I am considering purchasing a new marx caboose, but I would need to modify it for use with latch couplers or knuckle couplers. Can anyone familiar with "new" marx comment on how hard this would be? From the pictures it looks like the body has tab and slot connection to the frame, but maybe the roof comes off easy?
Let me know what you think guys and girls.
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New as in the "scale" products of later Postwar, or the 90s Marx reboot? I.e. plastic tabs or metal? Heating metal tabs with a soldering iron should anneal them, getting you more bends.
Looks like 90's era reboot. White box with red decorations. Product no 73418. I would post a picture but I don't want to violate the t's and c's since its not my picture.
It would be like the caboose here, although there are a few variations. This is a unlighted version. My photo so we're safe.
I have used the Lionel clip on coupler assy before, but not on 3/16 scale trucks. The roof is not removable, you would have to bend the tabs and remove the shell from the frame to get inside. The safest bet may be a truck swap.
Steve
That's it Steve- thanks for the picture!
So there's a lighted version? I was looking at $40 for an unlighted one. That seems fair to me, but if I have to mutilate it to swap couplers I don't want to ruin one in like new condition.
jhz563 posted:That's it Steve- thanks for the picture!
So there's a lighted version? I was looking at $40 for an unlighted one. That seems fair to me, but if I have to mutilate it to swap couplers I don't want to ruin one in like new condition.
Most of them that show up are near new. I’ve seen very few beaters. You might try modifying the clip on Lionel assembly.
Steve
I think I saw the one your interested in. It has punched out windows so could easily be lighted. Below is the style coupler I'm thinking of. Because the axle spacing is narrower on the Marx you would have to do a little grinding to make it work.
Steve
I have to wonder why you want to buy a Marx caboose and convert it. Do you have other Marx trains. Anyone can do what they want in the hobby. The only rules are the ones you make. That said for $40.00 you can get a nice Lionel or maybe MTH caboose if you are running Lionel style knuckle couplers. If looking for PRR there are many Lionel 6417, 6427, and 6437 PRR N5C cabooses on Ebay in or below that price range. What ever you decide enjoy and have fun.
Forest
Lionel 2457 is a all metal PRR caboose and you can find them lighted also.
There is a big difference depending on what your trying to accomplish. The Marx litho makes for a very attractive car, or the Lionel painted metal with graphics applied. Both have their purpose.
Steve
I don't have any other marx equipment other than some original 6" tin. The thought of converting it was just to make it run with my other tinplate equipment. I have a lot of 800/2800 size equipment. The marx caboose cupola just looks better than the lionel/mth tinplate caboose to me, and I really like the lithography. If it had a tab and slot style coupler it would be easier to use.
So has anyone modified one of these?
jhz563 posted:I don't have any other marx equipment other than some original 6" tin. The thought of converting it was just to make it run with my other tinplate equipment. I have a lot of 800/2800 size equipment. The marx caboose cupola just looks better than the lionel/mth tinplate caboose to me, and I really like the lithography. If it had a tab and slot style coupler it would be easier to use.
So has anyone modified one of these?
If you look at this one, it does have tab & slot couplers. The scissor couplers on Modern Marx are universal in that they will accept a tab coupler.
Steve
Lionel #6615-55 is a tender bar to dummy knuckle coupler that could go on "any" flat shaft (it's for running tandem tenders; long distance op.s); if you are willing to cut a tab coupler off, it will work 
(Lionel to da bay, pictures are around)
Or you could bend your own tab to hook & hang on the Marx, then attach the tandem converter to the hung tab.
(not a bad part # to have in your arsenal anyhow 
)
I had found a similar knuckle coupler the same day I found the Lionel tender converter coupler(local backshop parts drawer), that slipped over a tab and held via set screw, but I have no clue who made it.... or where it is now; I lost it about 2012.
Thanks gang. Based on your responses I am going to wait until I see one of these in person. The lithography is really what caught my eye. I definitely want to avoid the Marx automatic coupler but a tab and slot set seems promising. Frankly I have a couple other tinplate caboose projects I never finished.
You do realize that this caboose is more or less 'S' scale size, right?
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