Hi, I am new to the hobby through sheer luck. I inherited a train set. HO. scale. Not sure of the age put the newspaper they were wrapped in was dated 1965. My problem lies in identifying the manufacturer. In particicular 2 steam engines. Sorry no photos but I will try if requested. I am not selling but the person I took them to was not really wanting to give me an estimate…did he want them cheap? I dont know. Anyway this is what I was able to dig up so far.
Engine 1: B-6? switcher 0-6-0 w/tender Pennsylvania Markings 31004. 1 number found on bottom behind front coupler P10024. no light but has a smoker.
Engine 2: J-1? Hudson 4-6-4 w/tender New York Central markings 6096 1 marking found on bottom a cirlcle with made in the United States of America around the outside and what looks like M A R? inside the circle. any help would be appreciated as I am enjoying this mild obsession. Thank You
A Google search determined that the first one might be an A. C. Gilbert (American Flyer) product. Possibly a rare collector’s item depending on condition.
The second one would be MARX, a long-defunct company and the locomotive may be a “collector’s item.”
Check e-Bay and search for American Flyer and MARX locomotives like the ones you have and see what they’re selling for, if any are listed. Also check the “Classic Toy Trains” forum here, because someone there might know more about them.
Possibly made during the period from the early to late 1950’s.
The B-6 switcher is an American Flyer HO scale model from the 1958 - 1964 period. An OK engine with an unfortunate tendency to waddle down the track. Worth between $ 50.00 and $ 100.00, depending on condition.
The J-1 hudson is a Marx HO scale model from the 1957 - 1965 period. It’s a rather coarse looking model in comparison with a BLI hudson or even a Rivarossi hudson. An OK runner but a nice smoker. Worth about $ 35.00 in good condition.