I saw your post and did it ever take me back, My Father has been dead for 38 years, I grew up with HO Trains. But stored in our Basement in wooden packing crates were all of American Flyer and Lionel Trains, The First time I ever had Lionel Train Set, was Christmas of 1979 the platform was 4 foot by foot, it was magical, we had two Big ZW transformers, he had a lot of original Plastville houses, npbut my Beloved cousin started purchasing Snow Village Houses and accessories,, your Layout was Wonderful and made me think of my Father with great happiness and warm fond Memories.
glad it brought back those wonderful memories. I based the layout design on what would be a typical 1950s layout, which usually lacked realistic scenery, and placed on a green (grass?)base.
Love them marx trains. I took a wore out 666, removed and disassembled the motor then put the motor shaft back into place with a 1 inch diameter pulley mounted on other end of shaft from small drive gear. Mounted a mabuchi 500 dc permanent magnet motor with a 1/8 inch pulley atop the frame with a 2mm black rubber drive belt giving 6 to 1 belt reduction which reduced drive wheel speed 6 fold and greatly increased torque. With 2 farad worth of super caps and a full wave bridge (to change ac to dc) the engine pulls at a steady realistic speed with unlimited power and cruises right over dirty spots on the track because of the stored electricity stored in the capacitor. When transformer is turned off the engine takes about 5 seconds to gradually slow down to a stop as on board capacitor drains off. Very realistic no more jerkyness.
The great unsung hero of post WW II toy trains. Marx put trains in hands of children of modest income households and the quality of these trains, well, they are almost indestructible. God bless Louie Marx!
I’m 14 and have a 4 by 16 foot Lionel layout, I have always preferred Lionel but Marx trains seem almost indestructible, while Lionel may be better quality, Marx is the backbone of post war o gauge
A 1950's Marx train set my first as a kid. At that time Marx was far cheaper then Lionel, but play time just as good. The set is long gone now, but my Marx whistling station, bell ringing crossing, & flashing signal still work today! Old school technology you can't beat it to work versus modern methods for operation!
Even Marx track is better than people think. Ever notice Marx ties are set back a bit from the ends a bit? Pop two more ties in between the middle tie and the end ties (For a total of seven ties) and you will find when you join sections together the tie spacing is pretty even and looks real good.
Had a Marx set as a kid, but the engine didn't work, so we only used the Lionel. The trains belonged to my dad. He bought them for my older brother. Dad bought the Marx set just before the war, and the Lionel about 1950. Went to a train show/swap for the first time a couple weeks ago and saw the same Marx set and vintage Marlines locomotive and bought it. Will have lots of fun once everything is all set up. Very nice set up you have! Thanks.
My first electric train was a Marx tinplate with 0-4-0 locomotive and 4-wheel train cars - circa 1950. I never used any "ground cover" on my Marx layouts - four switches (turnouts) a 90-degree crossover an "automatic" operating crossing gate, a block signal (that allowed switching the light to red and it would stop the train - turning the light to green would allow the train to run) a water tower and various plastic structures but no ground cover. In 1957, my parents bought me a Lionel trainset and insisted that I give my Marx train to my younger brother. It was several years after that before I did much more than run my train but I eventually decided that roofing material (similar to "asphalt" shingles but sold in rolls) was a good way to simulate gravel on my layouts.
Probably because it's a Christmas Train. I've also got a Lionel Polar Express set. However, the circuit board in the China built locomotive shorted out, so now it's pulled by my 60 year old Marx 333 smoker. How about that, all you Lionel fans!
Some very cool pieces. I just picked up that plasticville gas station. I didn’t realize some of the 666s has smoke from the steam chest, that’s awesome.
Thanks James. Could you tell me what locomotive and consist came with that set? according to Greenberg's guide for Marx trains, the only Penn Central locomotive they ever made was a turquoise E-7 diesel. Would that be the one?
Very nice, cool beans there. I grew up right across the rover from Marx toys and grew up playing with them . Had a bunch of that stuff saved and it was stored in my Grandmothers house and she decided to clean her basement out one day and gave the workers what ever they wanted. They took everything. Old concrete tools and so much other stuff. I had no clue until it was done and over.
Very nice vintage Marx layout, I just bought the Marx 1666 grey version with sound tender from ebay. Your bubbling tower is really neat and colorful. Thank you for sharing
Lionel did have a mechanical chugging unit in the early 70s. I had the Southern train set with that as a kid. It was a drum in the tender that rotated on the center rail.
When I was a little boy, I had a Marx figure '8' layout, with a station, benches, billboards, telephone polls, car, etc. Along with a Marx 2-4-2 steam loco & tender, and several rolling stock. My caboose is identical, to yours, on the last train. The same green color, with the black and white. The layout is long gone, but I still have, the train itself. That derailment at the end, was your fault. You forgot, to change the switch☺️.
Love Marx trains, I grew up with them. Smoke? Wow, learn something every day. Never saw much of this stuff. Those 1095 SF look really scale to me. Looks like American Flyer Highway Flashers on there.
You have a great looking set-up there mate, really appreciate the time and effort it took. The trains are in fantastic looking condition as well. Well done. Steven.
If you're using the Marx plastic turnouts (or switch tracks) that's probably the cause. They've got a notorious reputation for causing derailments. The prewar metal units work much better.
I have my dad’s set from the 1940’s - SF Diesel Engine(s), two freight cars and caboose, and 3 El Captain Passenger cars. I Couldn’t keep the cars from decoupling and couldn’t keep the track together. Had the car couplings all repaired, and switched to MTH track and it works great now. I know it’s not authentic like this layout, but it’s easy to set up and tear down for the holidays.
Nicely done. Lionel did do the mechanical “chugging” tender in the MPC era. Among the engines were the 8302 and 8602. I have the 1095 ABA freight set. Like yours, the e-unit in mine likes to start in reverse.
