFam.  The observation car of the scale passenger cars looks especially good from the rear, I think, with its soft yellow interior and colored passengers vs the black silhouettes of other manufacturers.  Here's one going around a bend on my layout.

Also a shot of the custom baggage car posted earlier; it looks a lot better in black and white!

TrainsRMe, I’m jealous. I always wanted the el captain cars but I never ended up putting my money down for one. I still don’t know why I never got any, but maybe it had something to do with too many projects . I do agree with you, Marx Had a much better silhouette design than Lionel, there’s no doubt in my mind that Marx was more creative than Lionel.

                                                   Trainfam 

Yes, I know just what you mean about too many projects.  Items that never made it to me include the E7 diesels Penn Central with white stripes and grey Western Pacific; also the scale Pennsylvania stock car.

There hasn't been much about plastic cars in the thread.  Here are examples of what some people refer to as deluxe cars, which were a little longer than other plastic cars and, typically, had extra detail parts.

@TrainsRMe posted:

Yes, I know just what you mean about too many projects.  Items that never made it to me include the E7 diesels Penn Central with white stripes and grey Western Pacific; also the scale Pennsylvania stock car.

There hasn't been much about plastic cars in the thread.  Here are examples of what some people refer to as deluxe cars, which were a little longer than other plastic cars and, typically, had extra detail parts.

Great photos TrainsRMe, fantastic collection and layout you have. To me, Marx had much better plastic freight and passenger cars then Lionel’s. In the 1950’s they had some great detail, especially with the deluxe cars you mentioned in your post. It is a shame that some collectors seem to pass of plastic Marx, especially when you consider how cheap most of it is compared to Lionel. 

                                                     Trainfam 

@TrainFam posted:

I think I received one of those for Christmas for my hand-me-down Marx 25225 set. I distinctly recall the Christmas package, for I was notorious for catching my folks occupied, and very carefully pulling at the Scotch tape and partially unwrapping it and the end of the box said something about a "Signal". In fact, I also think that one evening my 5 year older Big Sister was to watch out for us (i.e. lock the doors and stay inside) while mom and dad ran some short errands. I was actually able to open up one end of the paper, and carefully open the box lid (or carefully slid the entire box out of the wrapper?)... to the point I was able to retrieve the goody inside. I think I recall it being a black (however, I do not have any recollections of the yellow label) two-color signal, thus eliminating Lionel's 153, 253, or 353 signals, which weren't solid black. Further, my mom and dad were of frugal Ozark stock that were trying to seek their fame and fortune (and they soon found the fortune part) in the "Big City" (KC area), and thus the higher price of the Lionel would have been passed by in favor of Louis' more "cost effective" offerings.

Anyway, when Christmas Eve arrived (our traditional time for opening presents), along with my other goodies, my little signal began to serve tirelessly alongside my elongated oval (must have received some extra track from "Santa" as well?) in my growing little 3-rail world.

Ah, the memories ORG's forums can retrieve from the annals of our mind!!

Andre

Thanks for the kind words, TrainFam.  Laming, it's no wonder you wanted to acquire some vintage Marx, with the memories you have of them.  While we're on trackside accessories, have a look at the Main Street lamp (sorry, that's an AF car in the shot) and the plastic passenger station that came in many sets.   Then the busy station photo shows the plastic crossing gate that was shown in the Big Rail boxed set previously, and several Marx figures.   The yard shot shows the plastic four-light tower (with the top two lights not in the photo).   Finally, as the Marx NH passenger train slides through, you can see the Marx school opposite the lead diesel, and in the left background, the metal two-light tower shining.  

Laming, I really do appreciate you sharing your story with us all, it’s great to unravel some great childhood memories. Kids nowadays won’t have any fond memory’s with playing video games. There is nothing that can compare to unwrapping toy trains under a Christmas tree. The same can be said about other  toys, but there is just something special about model trains. I have never been able to figure out what it is, maybe it’s working with great people, or just the thrill of winning a item. Ether way once you catch “the bug” you can’t get rid of it. And the only medicine for the bug is collecting. OK got that off my chest. Just ranting again sorry.

