I came across this Merkur engine in a box lot with many Marx items. It also has a couple of passenger cars and a couple freight cars. I know nothing of this brand and wanted some insight into the history and significance of this model. It has a green tag attached with a potential price tag. Seems steep imo but what do I know? Thank's for the help! I'll add pictures of the cars later.
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https://www.tinplatetimes.com/...te/Merkur/merkur.htm
That's a gorgeous piece! Be aware it is likely to be dc 3 rail
Surprised no one else has chimed in here. It looks to me like an older unit, just based on the paint. A picture of the cars might help narrow it down. I don't know how these are wired, but it is likely possible to add a rectifier to run on AC power, without affecting the outward appearance. I don't know what to think of that price tag. Based on the current website you can buy a brand new one for around $270 for the engine only, tender sold separately. When I checked the other day 1 Czeck unit of currency was worth $0.044.
I think I recognize the handwriting on the tag - if I'm correct, it's from a very knowledgeable collector who is generally fair with his pricing. He's not on the forum, so I sent him an email - I'll post an update if he provides any info. There are some variations of Merkur which are very similar in appearance but are dependent on date of manufacture. The price on the tag might also have been for a set.
Got a reply. The loco looks like a stripped-down model from 1967 or 68 (the tender should have plastic/bakelite wheels), so probably pretty common. It's his writing, and it would have been part of a set - rarely sold just a loco and tender.
In any case, if it was in a box lot, the OP probably did OK.
Looking forward to seeing a pic of the cars.
Wow!
This is pretty darn interesting I must say. I didn't know that they made trains way back when over there, of course, how would I though. Cool find, and interesting.
@Stinky1 posted:I came across this Merkur engine in a box lot with many Marx items. It also has a couple of passenger cars and a couple freight cars. I know nothing of this brand and wanted some insight into the history and significance of this model. It has a green tag attached with a potential price tag. Seems steep imo but what do I know? Thank's for the help! I'll add pictures of the cars later.
FYI Merkur is Mercury in German
Merkur is located in the north central region of the Czech Republic
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