Thanks for the compliment, and the info on the Lionel "chugging" tender. My 1095 was originally an ABA with the "sound of power" attachment in the motorized unit. The B unit made the train too long to fit in the spur, and the sound attachment sounded like a door buzzer, so it got removed also.
Thanks Marty. I'm going to be doing a makeover shortly to correct all the (unseen) mistakes I made, plus add some additional overhead track.as an extended trolley line.
The 1095's are good runners, most of MARX's locomotives are. If you know of anyone that may be interested, I have a MARX Sears Happytime boxed set for sale. Its set #05944 with the SF #21 AA diesel locomotives. In the original box with the track and transformer.
That Happytime set is quite a prize. I would try eBay on that one. If you check out my "Patriot Train" video, you'll see what I did to a Marx #21 diesel.
Unfortunately I don't have the electronics available to sell on EBay, even though I have an account with them. Thanks for the advice and I'll check out the "Patriot Train" video.
@@Marxmotorman Set # 05944. 21 SF AA units, SF El Capitan coaches #3152(2), 1 #3197 observation all non-illuminated. Freight cars 44572 C&O hopper, GAEX 1950 DF boxcar, 1951 ATSF caboose, black roof-red body; 16 feet of MARX track, uncoupling device, MARX transformer and MARX lockon all in the original box with inserts.
on your 1095 santa fe set you need the b unit and you will have a nice aba engine set.i also have the tin plate 21 engines..i really love the pre-post war trains
I had a B unit, but the train was too long to fit on the spur. Keep an eye out, as I'll be posting a video featuring two custom built #21 diesels, complete with 40 LED lights installed.
Nice run and explanation of most of the items on your train layout. But I have a some corrections for you. 1: that 1666 with the Santa Fe sound tender is not from the year you said. It is also not a mechanical sound, just mechanical roller to give the on and off pulse switch to the electronic circuit inside. See the speaker in the back where the bunch of holes are! I would guess 1965 to 1972. The design is not that different from the Lionel MPC 1970's "Mighty Sound of Steam" , except they have the whole unit contained in the tender, were as Lionel had the pulse switch in the engine requiring a wire from the engine to the tender. "Sound of power" tenders as best I can tell only came in Santa Fe road name, in some of the Big Rail Work Train set by MarX and under Montgomery Ward brand sets. I have recently repaired several of both types of electronic steam sound over the past year. MarX all in one unit is not as accurate in time with the engine drive wheel, same size wheel in the middle, but that was a much better kid safe idea MarX had. 2: The 666 engine I'm very sure never had the side smoke units, only the 1666, but the whole drive assemblies are interchangeable. Also the 1666 often had one rubber drive tire on one drive wheel. Side smokers 1666 I have seen with the some of the Allstate sets.
I love your layout!! The Lionel transformers you have are actually LW transformers, not KWs. Thanks for showing us your layout. I think I might buy one of those Niagara Falls tank cars.
Thank you. Yeah, the KWs was a slip of the tongue. And the Niagara Falls car you mention is actually Niacet Chemicals. Marx never made a Niagara Falls car.
Your trains and layout are fantastic. I like the graduated trestles elevating the track, which, in combination with the easy in-and-out curves and turnouts, makes the track plan visually stimulating. I am unfamiliar with the Marx track. Are some of the curves half-track curves? The vintage buildings and accessories are complementary. Is the green color base material indoor and outdoor carpet? What are the dimensions of the layout? And what are the dimensions of the radius curves?
Wow, so many questions - - - but more than happy to answer them. First off, Marx track is basically the same as Lionel 027 gauge and can be interchanged with each other. I have both on this layout. However, the half-track curves I made myself. Both the green and gray sections are indoor/outdoor carpeting. The lower section is 13' x 6', and the upper section is '7' x 4', for a total of 106 square feet. The whole layout was made from discarded closet doors left from a remodel. I made this video well over two years ago and have made significant changes since then. Most of the curves on the video are 27" radius with a few 34" radius being used. Now however, I've expanded most curves with the 34" radius sections, as some of my larger locomotives had problems negotiating the tighter curves. And I'll be happy to answer any more. .
What a nice collection of vintage Marx trains. I never knew that Marx had similar 027 Lionel type equiptment. Now I am wondering if Marx produce the glossy, seductive catalogs highlighting their trains like Lionel?
Well thank you. I just made another video of some fairly rare pieces I've added to my collection you might want to check out. I've never seen a 'seductive' catalog of Marx trains, but I believe they were advertised in Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs.
I could be wrong, but your 666 MarX steamer, if it has a rubber tire on one drive wheel, then the motor and smoke assembly probably came out of a 1666. Also the 666 is older then the 1666. Speaking of the 1666 the tender has what MarX called the Sound O Power. It is an electronic transistor circuit, with the speaker pointed out the top where you see all of the little holes near the back up light. I have no direct 100% proof since MarX did not catalog their products like Lionel but the 1666 steamer with Santa Fe tender (SOP) was in some of the the Big Rail work train sets that were out around 1970's. Lionel, the MPC Lionel, made their first electronic Mighty Sound Of Steam around 1972. The circuits are pretty similar... I have fixed both. However the neat thing about the MarX version it was more universal and kid friendly. Since it did not require a wire to the engine for the wheel timing, and could be hooked to any engine and work just fine. That center roller is the timing/contact roller/switch. You will see a resistor on the one part of it and it has two grooves on each side, loud-soft set up for the electronics inside.
Greenberg's Guide states both the 666 and 1666 were available with the steam chest smoke option. However, the Big Rail work train usually came sans the E unit. I'm quite familiar with the "Sound f Power" tenders, with the one in this video being inoperative when I received it. It was usually paired with the gray stripped variation of the 1666, as that was the same color as the tender. Marx came out with it around 1969/70, which beat Lionel's version by over a year.
