Mike Spanier
Yes. That 999 at the top of the page was my first electric train set. I ran it on a christmas day until it got so hot it quit running. So I still like the old metal trains and accessories.
Before there was and Energizer Bunny, there were Marx Trains. They keep going and going and going… I enjoy running them and most can be had for very affordable prices. Don’t get mine out too often because I find all of the modern switches to be problematic. Does anyone make a modern switch that the old steamers can run through without jumping the track due to the gear teeth on the inside of the driver wheels? I know that a price guide was produced at one time, but they are long gone and seem impossible to find. Is there a list online somewhere of what was produced and approximate years of production? These items would sure help.
Mike, Thanks for posting the Marx advertisement. I have the following items in the ad.
A. metal tunnel
B. crossing gate
E. derrick loader
L. Commodore Vanderbilt(both windup and electric versions) with several 4 wheel metal cars.
I also have the metal Girard lithographed station with whistle.
I collect and operate Lionel 027 postwar but I love the old metal lithographed Marx items. They are simple, rugged, reliable, inexpensive and have a wonderful toylike charm. I have been running them under the tree for the past 3 Christmas’s. Here is a video of my Marx layout from last Christmas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ph4YNVsHLE
As those who post here a lot already know, I am very fond of Marx O34 track. It makes a great substitute on an O27 layout for the O31 that some trains are restricted to. Also, Marx turnouts are very well made, although they do require addition of a guard rail to keep non-Marx trains from picking the wide-flangeway frog.
I have not been exposed to Marx trains until recently when a friend at the office brought me the reminants of his childhood set to see what I could do t get it running. All it took was a new light bulb, re-soldering one wire, cleaning, and lubricating. It is a 666 locomotive and a couple of freight cars.
I’ve got it boxed up and will be returning it to him tomorrow. I’m sorry to see it leave my layout. Using a Lionel tender to get the proper coupler, it was no sweat for the 666 to pull 10 or 12 cars.
I’ve put a 666 on my Christmas list. Looking through e-bay, some of the accessories look pretty neat too.
Not sure if this is allowed but here is a GREAT link of Marx & Mark Layouts:
http://ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1211056622/m/219108612
Mike Spanier
Wow, I love Marx. I have a small collection of their litho cars and a Girard station and crane, along with a few signs. Dennis, that’s a great shot!. Bob, I didn’t know that about their 034 track.
Good morning all,
I am glad some one mentioned Marx. An old set found in in-law’s attic many years ago got me started in O-gauge. I still have it. While it will not run thru the swtiches, a circle of Fasttrack under the tree would be perfect to run for the grandkids and not be as vulnerable as the Polar Express. Good idea.
Keep on training,
Mike C. from Indiana
One of the nice things about Marx is that they are usually inexpensive to purchase, bring back all those memories and operate well with little maintenance.
Mike Spanier
I have several Marx engines and cars. I love them. I usually run them around the tree at Christmas because it has a old fashioned feel, what I think Christmas is about. It just doesn’t look right with a brand new engine pulling new cars around. I also use Marx engines on my custom projects because they are so easy to work on.
All that is left: A metal tunnel and a couple of manual semaphore signals. Thanks for asking.
Hello - If you like customized Marx creations here is one I know you haven’t made![:)]
From David Argent about his Beyer-Garratt masterpiece:
"I have to say this is the most entertaining train I have in my collection. The
Marx motors are so reliable and powerful and to my surprise all 28 wheels track
well, especially on my new layout.
Seems like this configuration was used all over the World except the USA. Not
many models that I could find, although Willem did mention a few very rare ones
from preWW2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJa_Ax9QPwg
Anyone got one of these??? All the best, David Argent, St. louis USA"
Would enjoy seeing any Marx customized creations you have to share.
Happy Holidays, Mike Spanier
Wow, now that’s an engine…