                                                   Trainfam 

TrainFam:

You're welcome, and I'm glad you found a smidge of enjoyment in it! I tend to blather-on about stuff I like, whether it's the latest greatest goodie, or something that I have a personal memory attached to, etc.

A world gone by: I agree. Even though life has flown by and now I find myself in the "retired and aging" process of life... I wouldn't trade the era I was raised in for anything. I am so thankful that I was a model builder (plastic kits, balsa airplanes, model railroading, on and on). Those interests helped teach me so many useful "basic" skills like the ability to read, comprehend, and follow instructions, basic mechanical aptitude, on and on... and I had fun learning it in the process!

Can't speak with authority on this thread I'm participating in, but feel free to rant in one of my threads anytime you want!

Andre

I took some more pictures yesterday and last night. I was mainly working on my engine that I had received. The engine in question is a Marx red “jubilee” Commodore Vanderbilt, this one in particular being a clockwork variant. At the good price of $23.00 I just couldn’t say no. The shell was dirty but I knew that I could clean it up and get it looking better. When I got my hands on the locomotive the first thing I did was test it.  Being that it is a clockwork locomotive I was a little afraid it wouldn’t work however when I wound up the motor I was very pleased to have a good running locomotive. When I looked at the dirt on the motor however, I knew that I was going to have to take out the motor and clean it. Thankfully Marx engines aren’t that hard to disassemble, being that I just had to take the shell off. When I took a good look at the bearings, spring, and gears, it appears that that the locomotive had been deprived of oil for a while, so the first thing I did was oil all gears and bearings. Next thing I did was take a toothpick and scrape off all the crud that had built up on the axles. Finally I gave the shell a good cleaning and put it all back together. Thankfully I had the good idea to take photos throughout the process. Take a look.

 Before cleaning: 

After cleaning:

                                                    Trainfam 

You can also mark me down as a fan of the Marx approach to passenger car window strips. 

Trainfam, congratulations on that nice buy.  And super job cleaning it up - it looks great!  It's very satisfying to take something from a neglected state to display condition.  I don't know what's cuter than a red Commodore Vanderbilt.

Here's a CP I restored using  parts from Robert Grossman.  I didn't take a "before" picture - wish I had.

Trainfam /TrainsRme:  Great pictures and a super job.  Trainfam, I agree that lubrication seems to work quite a bit of majic on the Marx Clockwork engines.  I acquired an 833 and had a red CV like yours and both ran poorly and had little power.  But the miracle of lubrication, some careful oiling of bearings and gears and they both took off like a shot and pulled their consist as well.  I must admit there is something about CW trains that is just fun, I have a couple of Hafner CW 1010's that work great as well despite being some 60 years old. 

Here is the 833 pulling some early Bogota coaches (which are really from an earlier era but looked good behind her)  Note that this later engine does not have the fixed key that the earlier CV engines did.  I guess Marx thought it made it look more realistic, but how many of us (me included) lost the key!!

Don

Here is a clockwork set which was given to me by the original owner, who knew I liked trains.  In quite nice condition except for one spot of rust inside the cab in the engineer's area.  (Guess he didn't wipe his boots before operating).

TrainsRMe & Don thanks for the compliments.

TrainsRMe: you did a great job on the CP, I got my CP around four years ago. It needs a tune up too, as one of the wheels is loose and falls off of the axle. So needless to say it needs some work done. And yes I agree, The CV is a cutie.

Don McErlean: seems like lubricant is a godsend for clockwork motors and clockwork collectors. The good thing about Marx clockwork motors is that there just like the Marx electric motors, they work continuously. I like using 3 in one oil on most of everything I have, it’s also a great tool for shining up paint it’s good on surface rust too although I usually use vinegar for the tougher rust. My red CV is missing it’s key too. Thankfully I have a black CV that has its key, so until I get a key for the red CV I have to split the key between the two. But at least I have one.