@@Marxmotorman Thanks for the reply. The side smokers use a plunder method and one some I have the plunger gets stuck. Just be aware of that and oil the plunger area when you can. The point about the rubber drive was that as far as I know MarX never used it with the cast iron engine only on the plastic ones. I have at least one of the gray 1666 ones in my collection as well.
@@rennethjarrett4580 It makes sense that the 1666 would have the rubber tire since it's much lighter than the 666. And regarding the plastic piston on the side smoker, light grease works better than oil, as it lubricates longer, and helps seal the gap between the piston and the cylinder resulting in less leakage of smoke bypassing the piston. Not to mention less messy.
Hey my Marx layout is similar /smaller but also on astro turf type carpet. I have vintage Lionel as well but currently running only Marx. I seem to actually prefer Marx stuff. I not completely sure why.🎉
I'll tell you why Patrick. Marx trains are cheaper, and MUCH less complicated than Lionel. The Lionels are more difficult to work on, and their part numbering system is a real nightmare. In general, Marx parts are more universal than Lionel.
@@Marxmotorman Yes definitely. I have already repaired 3 Marx engines. My 1954 Lionel F-3 will not run I have tried everything. Nothing works. I put it in storage. Also the Marx E-7's are really good looking and smooth running. I'm on e-bay a lot and just picked up 2 more 1095's A+A in good condition. I have noticed the Marx Prices keep creeping up and Lionel prices going down since 2017. Looks like we are not the only ones who can see the value difference. Thanks for the response. Look forward to more videos. Chow.
@@PatrickCrossfire. I've noticed the price trend myself. In my experience with Lionel motors, I've found that the complicated E unit is usually the culprit. The complete units themselves are fairly expensive, but rebuilding kits are available. And, as typical Lionel, they pose a real challenge to reassemble.
@@Marxmotorman Yes. That is what went out on my 1954 F-3 which is dual motored. I tried to bypass the E-unit like I have done on 3 Marx engines but to my surprise they wont move. Nothing. Im baffled. So apparently the E-Units are integral to the motor function? Maybe. Im not sure. I tried several different wiring combos but not go. I gave up. I also gave up on buying anymore Lionel engines as I fear I wont be able to fix them. They are nicely made but seem overly complicated which is not good for me. Only Marx E-7's will continue to be collected at this point. Thank you for your response.
@@PatrickCrossfire. No, there is a way to bypass the E unit, as I've had a few motors sans the E unit which I later installed. Unfortunately, those motors have been sold, and my ancient memory fails to recall which wires go where. I would go to OGR forum and ask one of the knowledgeable members how to go about it.
That's awesome I got the 666 Mark train that smokes when I get the time one day I will make an elaborate setup like that but for now I'm going to box it back away.
Your transformers are Lionel LW, NOT KW. Nice layout and collection. You might want to consider American Flyer 19B transformers. They are single throttle, and put out 300 watts.
You're right Ronald. Like he said, Lionel owners with great eyes. I always wanted the ZW or KW, but my father's friend gave us a RW transformer. The KW was funny looking with two throttle controls, and another lever. I added a Marx train set, to my Lionel one, and I bought 4-automatic Marx switch tracks without the lights because it was all I could afford by mail in the late 60's. Nice layout.
Hey I also have here at the house a 1666 Gray smoking Loco and Grey Santa Fe sound tender from 1955 in like new condition. Bought in 2017 on ebay with its cars for $71.00. Any idea what they might be worth now?
According to My Greenberg's Price Guide, the loco is worth $60.00, and the Sound -of-Power tender is worth $80.00. The cars would vary depending on the type, etc. If you've got the side smoker, it's worth $85.00. o
@@PatrickCrossfire. You didn't mention the original box. In that case, depending on the condition of the box, you can double the amount they're worth! You've got quite a prize there, Patrick
Yes, and they stayed red and green constantly, even as they rotated, while Marx switches actually change color within the same lens. And that's what makes them cooler than the Lionel units. I might add that these Marx switches are prewar, which is way before Lionel came up with the switches you mention.
The first switch tracks I could afford to buy were Marx, with push button controls, and with no direction indicators at all, mechanical or lights. Lionel Super O switch tracks I though had the best lighting. They didn't have the two-colored rotating square light housing. It had two holes, one for each colored light. But Super O track and switches were out of our allowance budget. One day one of the buttons on one Marx switch controllers, got stuck, and the coil burned a hole in the switch cover. So we had to use it as an exit switch
What I was 'going' for was a typical 50's style layout, like I had as a child. And believe I achieved that. Now as for 'realistic, there's another video of mine which depicts my HO layout I built a few years prior to this Marx "50's style" configuration. Check it out.
Very glad to come across your show, I have come into 3 Marx engines, they all run good but I noticed none or them have tires on any drive wheel. In Lionel I can tell easily which is the wheel that gets the tire but can’t tell on the Marx. Does that mean they don’t use tires? I can’t imagine if so cause I can’t pull more than 3 cars before losing traction, please let me know,ty.
Hi Ed. Some of the Marx motors do have traction tires, such as diesels and double reductions. They're made of rubber, which fits into a groove machined into the wheel. And , by the way, they work better than any Lionel tire, unless of course, you're got one with 'magnatraction'.
Yes Darius, quite rare. Actually, the side smoker only came with the black plastic 1666, but I installed it in my 666, as my 1666 is the gray version, which is also a rarity.
I use both Marx and Lionel track. I've got a total of nineteen 36" Lionel sections on the layout, as Marx only made nine and eleven inch pieces. Makes for better conductivity. But all the elevated sections are Marx, as Lionel won't work on the Marx trestles.
You probably noticed the misspeak regarding the transformers in this video. I mentioned the two Lionel units were KWs, when actually they are LWs, along with a newly added 50 watt 4150 to run the trolley. Thanks for watching.
