How to tune up my steamer (Marx666)

[Anonymous]

I just bought a 666 Marx Steamer and was wondering how I can get it to run better? It is the Cast iron steamer and is heavier than my 999 but when I put it on the track it doesn't run nearly as fast as the 999. I think it needs a tune up, but what can be done to make it drive better? What can I do to tune it up?

I also need front trucks for it if someone knows where to find them.

[brianel027]

Well first off you'll probably need to pull the thing apart and give the motor a good cleaning: the brushes and the armature plate... maybe replace the brushes. Also cleaning the drive wheels will help too. You can use 91% isopropyl alcohol fort that.
Try do a search on line for Marx Train Parts... I know there are a couple guys out there who specialize in Marx parts. I know my guy, The Train Tender ([e-mail]) has a repro Pilot Truck for the Marx 1666. Also try contacting Thor at www.thortrains.net. He's a hugh Marx fan and may be able to offer parts and service advice.
The original Marx trains weren't as progressive or as complicated as Lionel, but they were very cleverly engineered, simple and innovative in their own way. I'm sure parts from one Marx engine may work in yours. Some parts for the basic K-Line starter set steamer (a refurbished Marx steamer... though the motor is now totally different) may also work for you since K-Line bought most of the original Marx tooling... so the trailing truck on the K-Line steamer may work for yours too.
Good luck.
brianel

[Anonymous]

Thanks, I took it apart a little last night and cleaned the drive wheels and the gears, but I didn't take the motor apart. I didn't really look close enough to see how it came apart.

[brianel027]

It's been awhile since I worked on a Marx engine. but basically, once you have the shell off and the pilot/trailing wheels off, you'll have the basic motor housing with the main drive wheels. Work on a cleared table surface. On that you'll see a oval plate that has a screw on each side. You'll remove those screws cafefully... there are springs that pu***he brushes to the motor armature plate. All this needs to be cleaned, again usuing 91% isopropyl alcohol, electronic turner cleaner spray and very fine 600 grit automotive sand paper. The brushes, if worn down will need replacing. This may be part of the problem. You probably already did this, but also make sure the center pick-up slide shoe is cleaned also. If that's worn badly, that may also need replacement.
The thing with old Marx Trains is that ususally kids had them. Marx was always the poor man's Lionel. But, not meaning that as a put down, Marx trains were for sale everywhere and were more like toys for kids. Meaning they may not always have been maintained as they should have. The great thing about Marx is that is was simple and well made given what they were doing. And most of the stuff, if not literally broke in two, is very fixable.

I see your post on looking for a steam engine kit for a project. I don't know if anyone makes anything like that anymore. But I'd say if you like working on trains, buying older ones that need a little TLC may substitute as a good project.
I like buying the cheap Lionel starter steamers and fixing them up, repainting them with more elaborate paint schemes, adding weights, lights, marker lights and details like handrails and such. I've taken some low end plastic steamers and made little gems out of them. That's a big part of the fun for me.
brianel

[Anonymous]

Yes, exactly I want to fix up some old steamers.

The more wheels the better. I think they are more detailed with all the wheel linkage and the "bells and whistles"[:D]
I like the idea of the project steamers cause they are very detailed and I'm sure they were cheaper than buying a fully assembled one.

I agree with your statement, they were the "kids" model train, but for what i entend for them to become I need that type. I hope to, soon, build a track that circles my basement ceiling going through the wall and through my stair case.
I am the person that will finishing the rooms so I just figured I would build the rooms around the track.

Thanks for the info. I will probably tackle the cleaning project tomorrow.
I bought the old 666 cause it die cast and a little tougher for a high altitude track such as what I entend for my basement.

I would also like to find a LARGE steamer for a much more grounded display. [;)]

[Boxcar Bill]

Try www.trainpartsformarx.com