                                                     Trainfam

@TrainsRMe posted:

Here is a clockwork set which was given to me by the original owner, who knew I liked trains.  In quite nice condition except for one spot of rust inside the cab in the engineer's area.  (Guess he didn't wipe his boots before operating).

TrainsRMe: WOW, that is a beautiful set! It’s great to see a set with all the original components. Especially with the original box and track. I love it. 

                                                      Trainfam

I got some time earlier this morning to make a video of the red CV. Take a look:

                                                    Trainfam

Trainfam:  AGREE - I love 3 in 1 oil and use it as well.  Its a lot cheaper than Labelle and I can't see much difference in the end result. I will have to try it on rust, have used vinegar but have not tried 3 in 1.  I just ordered a green and yellow Bogota coach that is really beautifun on one side but has some rust spots on the other, will try it on that to see if it works. 

TrainsR me : What a beautiful set and all original.  thanks for posting, you don't get to see many in that condition.

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Trainfam:  AGREE - I love 3 in 1 oil and use it as well.  Its a lot cheaper than Labelle and I can't see much difference in the end result. I will have to try it on rust, have used vinegar but have not tried 3 in 1.  I just ordered a green and yellow Bogota coach that is really beautifun on one side but has some rust spots on the other, will try it on that to see if it works. 

TrainsR me : What a beautiful set and all original.  thanks for posting, you don't get to see many in that condition.

Don

Hi Don,

 I just wanted to give a word of advice before you oil your cars. Make sure to not put the oil directly onto the paint, this can wrinkle the paint and hurt the car more than help it. Also remember that you don’t need too much oil to help the rust. I hope this doesn’t detour you from using the 3 in one, I just wanted to give you a heads up. 

                                                      Trainfam

This thread is proving to be quite durable (like a Marx motor).  While we're still on clockwork, here are two more contributions.  A  grey plastic one that I never positively identified,  it is somewhat larger than the typical sheet metal steamers, and a #198.

@TrainsRMe posted:

This thread is proving to be quite durable (like a Marx motor).  While we're still on clockwork, here are two more contributions.  A  grey plastic one that I never positively identified,  it is somewhat larger than the typical sheet metal steamers, and a #198.

That is a 401. Came in gray or black, clockwork or battery.

Steve

@TrainsRMe posted:

This thread is proving to be quite durable (like a Marx motor).  While we're still on clockwork, here are two more contributions.  A  grey plastic one that I never positively identified,  it is somewhat larger than the typical sheet metal steamers, and a #198.

Great looking 401. I almost bought a set that included that loco but ended up passing it up do to their being a chip on the shell.  

                                                      Trainfam 

I was told when I bought these that they were Marx. They are battery powered by one D cell. One is a floor toy and one runs on O gauge track. There is no Marx logo on either train even though the cars on one are labeled Marville. The cars are 3 1/2 inches long. Has anyone seen these before?

@David Nissen posted:

I was told when I bought these that they were Marx. They are battery powered by one D cell. One is a floor toy and one runs on O gauge track. There is no Marx logo on either train even though the cars on one are labeled Marville. The cars are 3 1/2 inches long. Has anyone seen these before?

Hi Dave. Hope you guys are well. Miss seeing you at SW. They are Marx. I had a boxed set at one time.

Steve

A gaggle of British Marx I picked up for spares here in Australia !

Mainly to get a wheel for my British Silverlink Marx ... seen in the upper right of this lot below lol

And a nicer version in my collection

I’m sure this threads been here on the OGR Forum a long time and until 2 weeks ago, I’ve never had the luxury of a Marx train. I have no idea of what I have so if some of you Marx Experts can chime in, I would like to know what I have. I grew up in the 1940’s and began getting electric trains in the early 1950’s, mostly Lionel. Some of my friends had American Flyer 2-rail, others Marx tin plate trains. There are to many names to mention, but fellows, You have some beautiful and unique trains. Great thread, a fun group of products to investigate and learn a little of their history. Here’s what I have. New Haven. You will see a side frame missing on one of the powered trucks, is it available? 

