Ive seen/owned some AF and Marx trains that were very similar, most notably the 6", rounded roof passenger cars and the wedge tender. Is it possible that Marx bought the tooling for these from AF?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Could you post some photos to illustrate your point? I've noticed various similarities in different brands of prewar trains which show parallels in the manufacturing technology of the times.
Marx passenger car:
AF passenger car(s):
Marx Wedge tender:
AF wedge tender:
Attachments
Images (6)
Interesting. I didn't know AF had a wedge tender. Those AF passenger cars are curious, rather large for 4-wheelers. The AF and Marx tin passenger cars do have similarities with the basic style of construction.
After Marx took over Girard Toy Company, they started their own simple design 6" cars in 1935. A lot less parts, so good, solid, cheap. This basic style continued until about 1957. Flyer introduced it's very similar, but larger 6 3/4" Champion cars in 1936, but only made them until 1937. They were larger than the Marx cars although the stamping style was almost identical. The differences would indicate neither company shared tooling.
Steve
Ace posted:Interesting. I didn't know AF had a wedge tender. Those AF passenger cars are curious, rather large for 4-wheelers. The AF and Marx tin passenger cars do have similarities with the basic style of construction.
Ace, the flyer tender has a similar side profile, but does not have the wedge shape like Marx.
Steve
So basically AF copied Marx? LOL
The 4-wheel and 8-wheel Champion-era Flyers are personal favorites of mine and I have accumulated quite a few, including the freights, Blue Streaks and Wheaties boxcars. The 311122 and Wheaties boxcars are not as common as the others, but, as with Marx, you could easily still start an O-gauge collection with them for a very small investment.
Attachments
Images (6)
