I found a Marx train set today, and decided to buy it for my nephew. I have repaired a lot of Lionel engines in the past, but have a few questions about the Marx engine. The engine is a plastic 1829 version with a smoke unit. It doesn’t run, but I am confident I can fix that! I am wondering if the smoke unit is pellet-type or liquid? I’m guessing it is liquid. I am also curious about the “slide-shoe” that recieves power from the center rail. It appears that only 1 rivet holds it to the motor, and it sometimes gets stuck in the up postion. Is this normal, or am I missing a part?
If anyone cares, I will keep the forum updated on the restoration of this set. If not, I will not post updates. Let me know what you think.
Yes, keep us posted on your restoration as it progresses. There are others that will want to see it also, down the road. Not sure about your pick up shoe, maybe it is spring loaded & the spring is broken. Let us know what you find. Thanks , John
You are correct about the smoke unit,It uses liquid and not pellets.
There should be a spring underneath the pickup shoe,between the shoe & the flat plate under the motor.
Be sure to check the brushes & the wiring too.
Carl T.
Thank You for your reply’s! I have powered up the engine, and I think it will run once the corrosion is removed from the wheels and center rail pick-up. I think I am going to try and post pictures of the restoration, but may have to do it thru description, as I am not up to date on posting pictures. There is a spring on the center rail pick-up, it just catches on the rivet sometimes. The set came with a lot of track, a transformer, and two Marx remote switches. I am hoping to get it all working by Christmas for my nephew.
like to see the pictures - took apart marx 1829 to clean wire came off it been 2 years like to hook wire back up donot know wear wires go need help