Stay safe, stay healthy, pray continually, and of course, Happy Railroading...

Here's a good source for Marx parts. You have a nice New Haven set enjoy.

Marx parts

I'll second that recommendation.  Robert is a very helpful guy.  He carries a wide variety of reproduction and used parts including, the last I knew, your E7 truck side frames and autos for your SOU car carrier.

The New Haven is a great set.

Leapinlarry - what a great set!  The NH livery is one of the more colorful ones that Marx did on the E-7.  I am sure you can get a side frame as Marx used the same trucks on almost all their E-7 diesels.  If not you might just pick up a junker when the train shows come back and salvage the side frames.  By the way, I believe Marx also made a NH dummy A unit, so keep on the lookout for that and you can make an A-B-A. The set is really nice, TrainsRme posted some pictures of the Marx auto racks with cars that you might use to get an idea of what came with the autorack when new. 

Trainfam - thanks for the tip on using 3 in 1 on rust but  not on paint.  Good heads up because all you are paying for with the Green / Yellow Bogota is the paint! (or lithography).

Don

Here are two of the auto racks.  The one on the left has all original Marx autos, which are three Studebakers and a Ford of the late forties/early fifties.  On the right top are Grossman repros of the Studes.  The grey truck is also by Grossman.  All three have been detailed and painted.  The green truck is by Plasticville, which vehicles are also well suited for the auto racks.. 

Andre, here is one source I used for S scale decals.  They no longer list decals, but claim to stock 2163 dry transfers, including S scale.  Many of them are for for boxcars.

cloverhousedecals.com.  Phone (509) 999-6247.

Fatman:  Great boxes of various UK Marx pieces. Your Silver Link and the 3978 are really neat...but what is that Green / Orange stripe loco and tender I see.  It has a 5 digit number (which I can't read)  and the "lion & wheel" emblem on the tender.  That also looks really cool. Could you post a picture of that?

Don

@TrainsRMe posted:

Andre, here is one source I used for S scale decals.  They no longer list decals, but claim to stock 2163 dry transfers, including S scale.  Many of them are for for boxcars.

cloverhousedecals.com.  Phone (509) 999-6247.

Thanks TrainsRMe.

I just happened to think that I have a butt load of old Enhoning S scale decals left over from my S scale experimental years. I'll bet those will be perfect for Marx 3/16" and possibly even "good enough" for 6464-type boxcars. (I don't have a problem with stripping/repainting pieces I may acquire that are sound mechanically, but the paint/lettering is terrible.)

All fer now!

Andre

@Don McErlean posted:

Fatman:  Great boxes of various UK Marx pieces. Your Silver Link and the 3978 are really neat...but what is that Green / Orange stripe loco and tender I see.  It has a 5 digit number (which I can't read)  and the "lion & wheel" emblem on the tender.  That also looks really cool. Could you post a picture of that?

Don

Hi Don ... That loco, tender, and the three red and yellow carriages also in the box makes up a complete Mettoy "Battle of Britain " set

Due to "The Rona" as we call it here .. they are still currently in the UK and have been there since February, first waiting on friends to join it to make up a big postage parcel, and then due to "Rona "waiting on plane space! .. but the good news is they will be coming here in the next few weeks or so as my UK mates shipper has come back on line and there is roughly 8 kilos of stuff ( nearly 18 pounds for my US mates) about to leave the UK to my place LOL!!!

Here are some pics of a boxed set

Apologies to all the Marx people for the thread derail , we now revert you to your usual viewing !

And now back to our regularly scheduled program...

My latest Marx 3/16" acquisition arrived yesterday:

Needs a bit of clean up, mainly the wheels. Still haven't figured out how to give these a bath without doing more harm than good. How do you guys clean the decades of "smudge" off your tinplate pieces?

