Marx double reduction motor

[Anonymous]

While searching a toy train list I noted several references to Marx locomotives equipped with a double reduction motor. What is it and how do you tell if you have one so equipped? Also, was this offered with all Marx engines?

[marxalot]

You'll get better scoop but here is what I know... or think I do! 8-)
The double reduction motor has another set of gears between
the motor drive and the wheels. What this does is reduce the gear
diameter on the wheels. On the older single reduction motors like on
most of the 999's the gears are right at the edge of the driver. This
causes problems when trying to operate a 999 through a newer Marx
or just about any Lionel switch. If the drivers on your locomotive have
gears right at the edge you have a single reduction motor.....If the
gears on the driver are back from the wheel edge you have a double
reduction. Anyhow, this is what I think is meant about this topic.......
I think the double reduction became the default standard after the 999
line of locomotive but with Marx there may have been some overlap in
this area. I have heard about a 999 with a double reduction drive but
don't know if that was "as made" or a modification. Somone with more
definite data will help us both out on this matter!

Happy Easter!


Jim

[Dave Farquhar]

Jim's description for identifying a double-reduction motor is correct. Most of the bigger Marx locos like the 666, 333, 1666, and 1829 had it. A few of the smaller ones had them. Many of the cheaper locomotives, like the 490, had them up until the end of Marx train production in 1975.

In addition to working with Lionel/K-Line switches, the double reduction motor has better pulling power, and runs at slightly less-insane speeds. The 490, as many Marx operators including Yours Truly have learned the hard way, runs at speeds that make it completely capable of attaining flight. The extra set of gears converts some of that speed into pulling power.