( This is Tom, not Sandra.) I noticed that the railroad "arms" come down after the train is already in the cross-path of the road and cross-road on your layout. I would think that the arm(s) would come down before the train crosses that pathway in each instance. (I know that's being picky, but l noticed that.) [ SORRY!!! ]
Well. if your looking for looking for realism, it probably is. But I'm not, and, there is an explanation. You'll notice that all of the crossings are between two 90 degree curves, which would make it impossible for me to install the 7" long Marx accessory clips on either side before or after the crossings. And since all the vehicles on the layout are stationary, there should be no chance of any mishaps. I also called my LW transformers KW's, and there's no excuse for that.
I thought the KW was the best, this LW came later. The ZW which cost the most, didn't have fixed accessory output voltages as the others, I had the RW which had about 4 different fixed output voltages. One was 9v, if I remember right, and 18v was the highest, all AC. The LW's have an output of 125 watts, not 125 volts or you would get shocked. Though I liked the KW's, I thought they were ugly.
I think youre layout is just gtreat. Not to cluttery like most layouts. I have everything you have except the 666 smoker wirh steam chest smoke and the diesel fueling station. What i do have is my marx 21 Santa Fe war bonnet scheme i bought for 20 bucks no scratches light works horns are not broken but they hum but wont run any ideas how to fix them
Thanks Bernie. I sold the fueling station, but now have the barrel loader, which is much cooler. Twenty bucks for the #21 is a great deal. If you want to see a customized version of that same engine, view my video titled "Patriot Train". And fixing, rebuilding, and restoring Marx trains is what I do. Check out Marxmotorman on eBay. Thanks again.
I saw your post and did it ever take me back, My Father has been dead for 38 years, I grew up with HO Trains. But stored in our Basement in wooden packing crates were all of American Flyer and Lionel Trains, The First time I ever had Lionel Train Set, was Christmas of 1979 the platform was 4 foot by foot, it was magical, we had two Big ZW transformers, he had a lot of original Plastville houses, npbut my Beloved cousin started purchasing Snow Village Houses and accessories,, your Layout was Wonderful and made me think of my Father with great happiness and warm fond Memories.
glad it brought back those wonderful memories. I based the layout design on what would be a typical 1950s layout, which usually lacked realistic scenery, and placed on a green (grass?)base.
Wow - Im 63 and never seen so much cool marx stuff in one place.
And that's not including what's inside my display cases!
Love them marx trains. I took a wore out 666, removed and disassembled the motor then put the motor shaft back into place with a 1 inch diameter pulley mounted on other end of shaft from small drive gear. Mounted a mabuchi 500 dc permanent magnet motor with a 1/8 inch pulley atop the frame with a 2mm black rubber drive belt giving 6 to 1 belt reduction which reduced drive wheel speed 6 fold and greatly increased torque. With 2 farad worth of super caps and a full wave bridge (to change ac to dc) the engine pulls at a steady realistic speed with unlimited power and cruises right over dirty spots on the track because of the stored electricity stored in the capacitor. When transformer is turned off the engine takes about 5 seconds to gradually slow down to a stop as on board capacitor drains off. Very realistic no more jerkyness.
sounds like a well thought out project John. I'd like to see the finished product. Aren't you a member of the Marx forum group?
The great unsung hero of post WW II toy trains. Marx put trains in hands of children of modest income households and the quality of these trains, well, they are almost indestructible. God bless Louie Marx!
Amen to that!
I’m 14 and have a 4 by 16 foot Lionel layout, I have always preferred Lionel but Marx trains seem almost indestructible, while Lionel may be better quality, Marx is the backbone of post war o gauge
Great looking motive power and accessories!!!!
Thanks!
A 1950's Marx train set my first as a kid.
At that time Marx was far cheaper then Lionel, but play time just as good.
The set is long gone now, but my Marx whistling station, bell ringing crossing, & flashing signal still work today!
Old school technology you can't beat it to work versus modern methods for operation!
You've got that right. I've worked on the new Lionel stuff, and it's junk! If you look on the box it says Made in China!
Marx are very underrated. Came out with many nice pieces. 1666 and 666 with steam chest smoke are clever, work well and hard to find. Very nice layout
Marx was ahead of Lionel in so many ways.
Even Marx track is better than people think. Ever notice Marx ties are set back a bit from the ends a bit? Pop two more ties in between the middle tie and the end ties (For a total of seven ties) and you will find when you join sections together the tie spacing is pretty even and looks real good.
Absolutely great..thank you for sharing..awesome layout too!! Continued enjoyment with your train sets!!😊
Thanks Plil. Will do!
Had a Marx set as a kid, but the engine didn't work, so we only used the Lionel. The trains belonged to my dad. He bought them for my older brother. Dad bought the Marx set just before the war, and the Lionel about 1950. Went to a train show/swap for the first time a couple weeks ago and saw the same Marx set and vintage Marlines locomotive and bought it. Will have lots of fun once everything is all set up. Very nice set up you have! Thanks.
Glad to hear you got an authentic piece of your childhood back. That's awesome.
I love it. I love the look of postwar layouts with the felt and carpet ground cover. Simple, effective and FUN.
I tried to make it look like a typical 1950's layout I had as a kid. Not much scenery, but plenty of track.
@@Marxmotorman wonderful job, Bob.
Thank you so much.
My first electric train was a Marx tinplate with 0-4-0 locomotive and 4-wheel train cars - circa 1950. I never used any "ground cover" on my Marx layouts - four switches (turnouts) a 90-degree crossover an "automatic" operating crossing gate, a block signal (that allowed switching the light to red and it would stop the train - turning the light to green would allow the train to run) a water tower and various plastic structures but no ground cover.
In 1957, my parents bought me a Lionel trainset and insisted that I give my Marx train to my younger brother. It was several years after that before I did much more than run my train but I eventually decided that roofing material (similar to "asphalt" shingles but sold in rolls) was a good way to simulate gravel on my layouts.
You have an absolutely beautiful layout and your refinish of the passenger coaches is beautiful.
Beautifully put. Thank you.
Very nice collection and layout MARX trains have you all of them catchy phrase!!! Be Well!!