Andre

Laming: I always used a cloth on lithography to clean smudges off. I don’t like using chemicals on lithography.(unless rust has become a issue, which in that case I use 3 in one) I’m sure there are other tricks that you can use to help with this problem. 

                                                     Trainfam 

The wheels can be cleaned off with 3 in one, same with the axles. Just make sure to rub off any rogue oil that land on the lithography. 

                                                       Trainfam

Hi 'ya TrainFam!

Thanks for some input!

Yup, I figured I would need to move carefully and conservatively to clean up these little 3/16" litho's. I may try mild warm water dish washing/water mix and a paper towel in an effort to remove the dirt crud that these seem to collect. Then again, I may just clean the wheels and run 'em like they be! That "worn" look is kind of cool. Sort a natural "weathering", if you will.

Getting ready to go out to my layout building a play trains. I may take my new gon along and see that I can do about the wheels and call it "good". Oddly, overall, I'm liking the worn look that I'm seeing on this stuff.

All fer now!

Andre

@laming posted:

Hi 'ya TrainFam!

Thanks for some input!

Yup, I figured I would need to move carefully and conservatively to clean up these little 3/16" litho's. I may try mild warm water dish washing/water mix and a paper towel in an effort to remove the dirt crud that these seem to collect. Then again, I may just clean the wheels and run 'em like they be! That "worn" look is kind of cool. Sort a natural "weathering", if you will.

Getting ready to go out to my layout building a play trains. I may take my new gon along and see that I can do about the wheels and call it "good". Oddly, overall, I'm liking the worn look that I'm seeing on this stuff.

All fer now!

Andre

Sounds like a good idea. The good thing about Marx trains is that they can be weathered and still look great. Have fun!

                                                    Trainfam

"Natural" weathering: You are SO right, TrainFam!

Surprisingly, I have yet to see a Marx 3/16" boxcar that was too worn for my use. I like 'em all.

As for the wheels:

When finished running the "Piney Turn" on my wienie train layout, I sat down at the workbench and used my Dremel w/a wire brush and polished the wheel treads/flanges of my newly arrived NKP 71499 gondola. That's about the only extent of "rust" concerns I have (assuming the axles are "good 'enuf"). Here's a before/after pic:

Any other appearances of rust is one of those "no big deal" kind of things. Besides, nicks, dings, dents, grime and rust sort of gives each piece it's own "character", so to speak. It's all good!

Tempted to bid on a Marx 3/16" item or two I've found, but I'm also gettin' a hankerin' for a Lionel Baldwin boiler Hudson w/whistle tender, too. Decisions, decisions!

All fer now!

Andre

Andre, for the litho, I have used just the suds from dishwashing liquid/water with a facial tissue - softer than paper towel.  As long as it doesn't get dunked in the water it will be fine.  Just let it dry in the sun for a few minutes.

Here is a Japanese Marx set owned by a friend.  Notice that the cars seem familiar, but the trucks resemble Postwar Lionel.

Japanese mfg'd Marx litho? Didn't know there was such a thing until now!

Interesting.

As for my own personal "eye appeal", I like the early litho better. i.e. The one's with the small, shiny trucks.

Still, though, quite interesting to learn that Marx also had some connections with Japanese mfg'ers.

Andre

I now have the wheels and sliders de-greased, cleaned, and polished via a wire wheel in the Dremel.

I didn't have to do a whole lot to the superstructure... just wipe off dust and what have you. It cleaned up nice!

Now, I wait for the track bundle to arrive. I ended up with a bit more track (okay, a lot more track) than I actually needed, but the bundle had everything I needed (Marx straights, Marx curves, a Marx lock-on), along with other "goodies" (like a Marx 90 degree X-ing), so I bid and ended up getting it.

Still tempted to start seriously watching for a Lionel Baldwin Hudson.   (Minor inconvenience: I've about got my monthly hobby allowance spent... so it would need to be a really good deal!)

All fer this 'un!

