Ives Compatibility with Pre-War Lionel/Marx?

[2343]

Just purchased an Ives 3252 Engine. Wondering whether I'm limited to Ives pre-war rolling stock or passenger cars or would the hook couplers from Lionel cars from the 20's and 30's work as well? Same applies to Marx? Help.

Thanks.

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

The Doctor Is In!!! 2343, your question is valid: The Ives hook couplers should match the Lionel ones. You can also buy replacement ones for Pre-War Lionel and swap them so you can run the Lionel Pre-War cars. Swapping the couplers is the simple way to do what you want, unless you want to run Ives only. I just found a photo of the Loco you got: They ran from 1918-1924, and from 1925-1927with changes the last three years. Here is the Lionel O gauge coupler info with the year they were used: 1.hook , which were used till 1924. 2.latch, first used in1924. and 3. combination, which was able to use both latch & hook couplers, they were used in 1924-1925. I hope this helps.
Till My Next Missive I Remain The Humble Yet Strangly Evil Doctor!!![}:)]

[Dave Farquhar]

The hook couplers from Ives, Dorfan, and American Flyer all line up close enough that for the most part you can use their rolling stock together. Putting a Lionel combination hook/latch coupler on it will allow you to use any Lionel with it as well.

Unfortunately the Marx hook sits a little lower. I've run Marx with Ives, but it's really difficult to keep them coupled without resorting to the use of paper clips or twist ties or some other improvisation.