Thank you. I've added some items since I made this video, but I don't nearly "have all of them." :-)
I'm taking a second look ..damn ...why am I loving this on Christmas morning
Probably because it's a Christmas Train. I've also got a Lionel Polar Express set. However, the circuit board in the China built locomotive shorted out, so now it's pulled by my 60 year old Marx 333 smoker. How about that, all you Lionel fans!
@@Marxmotorman made in America......
Some very cool pieces. I just picked up that plasticville gas station. I didn’t realize some of the 666s has smoke from the steam chest, that’s awesome.
That's one of my favorite pieces.
I love Marx. Easy to work on too. I added a traction tire on my 666 and it can pull the jaw out of an alligator. Subscribed
I always thought Marx had it all over Lionel, except for the operating accessories. And their part numbering system is crazy.
Oh man..I never knew Marx had so much to offer...I had a train set as a kid and I loved it
Yeah, and this is just the tip of the train yard.
@@Marxmotorman I love it , Bob...merry Christmas on Christmas morning 🎄
Those Lionel transformers are LW 125 watts . Layout is beautiful.
Yes they are, and thank you.
I am loving this. My first train set was a Marx as well. Penn Flyer. Christmas, 1964. I spent many hours enjoying that set!
Thanks James. Could you tell me what locomotive and consist came with that set? according to Greenberg's guide for Marx trains, the only Penn Central locomotive they ever made was a turquoise E-7 diesel. Would that be the one?
Very nice, cool beans there. I grew up right across the rover from Marx toys and grew up playing with them . Had a bunch of that stuff saved and it was stored in my Grandmothers house and she decided to clean her basement out one day and gave the workers what ever they wanted. They took everything. Old concrete tools and so much other stuff. I had no clue until it was done and over.
That's a shame, and unfortunately, I know the feeling. All of my childhood trains, both Marx and Lionel, were given away when I went into the Army.
Really enjoyed your Marx's trains. You have a nice size platform. Thanks for sharing with us! 😊
My pleasure, and thanks for watching.
"One of the many Marx toys. Have you all of them?"
Not yet, but I'm working on it.
The Marx logo included that phrase.
Very nice layout the bridges and multi level design is super. Just need a tunnel somewhere. Thanks!
Just completed one about six months ago. Stay tuned for the sequel.
This is a well designed layout. Clean and simple style, very functional.
Thanks. By numerous requests. I'll be making a video featuring just the layout itself with all the specifics. Stay tuned.
Great two level layout and trains! Subscribed.
Thank you so much.
Thanks. I'll be posting an updated version shortly with additions and changes.
You Got the most beatiful Marx layout As i never seen be4 …your Marx layout its the Haaven for me
I have too trains and scales ..enjoy it my friend …
Thank you. I'll be making a video of the layout itself shortly due to numerous requests. So stay tuned.
Very nice vintage Marx layout, I just bought the Marx 1666 grey version with sound tender from ebay. Your bubbling tower is really neat and colorful. Thank you for sharing
Thanks. The gray version is fairly rare, and came with the sound tender as a set.
I paid $120 on ebay plus sales tax comes with 5 Marx freight cars
Decent deal.
Nice classic styled layout!
That's what I was shooting for, a typical 1950's layout. Thanks.
Lionel did have a mechanical chugging unit in the early 70s. I had the Southern train set with that as a kid. It was a drum in the tender that rotated on the center rail.
Early 70's huh? That's the same system Marx used. It would seem Lionel stole yet another idea from the world's largest toy maker.
Model Railroading is All About having fun Being Passionate and Enjoying the Best hobby you love Model Railroading Show it off.
Well said!
Very good Looking Layout.
Glad you like it!
Great layout and trains. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks. And your M10000 collection is great as well.
Wonderful layout and guided tour
Rick Mansberger HighPointe Station
Thanks Rick. glad you enjoyed it.
Good job on the Santa Fe cars
Thank you, and thanks for watching.
Beautiful, how those Santa Fe cars came out with your restoration and ❗🚂
Great looking and designed Marx layout and collection!
Glad you like it! I'll be putting out an updated version in the near future. Stay tuned.
Great layout! I still have the big red "Stop on Red Signal" crossing guard (Grossly out of any kind of scale!).
Thanks. I now have the illuminated version on the layout. I'll be making an updated video of this layout shortly. Stay tuned!
When I was a little boy, I had a Marx figure '8' layout, with a station, benches, billboards, telephone polls, car, etc. Along with a Marx 2-4-2 steam loco & tender, and several rolling stock. My caboose is identical, to yours, on the last train. The same green color, with the black and white. The layout is long gone, but I still have, the train itself.
That derailment at the end, was your fault. You forgot, to change the switch☺️.
I blame the guy in the switch tower. 😏
Bob, this is a neat railroad.
Thanks Guss.
Love Marx trains, I grew up with them. Smoke? Wow, learn something every day. Never saw much of this stuff. Those 1095 SF look really scale to me. Looks like American Flyer Highway Flashers on there.
Love those metal Boxcars. I heard they are close to S scale in size.
You're correct. Marx called them 3/16" scale cars.
You have a great looking set-up there mate, really appreciate the time and effort it took. The trains are in fantastic looking condition as well. Well done. Steven.
Thanks Steven. Glad you enjoyed watching them as much as I enjoyed building them.
Nice layout .Terrible Derailment happens to me all the time
If you're using the Marx plastic turnouts (or switch tracks) that's probably the cause. They've got a notorious reputation for causing derailments. The prewar metal units work much better.
I have my dad’s set from the 1940’s - SF Diesel Engine(s), two freight cars and caboose, and 3 El Captain Passenger cars. I Couldn’t keep the cars from decoupling and couldn’t keep the track together. Had the car couplings all repaired, and switched to MTH track and it works great now. I know it’s not authentic like this layout, but it’s easy to set up and tear down for the holidays.
Beautiful Layout.
