Any ideas on this little steamer that I picked up at a garage sale Sat. It has no identifying marks. It was with a bunch of AF & Marx accessories that I bundled for one price.
The steamer is tinplate and not diecast. It runs on 2 D size batteries and has a reversing toggle on top of the steamer similar to PW Lionel but it just reverses the can motor, no E unit. The steamer came with a few common Marx tinplate rolling stock cars.
Bill T.
That sure looks like a Marx to me. Almost looks like a Marx 999 engine.
Sorry could not be of more help.
It's definately a Marx, but I don't know the model number.
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
I acquired the same locomotive years ago, except mine has no main rods, and no holes in the wheels for them, a possible variation. I believe I got it with a Marx #556 tinplate caboose, and possibly some Marx track. I also have in my collection 2 sections of aluminum '027' track. Anybody know the history of the track?
Larry
It looks a lot like a 999 but I don't recall a battery powered version ever being made. The 999 was electric and the non-electric version was a clockwork drive with the number 666.
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Nope not a 999. If nobody comes up with the answer I can check my Marx books for you..The new price guide does not have pictures of the battery powered engines.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
It belongs to the Marx #591 family of engines. They made an electric and windup version, and seemingly a battery powered version also. Dates from the 1950's.
See here for price guide with "#591 battery operated..." listing.
The guys are right, it is a Marx #591. I have one of the windup versions, and a couple of the battery powered ones, also. They are neat little locomotives, and run surprisingly well. None of mine have siderods - Marx made them both with and without rods. Marx also used the same basic motor mechanism in the later #401 battery locomotives. Depending on which guide you look at, the #591's were made sometime in the '50's. Looks like it has batteries in it, have you tried it out yet?
- James
Looks like it has batteries in it, have you tried it out yet?
Hi James, yep, installed batteries and the little guy zips right along. Have not put any of the small tin plate rolling stock behind it yet. It is in great shape, no scratches or rust.
Bill, that is great! It looks like you found a really nice #591. They actually don't have any trouble pulling a few cars, considering how light they are and that they only drive the front axle. Not only are the siderods a variation, but you can also find them in the satin type finish like yours and a glossy black finish, too.
The plastic smokebox door details tended to take a beating, resulting in missing class lights, chips and dings. My 591's aren't nearly as pristine as your example, but they still run good - a testament to Marx quality:
The windup version is in the center, with the two battery locomotives on either side of it.
Enjoy your locomotive!
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