Marx Train pictures

@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