Thanks so much!
Great collection and layout. Subscribed.
Thank you very much!
Nicely done. Lionel did do the mechanical “chugging” tender in the MPC era. Among the engines were the 8302 and 8602.
I have the 1095 ABA freight set. Like yours, the e-unit in mine likes to start in reverse.
Thanks for the compliment, and the info on the Lionel "chugging" tender. My 1095 was originally an ABA with the "sound of power" attachment in the motorized unit. The B unit made the train too long to fit in the spur, and the sound attachment sounded like a door buzzer, so it got removed also.
Very nice layout, nice trains.
Glad you enjoyed it
Love the Plasticville buildings 😊
These were the same ones I had on my original layout as a kid.
Love your layout
Thanks Marty. I'm going to be doing a makeover shortly to correct all the (unseen) mistakes I made, plus add some additional overhead track.as an extended trolley line.
The 1095's are good runners, most of MARX's locomotives are. If you know of anyone that may be interested, I have a MARX Sears Happytime boxed set for sale. Its set #05944 with the SF #21 AA diesel locomotives. In the original box with the track and transformer.
That Happytime set is quite a prize. I would try eBay on that one.
If you check out my "Patriot Train" video, you'll see what I did to a Marx #21 diesel.
Unfortunately I don't have the electronics available to sell on EBay, even though I have an account with them. Thanks for the advice and I'll check out the "Patriot Train" video.
By the way, which Happi time set do you have?
@@Marxmotorman Set # 05944. 21 SF AA units, SF El Capitan coaches #3152(2), 1 #3197 observation all non-illuminated. Freight cars 44572 C&O hopper, GAEX 1950 DF boxcar, 1951 ATSF caboose, black roof-red body; 16 feet of MARX track, uncoupling device, MARX transformer and MARX lockon all in the original box with inserts.
I don't buy complete sets, but collectors do. And I would say you've got a valuable one in your possesion.
Marx toys are legendary, and you've done them justice here. 👍
Thanks. Nice looking cat.
@@Marxmotorman He is a handsome devil. Like father, like son... 😉🤣
@@stevesmodelbuilds5473 And modest too!
cool to run Marx. My inherited set is the Tin plate passenger set. shake rattle and roll
Yeah, and a womp-bop-a-loola-and a womp-bam-boom!
on your 1095 santa fe set you need the b unit and you will have a nice aba engine set.i also have the tin plate 21 engines..i really love the pre-post war trains
I had a B unit, but the train was too long to fit on the spur. Keep an eye out, as I'll be posting a video featuring two custom built #21 diesels, complete with 40 LED lights installed.
Nice layout 👍
Thanks Bill. glad you enjoyed it.
Very nice layout. I sure wish I had my childhood train. Very well done. New subscriber here
Thanks for the compliment. And you might find your childhood train on eBay. That's where I found mine.
@@Marxmotorman I had the wabash lionel in 77 or 78. I sold it to a collector in 2008.
Awesome, very nice.
Thank you! Cheers!
Very nice layout and history lesson on some rare Marx stuff. Subbed and thumbs up for ya!!
Thanks so much. And stay tuned, as I'm about to release another video of more Marx rarities.
Nice run and explanation of most of the items on your train layout. But I have a some corrections for you. 1: that 1666 with the Santa Fe sound tender is not from the year you said. It is also not a mechanical sound, just mechanical roller to give the on and off pulse switch to the electronic circuit inside. See the speaker in the back where the bunch of holes are! I would guess 1965 to 1972. The design is not that different from the Lionel MPC 1970's "Mighty Sound of Steam" , except they have the whole unit contained in the tender, were as Lionel had the pulse switch in the engine requiring a wire from the engine to the tender. "Sound of power" tenders as best I can tell only came in Santa Fe road name, in some of the Big Rail Work Train set by MarX and under Montgomery Ward brand sets. I have recently repaired several of both types of electronic steam sound over the past year. MarX all in one unit is not as accurate in time with the engine drive wheel, same size wheel in the middle, but that was a much better kid safe idea MarX had. 2: The 666 engine I'm very sure never had the side smoke units, only the 1666, but the whole drive assemblies are interchangeable. Also the 1666 often had one rubber drive tire on one drive wheel. Side smokers 1666 I have seen with the some of the Allstate sets.
Choo choo! I'm a train and I approve this video and would like to wish you a happy new year choo choo!!!!
Same to you!
I love your layout!! The Lionel transformers you have are actually LW transformers, not KWs. Thanks for showing us your layout. I think I might buy one of those Niagara Falls tank cars.
Thank you. Yeah, the KWs was a slip of the tongue. And the Niagara Falls car you mention is actually Niacet Chemicals. Marx never made a Niagara Falls car.
Nice layout Bob, those bubbling water towers never seem to bubble when you are making a video!
Yeah, it takes about 15 minutes for the tube to heat up enough to work.
AF guy here, but your stuff looks great. Repaint is beautiful.
Hey, thanks
Your trains and layout are fantastic. I like the graduated trestles elevating the track, which, in combination with the easy in-and-out curves and turnouts, makes the track plan visually stimulating. I am unfamiliar with the Marx track. Are some of the curves half-track curves? The vintage buildings and accessories are complementary. Is the green color base material indoor and outdoor carpet? What are the dimensions of the layout? And what are the dimensions of the radius curves?
Wow, so many questions - - - but more than happy to answer them.
First off, Marx track is basically the same as Lionel 027 gauge and can be interchanged with each other. I have both on this layout. However, the half-track curves I made myself.
Both the green and gray sections are indoor/outdoor carpeting.
The lower section is 13' x 6', and the upper section is '7' x 4', for a total of 106 square feet. The whole layout was made from discarded closet doors left from a remodel.
I made this video well over two years ago and have made significant changes since then. Most of the curves on the video are 27" radius with a few 34" radius being used. Now however, I've expanded most curves with the 34" radius sections, as some of my larger locomotives had problems negotiating the tighter curves.
