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Lionel-Marx Basic Question

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Lionel-Marx Basic Question
Posted by traindaddy1 on Thursday, June 27, 2013 10:35 AM

Can a Marx engine run on a Lionel track with a ZW transformer ?  Relative says he'll bring over two of his Marx engines to look at but they can't be run on my layout. As always, many thanks.

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Posted by overall on Thursday, June 27, 2013 11:27 AM

In a word, yes. I have several Marx engines, mostly E-8's from the 1960's. They all use AC universal motors. I have never seen a Marx product that came with a DC motor.Be advised that Marx products have a two position e unit. This means that Marx engines do not have a nuetral position like lionels do.

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Posted by Papa_D on Thursday, June 27, 2013 11:50 AM

The only problem might be going over turnouts (switches) depending on if the drive wheel has a big gear or not.

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Posted by arkady on Thursday, June 27, 2013 12:18 PM

Papa D is right.  The gearing on most Marx locomotives (and many Lionel prewar locomotives as well) goes very close to the edge of the wheel.  It will be lifted off the track when it contacts the guard rails of modern Lionel FasTrack switches.

I run my prewar tinplate trains on a loop of 027 track, with a couple of Marx manual 027 switches from the Fifties.  Never have a problem with them.

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    January 2006
  • From: Florida
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Posted by traindaddy1 on Thursday, June 27, 2013 2:52 PM

ARKADY; PAPA_D; OVERALL:  Thanks. (Can't wait to run them!)

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Posted by Penny Trains on Friday, June 28, 2013 9:12 PM

I've had the same problem with an MTH RealTrax operating track section.  Had to cut down the magnet housing dramatically to get my 999 over it without bouncing.

Becky

Trains, trains, wonderful trains.  The more you get, the more you toot!  Big Smile

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