Marx 0-4-0 #400

[David_Timmins]

I recently came across a Marx 0-4-0 numbered 400. Can anyone tell me if this us the same loco as #666 or #490. Also, it needs a tune-up. Can anyone share how to oil it and where? Thanks in advance.

[Chinewalker]

Hi David - The Marx 400 is closest to the 490 in appearance, both are 0-4-0 configuration.  The 400 usually has a better motor - either a single reduction or double reduction, sometimes with or without an E-unit.  I haven't seen any with the Marx 1-way motor, but that doesn't mean they didn't make any.

The 666 is very different, larger, with a cast metal shell, double reduction motor, often with smoke.  They usually came as 2-4-2, but often had the front and/or trailing trucks left off to hit a price point.

Oiling is usually done at all of the motion points - axles, motor bearings, reduction gears, etc.  Clean up the pickup shoe with a Scotchbrite pad.  The 400 is a good, basic loco.  I gave one to my 8-year old for his year-round set that he can set up in the floor of his room.  I save my 666 for the seasonal set on a board that only comes out for the month or two around the holidays.

[David_Timmins]

Thanks for the information and the oiling hints. Now, if I can just figure out how to get it apart! 

[Sturgeon-Phish]

 

Take the screws out where the side rods go into the steam chest on both sides.  Holding the shell in one hand and the wheelset in the other hand, lightly pull the front end down and away from the shell.  The back of the frame has a notch that holds the back of the frame to the shell.

 

You can do a lot of maintenance at this point of disassembly.  Remove all hair and carpet fibers from the motor.  If the grease is caked up some WD-40 or similar solvent will loosen it and make cleaning easier.  The brushes are held in with spring tension into a slot in one end of the brush.  You can replace the brushes or square them up and adjust the spring tension.   If you really need to polish face of the commutator you can take the nuts loose that hold the assembly together and polish the face without removing it.  Be careful because the solder connections are small and break easily and will need to be resoldered.  Let the wire flex without putting stress on the solder joint.

 

I find it easiest to reassemble the motor and put the brushes back in after reassembled.  A tiny hook made from a pin or a paper clip will hold the spring out of the way as you re-insert the brush.  Make sure the spring sits into the grove in the brush.