And I'll be happy to answer any more.
.
Very impressive Marx collection , hope to see more and keep on plunking . Table size I would guess is 8'x12' ?
There's two sections on two levels. The entire layout is 104 square feet, with over 150 feet of track. I can run three trains simultaneously.
What a nice collection of vintage Marx trains. I never knew that Marx had similar 027 Lionel type equiptment. Now I am wondering if Marx produce the glossy, seductive catalogs highlighting their trains like Lionel?
Well thank you. I just made another video of some fairly rare pieces I've added to my collection you might want to check out.
I've never seen a 'seductive' catalog of Marx trains, but I believe they were advertised in Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs.
Nice Marx trains! Minor correction, those are LW transformers, not KW. 125W
BTW, the Marx steam sound sounds better than the Lionel SOS.
Thanks, and I wish I could recant that statement. Especially since I knew they LW's to start off with.
I agree. Most Lionel accessories are powered by a loud vibrating buzzing motor, while Marx used a nice quiet, and more reliable solenoid.
6️⃣0️⃣3️⃣🚂😎. 🚂❤️kool layout looks great Awsum 👍👍
Glad you like it
I could be wrong, but your 666 MarX steamer, if it has a rubber tire on one drive wheel, then the motor and smoke assembly probably came out of a 1666. Also the 666 is older then the 1666.
Speaking of the 1666 the tender has what MarX called the Sound O Power. It is an electronic transistor circuit, with the speaker pointed out the top where you see all of the little holes near the back up light. I have no direct 100% proof since MarX did not catalog their products like Lionel but the 1666 steamer with Santa Fe tender (SOP) was in some of the the Big Rail work train sets that were out around 1970's.
Lionel, the MPC Lionel, made their first electronic Mighty Sound Of Steam around 1972. The circuits are pretty similar... I have fixed both.
However the neat thing about the MarX version it was more universal and kid friendly. Since it did not require a wire to the engine for the wheel timing, and could be hooked to any engine and work just fine. That center roller is the timing/contact roller/switch. You will see a resistor on the one part of it and it has two grooves on each side, loud-soft set up for the electronics inside.
Greenberg's Guide states both the 666 and 1666 were available with the steam chest smoke option. However, the Big Rail work train usually came sans the E unit.
I'm quite familiar with the "Sound f Power" tenders, with the one in this video being inoperative when I received it. It was usually paired with the gray stripped variation of the 1666, as that was the same color as the tender. Marx came out with it around 1969/70, which beat Lionel's version by over a year.
@@Marxmotorman Thanks for the reply. The side smokers use a plunder method and one some I have the plunger gets stuck. Just be aware of that and oil the plunger area when you can. The point about the rubber drive was that as far as I know MarX never used it with the cast iron engine only on the plastic ones. I have at least one of the gray 1666 ones in my collection as well.
@@rennethjarrett4580 Th
@@rennethjarrett4580 It makes sense that the 1666 would have the rubber tire since it's much lighter than the 666.
And regarding the plastic piston on the side smoker, light grease works better than oil, as it lubricates longer, and helps seal the gap between the piston and the cylinder resulting in less leakage of smoke bypassing the piston. Not to mention less messy.
Kindly share the information about the custom decals please
Decals were purchased years ago, and no longer have the contact info.
Hey my Marx layout is similar /smaller but also on astro turf type carpet. I have vintage Lionel as well but currently running only Marx. I seem to actually prefer Marx stuff. I not completely sure why.🎉
I'll tell you why Patrick. Marx trains are cheaper, and MUCH less complicated than Lionel. The Lionels are more difficult to work on, and their part numbering system is a real nightmare. In general, Marx parts are more universal than Lionel.
@@Marxmotorman Yes definitely. I have already repaired 3 Marx engines. My 1954 Lionel F-3 will not run I have tried everything. Nothing works. I put it in storage. Also the Marx E-7's are really good looking and smooth running. I'm on e-bay a lot and just picked up 2 more 1095's A+A in good condition. I have noticed the Marx Prices keep creeping up and Lionel prices going down since 2017. Looks like we are not the only ones who can see the value difference. Thanks for the response. Look forward to more videos. Chow.
@@PatrickCrossfire. I've noticed the price trend myself. In my experience with Lionel motors, I've found that the complicated E unit is usually the culprit. The complete units themselves are fairly expensive, but rebuilding kits are available. And, as typical Lionel, they pose a real challenge to reassemble.
@@Marxmotorman Yes. That is what went out on my 1954 F-3 which is dual motored. I tried to bypass the E-unit like I have done on 3 Marx engines but to my surprise they wont move. Nothing. Im baffled. So apparently the E-Units are integral to the motor function? Maybe. Im not sure. I tried several different wiring combos but not go. I gave up. I also gave up on buying anymore Lionel engines as I fear I wont be able to fix them. They are nicely made but seem overly complicated which is not good for me. Only Marx E-7's will continue to be collected at this point. Thank you for your response.
@@PatrickCrossfire. No, there is a way to bypass the E unit, as I've had a few motors sans the E unit which I later installed. Unfortunately, those motors have been sold, and my ancient memory fails to recall which wires go where. I would go to OGR forum and ask one of the knowledgeable members how to go about it.
That crane is nice
Thank you so much.
That's awesome I got the 666 Mark train that smokes when I get the time one day I will make an elaborate setup like that but for now I'm going to box it back away.
Sounds like a plan.
Correction, they are LW’s not KW’s. What a fantastic Marx layout! You have some wonderful pieces there, my friend.
Thanks William. Slip of the tongue on the LWs, and believe me, i've heard about it.
Your transformers are Lionel LW,
NOT KW. Nice layout and collection. You might want to consider American Flyer 19B transformers. They are single throttle, and put out 300 watts.