Andre

Sakai made that set. They are nice. The motor in them is very loud though. They certainly stole some ideas from Marx and Lionel.

Ah, so it's a Marx/Lionel "knock off". Sounds like China isn't the only country to employ that tactic!

Andre

Here are some more "deluxe" freight cars.

TrainsRme:  Nice deluxe cars, I just scored (on the Bay) the B&M and NYC boxcar , i already had the 3 dome tank and I have a crane car but not the one with the searchlight ( You Lucky Duck!).  Fatman - the Mettoy Battle of Britain set is fabulous.  I recently acquired a few Mettoy 4 wheel freight wagons that are neat lithographs but nothing like that. The Sakai set is really neat, the Marx connection is very obvious which is cool I wonder if there was an "official" Japanese Marx ?

Happy Monday everyone

Don

Franktrain, Don McErlean, TrainsRMe, Thank You all for giving me the great information on where to find the parts. My dealer says he has some Marx sideframes however silver in color. I’m inclined to look for black colored ones rather than paint them. Also, the sideframes look to be riveted on?, so, how do I do that? Franktrain, I’ll look up Marx parts..... Thank you all for your help. Happy Railroading.... Stay safe, stay healthy, Pray Continually....

They are held on by long screws with a nut. The screw goes all the way through and holds both side. Screws and nuts could be picked up at your local hardware store. I will have to look in my parts bin when I get home and see it I have any black frames.

Steve

Hi Steve, in the picture above, there are screws shown on the truck ends, are those the correct screws? Thank you for your help, I’ll be glad to buy them from you and pay the postage. I’m also on the hunt for the automobiles for the auto carrier car. Another question, the set had a Lionel 1033 transformer in the box, but, I think it should have been a Marx transformer. How can I find one of those. Thank You very much for any help or ideas.  My email is in my profile. Happy Railroading 

@leapinlarry posted:

Hi Steve, in the picture above, there are screws shown on the truck ends, are those the correct screws? Thank you for your help, I’ll be glad to buy them from you and pay the postage. I’m also on the hunt for the automobiles for the auto carrier car. Another question, the set had a Lionel 1033 transformer in the box, but, I think it should have been a Marx transformer. How can I find one of those. Thank You very much for any help or ideas.  My email is in my profile. Happy Railroading 

Those look like the correct screws. I do have a few new repro black side frames. Did you need one or two?

The set would have had a 45 or 50w transformer, but the 1033 is a super transformer. 

Steve

Steve said:

"The set would have had a 45 or 50w transformer..."

My 25225 set came with a 50w transformer with "Model 729" stamped on it. A picture of it:

FWIW: There's a couple of No. 729 transformers on the Bay right now, one seems a bit rough, and it's waaay over priced (to me) the other looks to be in better shape and is more reasonably priced, but notes "cord cut".

"...but the 1033 is a super transformer."

I just received mine a few days ago. It does seem to be perfect for light duty and/or the workbench. That's the realm mine will be used in. Enjoy!

Andre

Marc made a few transformers from 25 to 75 watts depending on the set. Really very few types compared with Lionel. The set you have came with a specific one unfortunately I am away from my reference to tell you which  one.  However for operating the Lionel 1033 will work fine.  Marx transformers are available on the Bay normally not too expensive  just watch out for cracked or broken insulation on the 110 v side

Don

The transformer that came in my NH set was metal, turquoise green with white lettering and a chrome handle on top.  Almost square, it was roughly 4X 5 inches.  Sorry, can't remember the wattage or the number.  CORRECTION: I misremembered.  The one with this set was black and identified as Allstate.

Guys, in using Lionel transformers  with Marx, don't run above 12 volts (not that you'd be much tempted to - it would be flying off the track on the curves no doubt).  This was a tip from an old-time certified dealer/repairman when I bought my first Marx from him as an adult.

Have a look at the Marx Colonial house.  Notice how realistic the details are:  Shakes for the upper story, brick for the lower.  The detail shot of the front shows the "wagon wheel" window over the door, accurate shutters, door knocker, mail slot and even a porch light.

