My old Marx 333 Happi-Time set

[Anonymous]

This may sound stupid guys, but I have not run my old Marx train set that I had as a kid in years. It can run in conventional mode OF COURSE right? With the same Lionel control that I use on Lionel conventional stuff? Also, can you give me some tips for making sure it's all oiled up and ready to run? Thanks!

[3railguy]

Check out this page in Thor's website:
http://www.thortrains.net/manualx.htm

[Jim Duda]

Blow off the dust, oil the axle and armature bushings, and let 'er rip, Jack! Just run it like you do your PW Lionels...the only difference is there is no neutral in the e-unit - just FWD - REV - FWD, etc. Ya know what? The MarX 333 is still my FAVORITE loco because it is my FIRST train - Xmas present in 1948 - I was 6 yrs. old.

I still run mine EVERY XMAS and the only thing I ever had to replace was the pickup plate (they didn't use rollers like Lionel) because the center rail had worn a groove in it that actually became an open slot.) Doesn't have a smoke unit and just one screw removes the valve rods so taking it apart is a piece o' pie! If you do need parts, I get mine from Jeff Kane www.ttender.com

Does yours look like mine? I don't think they called my train the Happi Time, though...

[3railguy]

Great pics Jim. Man I love the smell of those ole marx motors when they're highballing.

[Anonymous]

Some great advice as always guys! Thanks!

Jim, or anyone else for that matter please email me at [e-mail] for photos. When I try to post photos from my MSN site using the photo's URL, it doesn't work.

But to answer your question Jim, yes it sort of looks like yours but mine has only one Pacemaker box car, a Shell tanker, a C&O gondola and the New York Central caboose.

I still have the original box with transformer and track and one crossing gate.

The set was purchased brand new for my oldest brother in 1950 at Sears. My brother remembers the set costing $12.00 where as the Lionel set was $49.00. My parents could never afford a $49 toy. So those of you that think Lionel is over-priced now, believe me, they have always been!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 3railguy

Great pics Jim. Man I love the smell of those ole marx motors when they're highballing.

OH YOU BET!! When my brother was here a few weeks ago I had the set out of storage and I pulled out the engine for him to see. The first thing he did was hold it upside down and put it to his nose. He moved it back and forth like a fine cigar[8D]

[Jim Duda]

Jack - mine only had the one Pacemaker box car too! I lost it and to make the set complete again, I got the second one off eBay for $10. Wouldn't ya know, about a week after the package arrived, I found my original one (minus one door) - that's why there are two boxcars. Mine runs just as good as it did in 1948. Got it from the Sears Christmas catalog. Does yours have the O34 curves (5 ties)? Great old train, for sure!!!

[Jim Duda]

Here is Jack's 1950 MarX 333 Happi-Time train set...EXACTLY like mine shown above. I'm actually using that MarX txfrmr to control the lights and supply constant power to the switches on my present layout. Hope yours runs as good as mine, Jack...the redolent smell of the ozone and the meshing of those side gears sure take me back to when I was a young boy!

I never did get to see the box it came in because my dad had it all set up for me on that Christmas morning in 1948...here's a salute to those 50+ year old trains from our youth!!!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for posting my pics Jim! BTW, if you want one of these great sets, take a look:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19147&item=5901461547&rd=1

[guilfordrr]

That eBay set looks nice! I wonder what it will sell for?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by guilfordrr

That eBay set looks nice! I wonder what it will sell for?

Dunno[#dots]