a newbie here with an old Lewis & Marx train

[cneffendorf]

hello all!!! I wasnt sure where to start, found this site and so here is my post/question:

My father died a few years ago at 72.  I had heard of a train set he got as a kid but had never seen it.  Anyways i opened up that box few weeks ago and I took a look.  Its in clean/good condition but the engine is not working.  I have no idea about it at all, a friend (older gentleman who has room (BIG) devoted to model trains in his home) took a look;  he said its a Lewis and Marks Tin plate;  has 3 rails on its track.  the power controller is shot but the track and pull cars are like i said in good shape.  The friend said it was probably a pre WWII;  my dad was born in 1938, could have possibly been a relative's previously and then given to him (IDK). 

I am looking for some direction as to who i could send the engine to to get it running, getting a new power transformer and perhaps someone taking a look at it to let me know how old it is, what worth....but i am not selling it......WAY TOOOOOOO COOL!!!!!! :)))))

i would appreciate any help, like i said i don't have a clue.

I'll check back to this post/website.  i don't do mesage boards/forums so it might take me some time to get back but any help with where to start to get engine fixed will be GREATLY appreciated. 

thanks in advance and hope this works :)

Craig

[mersenne6]

It's Louis Marx and the trains are usually identified in the literature and on the web as Marx trains..  There are a couple of possibilities here. 

1. You could run a search over on e-bay in the toy train section with the sub-section of Marx and probably find most of the components.

2. If you were to post pictures of the individual cars on this site there are any number of well informed Marx collectors who would probably be able identify the set and the the time frame of its manufacture.

 As for the transformer being shot - unless it is obviously burned up it probably just needs a new power cord.

 

[overall]

If replacing the cord does not fix the transformer, any post war or modern Lionel transformer will work to run the train. The engine most likely just needs a good cleaning and lubrication to get it running .I would be curious to see some pictures of your set also, if you would care to post them.

[LL675]

posting some pitcures would help us ID you train. welcome to the site and the world of trains!

[Penny Trains]

For information try http://www.toyandtrainguides.com/marxtin.htm

For repairs look for a local hobby shop specializing in Lionel, Marx and Americasn Flyer pre and post WWII.

Becky

[sir james I]

Each piece of Marx trains(engines & cars) has a number on it. We need numbers and condition for estimated prices. As for repairing the engine wow some one would have to look at it and determine what might be wrong. Marx values don't even come close to Lionel so don't be disappointed with prices you get.