Received my track! Cleaned enough for an oval... place the little 999 on the rail, powered up the 1033... and away it purred! Added its cars, and off it went. Soon, that sweet smell of ozone and hot grease was mine for the taking by leaning over and taking a sniff as it passed by underneath my nose. Ahhh! Long time, no "fix".

Shot an 11 sec video of it pacing the oval, then copied it from the iPhone to my hard drive and tried uploading it off my hard drive using the "Media" icon, but I didn't see a way to directly upload a .MOV file (or any video format). What am I missing?

Andre

I've never posted video, so can't help Andre.  Sounds like the 999 is running and manufacturing ozone just the way it was designed!

To keep the photos going, here are a couple ideas for cabooses to run with Marx 3/16 scale trains.

  I bought at auction a pair of prewar AF 3/16 scale, O-gauge cabooses.  One was in better shape than the other, but was missing one coupler, so I tucked the humungous AF link coupler under, then added a Marx tab-and-slot so it could run with Marx 3/16 scale cars.  The other was converted to ATSF.  I moved the cupola, painted and decaled it, made a toolbox, and mounted Marx trucks.  Sounds simple, but the roofwalk was not continued under where the cupola had been, so I cut a length of brass stock and JB Welded in on, smoothing things out with putty.

The very common AF 3/16 postwar caboose has Marx trucks under it.  It's quite a bit smaller than Marx cabooses - those trucks look kinda large under it.

Laming : Great to hear that your 999 is running well.  I will admit prejudice, the 999 is the perfect size for my small layout with tight turns so I run mine a lot.  I mess with some extra tenders to be able to switch to Lionel cars (build a transition tender) and some of the lionel tenders even work as is.  Good running!  TrainsRme - I really liked the caboose's (what is the plural of caboose anyway?) I honestly had not thought of running some AF S gauge with my Marx 3/16 scale cars, not sure why I never thought of this as it seems obvious now that you have pointed it out.. What I love about the forum, new ideas all the time, even though they may be new only to me .  Oh yes, the Marx house like so many Marx toys is just fabulous, with great detail and lots of accessories to make play fun and imaginative.  I had two Marx doll houses for my granddaughter with all the Marx 1950's era plastic furniture but they were way too big to use with trains.  She played with them all the time and after she became  a teen, we moved then on to other little girls and I hope they stay in play forever.  

Thanks for posting everyone

Don

Don, those dollhouses were something.  I recall my sister having one in the fifties.  Seems like they could work with G-scale or standard gauge, but sure would look silly with our trains, you're right.  Marx must have made a huge variety of styles, as I remember seeing lots of them in the Marx Toy and Train Museum in Wheeling, WV.

Here are three more tin cabooses (yes, cabooses)    .  First, a scale  Reading, maybe a little less common than the NYC, at least it seemed like it when I was looking for one..  Second photo is the common 7" series AT&SF.  Last, a new Marx NYC, based on the 7" cars.

Well guys the weekend is almost over but I had one more post just for fun.  Here is the  back story...The Leonardtown and Savannah (L&S) like most of the wartime railroads continues to press its existing equipment to the max to make up "extra" trains to handle war time freight and passenger loads.  Serving the key port of Savannah, the L&S struggles especially to cover getting the war workforce from the outer suburbs to the port for critical war work in the plants surrounding the port.  Today, management is nearly at the end of its rope...and have dragged out of the yard "old faithful" , a Commodore Vanderbilt engine from the 1920's who has definitely seen better days (like most L&S motive power she was  not new when she got here!) .  She got mated with a pair of ancient coaches, non-air conditioned in the Georgia summer heat (as you can tell by the open windows) .  Old Joe our engineer will do his best but the CV is tired, needs new tubes, and could use a bath and paint, None of which is going to happen.  She is one step from the scrap line, willing and hard working, but suffering from old age. 

Hope you enjoy my silly stories, I do have fun thinking them up !!

Don