This is a friend’s 666. It was his father’s so it has sentimental value. What is the best way to clean up the die cast shell? This thing is rough, I assume just hosing down the gears and actuator with contact cleaner. Replacing the brushes? Where do I get parts?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Perhaps https://parts4marx.com/
I'm doing work on a Marx 1666 now which is the same as the 666 except a plastic shell. I would suggest that you remove all you can from the die-cast shell, then wash with soap and warm water. Lightly wire brush the shell to remove loose paint. Once dry, spray a light coat of primer and allow to dry thoroughly ....I use a paint booth with a 100 watt bulb to cure. Once cured, paint a couple of light black coats, cure each coat. Now for the mechanicals...
You may be better off scrounging a working engine motor from a 1666 or 666 from an auction site. Do you have the Marx repair book by Castillo? That would give you the step by step for repairing the motor.
As mentioned the source for parts "Parts for Marx" is a good start.
Good luck and good hunting!
I suggest putting it in a box and buy another like engine. We all have trains from our childhood that if we had not beat them to death they still would be nice looking today. That aside the best path is to replace the engine.
That shell still looks pretty good to me. I'm a "it's only original once" kind of guy so I think if it was mine I would use some Hoppe's gun oil on it. Pick up a can of it at any gun shop, put a few drops on the shell and rub it in with a toothbrush. Let it sit for a few hours and then wipe off any excess and buff with a soft cloth. I use those microfiber cloths from Harbor Freight. When you are done it will look like new. If you have any missing paint on the edges use some flat black to touch up and let dry well before using the gun oil. Good luck, please post a photo of the finished locomotive when you done, love to see it.
Yeah, but the shell is the least of the problems. This project is a complete restoration, and not a prime candidate at that.
I understand the sentimental value, but, seriously, this isn’t a treasured heirloom. It was a badly neglected model stored in an environment where it rusted and corroded badly.
I’d limit the restoration to the shell and obtain a replacement chassis as a whole unit.
I'll second Ahitpy and Jim R...
A year ago, I was given an old Marx Marlines engine from a friend who passed away. Like yours, the shell was in decent shape, but the undercarriage was a basket case. I found one on the bay with a ruined shell, but a fully functional undercarriage for $15. Put the two together, and have a really neat piece.
Get the shell cleaned up as best you can, get a working undercarriage that fits, and you'll be in business.
Good luck!
I picked up a working 666 at the show today for $15.00. I just have to swap shells and should
be good to go. Mine has a better shell but the mechanical was shot.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