You're right Ronald. Like he said, Lionel owners with great eyes. I always wanted the ZW or KW, but my father's friend gave us a RW transformer. The KW was funny looking with two throttle controls, and another lever. I added a Marx train set, to my Lionel one, and I bought 4-automatic Marx switch tracks without the lights because it was all I could afford by mail in the late 60's. Nice layout.
Hey I also have here at the house a 1666 Gray smoking Loco and Grey Santa Fe sound tender from 1955 in like new condition. Bought in 2017 on ebay with its cars for $71.00. Any idea what they might be worth now?
According to My Greenberg's Price Guide, the loco is worth $60.00, and the Sound -of-Power tender is worth $80.00. The cars would vary depending on the type, etc. If you've got the side smoker, it's worth $85.00. o
@@Marxmotorman Ok. Thank you. So they are not worth selling then. We got them in original box. We were surprised they were gray.
@@PatrickCrossfire. You didn't mention the original box. In that case, depending on the condition of the box, you can double the amount they're worth! You've got quite a prize there, Patrick
The two Lionel transformers are LW type. KW transformers are duel control transformers.
And I knew that when I made the video! At the time, I was thinking of swapping out the LWs for a KW, but that's no excuse.
Lionel did make the switch that lit up
Yes, and they stayed red and green constantly, even as they rotated, while Marx switches actually change color within the same lens. And that's what makes them cooler than the Lionel units. I might add that these Marx switches are prewar, which is way before Lionel came up with the switches you mention.
The first switch tracks I could afford to buy were Marx, with push button controls, and with no direction indicators at all, mechanical or lights. Lionel Super O switch tracks I though had the best lighting. They didn't have the two-colored rotating square light housing. It had two holes, one for each colored light. But Super O track and switches were out of our allowance budget. One day one of the buttons on one Marx switch controllers, got stuck, and the coil burned a hole in the switch cover. So we had to use it as an exit switch
Very nice layout and video. I don’t know anything about Marx trains, I thought they were 2 rail?
American Flyer were the two rail trains. Marx, and Lionel were three rail. Thanks for watching.
The wind up and the battery powered MarX were 2 rail 0 gauge.
Nice Marx operation.
Thanks. I'll be doing an update on the layout shortly.
its alright, if your going for realistic then no but if not then a nice layout
What I was 'going' for was a typical 50's style layout, like I had as a child. And believe I achieved that. Now as for 'realistic, there's another video of mine which depicts my HO layout I built a few years prior to this Marx "50's style" configuration. Check it out.
Very glad to come across your show, I have come into 3 Marx engines, they all run good but I noticed none or them have tires on any drive wheel. In Lionel I can tell easily which is the wheel that gets the tire but can’t tell on the Marx. Does that mean they don’t use tires? I can’t imagine if so cause I can’t pull more than 3 cars before losing traction, please let me know,ty.
Hi Ed.
Some of the Marx motors do have traction tires, such as diesels and double reductions. They're made of rubber, which fits into a groove machined into the wheel. And , by the way, they work better than any Lionel tire, unless of course, you're got one with 'magnatraction'.
Hi Bob, do you know if the 666 with side smoker steam chest are those rare?
Yes Darius, quite rare. Actually, the side smoker only came with the black plastic 1666, but I installed it in my 666, as my 1666 is the gray version, which is also a rarity.
Do you only use Mark's track or can't you get only Mark's track because Mark's track is the best track in my opinion
I use both Marx and Lionel track. I've got a total of nineteen 36" Lionel sections on the layout, as Marx only made nine and eleven inch pieces. Makes for better conductivity. But all the elevated sections are Marx, as Lionel won't work on the Marx trestles.
Model Rail Roading is Also About Pride with what you model.
Right on! I've had to strip the paint off projects multiple times before i got my painting skills honed.
What transformer do you run
You probably noticed the misspeak regarding the transformers in this video. I mentioned the two Lionel units were KWs, when actually they are LWs, along with a newly added 50 watt 4150 to run the trolley. Thanks for watching.
( This is Tom, not Sandra.)
I noticed that the railroad "arms" come down after the train is already in the cross-path of the road and cross-road on your layout. I would think that the arm(s) would come down before the train crosses that pathway in each instance.
(I know that's being picky, but l noticed that.) [ SORRY!!! ]
Well. if your looking for looking for realism, it probably is. But I'm not, and, there is an explanation. You'll notice that all of the crossings are between two 90 degree curves, which would make it impossible for me to install the 7" long Marx accessory clips on either side before or after the crossings. And since all the vehicles on the layout are stationary, there should be no chance of any mishaps. I also called my LW transformers KW's, and there's no excuse for that.
The Lionel transformers are type 'LW' not KW.
Yes, and I knew that! I have been thinking about swapping them out for a KW, and it just slipped out. My bad.
I thought the KW was the best, this LW came later. The ZW which cost the most, didn't have fixed accessory output voltages as the others, I had the RW which had about 4 different fixed output voltages. One was 9v, if I remember right, and 18v was the highest, all AC. The LW's have an output of 125 watts, not 125 volts or you would get shocked. Though I liked the KW's, I thought they were ugly.
Nice layout. Your transformers or LW's not KW's.
I know, and I don't know how to edit it out. That is, if it's possible.
😎
I think youre layout is just gtreat. Not to cluttery like most layouts. I have everything you have except the 666 smoker wirh steam chest smoke and the diesel fueling station. What i do have is my marx 21 Santa Fe war bonnet scheme i bought for 20 bucks no scratches light works horns are not broken but they hum but wont run any ideas how to fix them
Thanks Bernie. I sold the fueling station, but now have the barrel loader, which is much cooler. Twenty bucks for the #21 is a great deal. If you want to see a customized version of that same engine, view my video titled "Patriot Train". And fixing, rebuilding, and restoring Marx trains is what I do. Check out Marxmotorman on eBay. Thanks again.
Marx was my first train before I got Lionel.
So, which one lasted longer?
666 ahhh!
Oh yeah, and I'm building another one.