Old Marx Trains

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I found an old Marx Train set, definitely over 50 years old. The box says that the set is an "Official Union Pacific stream Line Electric Trains," It also mentions "Remote Control," and has the number 988 printed on the box. The box is in good shape, and I am almost positive that everything is in the box, and in excellent condition, but I did not open the box. (The belong to a grandparent, and I know they are in good shape). Any information about the trains, such as value or anything would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks very much,

-Chris

[Anonymous]

Well, I'd be happy to help you out, but I'll need some more information about the train itself. If you could describe the engine and each car that would be very helpful in determining exactly what you have and the value. Right now I'd have to guess that you probably have either a Union Pacific M-10000 or M-10005 streamliner set.

[Anonymous]

First let me say thank you for helping me. As of now I do not have the trains in my possession, but I am going to pick them up very shortly, so, in a few days I should be able to provide you with a detailed description of all the cars. Thanks again.

[brianel027]

As "Sask" said, it is difficult to determine value without product descriptions and numbers. No doubt the box probably has a set number. Marx Trains have never had the high dollar value some of the Lionel's have had. But there hasn't been as much fluctuation in prices on Marx either. And as with Lionel, AMT, Kusan, or American Flyer, having a complete original set with packing and instructions always commands a higher value. Being the set is your grandfather's you, you may not want to sell it. But it's nice to know what it's worth too. Old Marx Trains do have a following even today.
I for one, have always had great respect for Marx Trains. Yes, they have been called the "poor man's Lionel." But many of the Marx items were clever, well engineered and made for fun. And unlike any trains made today, Marx Trains were for sale everywhere. Back in those days, if you couldn't afford a Lionel, there was always Marx. The sad thing is that today, there is no counterpart to Marx. Sure, Marx Trains were toys. But some of that lithography on the old tin trains was remarkable and beautiful.
The other thing about Marx, is that the trains were played with a lot. Boxes and packaging were often discarded. They were toys, so they were often broken or forgotten about - left to rust in someone's basement. So if you do have a complete orignal set in good shape, that fact enhances the value.
brianel

[Anonymous]

Here's a great web site for any one interested in Marx Trains.
http://www.fauxtoys.com/pages/400-features.html

[Anonymous]

Since I have reactivated the Marx train I got for my first Christmas in 1941 I now want to locate, if possible the sole missing car from the oriiginal layout. I am missing the coal tender for the Marliner engine (which runs extremely well after 20 years of idleness with only some minor tweaking).

Any thoughts where I might find one? I searched eBay but found only complete sets or freight cars.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Off topic a bit, but I purchased a Marx "The Mercury" wind up train at an auction. I
loved the looks of it. I just received a key for it from an ebay auction. The train is supposed to whistle. Anyone know any good books or web sites that can walk me
through troubleshooting this? It has a "New York" emblem on the front.
Forgive me if this has been brought up before, I'm new to this!

Thanks again for any assistance!

Carling

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dcfxq

Since I have reactivated the Marx train I got for my first Christmas in 1941 I now want to locate, if possible the sole missing car from the oriiginal layout. I am missing the coal tender for the Marliner engine (which runs extremely well after 20 years of idleness with only some minor tweaking).

Any thoughts where I might find one? I searched eBay but found only complete sets or freight cars.

If your set is from 1941 it must be either a 6-inch or a 3/16 scale set. If it's a 6-inch set (smaller tin 4-wheeled cars), almost any 6-inch tender will work with the engine. Actually, with Marx, some engines were sold with more than one tender over the years. I'm surprised to hear you didn't find a tender on ebay. I see Marx tenders listed seperately all the time on ebay. Sometimes it is more useful to browse the listings rather than search for something specific. For example if you search for "Marx Tender" you won't get a listing for one that's described as a "Marx Tin Train Piece" or an "Old Tin Train Car" (mistakes like this are extremely prevelant on ebay). Also, besides searching under O Scale: Marx on ebay, there's also an HO Scale: Marx category. About half of the items listed under marx HO on ebay are actually O gauge. There's also a chance of finding one under Other Scales, but this would take more time to search through the listing to see if there is one. Most Marx tenders aren't that rare, so perhaps ther may be a collector in your area with one for sale.

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

I happen to have some old Marx Tenders, If you are interested. I am starting to buy &
sell Post-war Lionel & some Marx. I can sell you one for a better price than E-bay.
My E-Mail address is: [e-mail] Let me know the type of trucks
your other cars and I will see what I have in stock.

Dr.Fu-Manchu, The Train Guy.

[lionelsoni]

Another hint for searching for Marx: Always try the spelling "Mar", since many unknowledgeable sellers don't realize that the big "X" in the trademark is part of the name.

[Anonymous]

Appreciate all the help. I did locate an 8 wheel on eBay but then after the fact realized my cars are 4 wheeled. Will it work or did I screw up.

Dr.Fu-Manchu, The Train Guy - if you have a four wheel tender please let me know, I can scrap the first in that case.

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

I got your message, Let check my marx cars in the morning and I will see what I can
do. I may have other cars in the four wheel area. E-mail me asap after I leave my
next reply.

Dr.Fu-Manchu, The Train Guy.

[Dr.Fu-Manchu]

I found a Four wheel NYC Tender Black with white lettering & trim. Email me for price.
It will be less than E-bay.

Dr.Fu-Manchu, The Train Guy.