I have a Smoking Marx 4-6-4 Hudson. I find that sometimes when I use it, it runs in very well, and sometimes it will run in reverse and/or forward only. And then after a minute or two of letting it stand "idle", it runs in both directions fine again.
From what I have read and from people I have spoken with, it appears that the "E-Unit" (or reversing unit) needs to be cleaned.
Does anyone have an idea of how to take the shell off and gain access to the E-Unit? As I have said, I have spoke to a few people. Some say it's easy and others say it's very hard to do.
I welcome ANY input at all that will help me with this project.
Thanks!
Howdy,
I have a copy of the Marx Trains Repair Manual by Dr. Julio del Castillo. There are 8 steps listed to get the motor separated from the shell for the 1829 locomotive. If you are determined to tear this unit down I recommend getting this book. This locomotive was one of the last developed and has a plastic shell. The reversing unit is tucked away a little more than on the 333. I have used a spray lubricant/cleaner with the plastic tube on my 666's and one 333. Aimed it as best I could up into the reversing mechanism and squirted a bit. That made things better. Also a tapping on the top of the locomotive shell with a light screw driver handle can make the e-unit change state. Doing this repetitively while cycling power on and power off can free things up on a sticking unit. Do this gently though as the shell is plastic. A rubber handled screw driver is better. Anyhow, some thoughts on the matter.
Hello,
First I want to say "Thank You" for the information. I think it will be very helpful.
Now as far as the Marx Manual, I can't seem to find a copy anywhere. I thought it would be helpful but maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.
Also, what you suggested by "cleaning the unit by spraying it" was exactly what I had in mind. I did not wish to take the unit completely apart and remove it from the Locomotive because it's running very well EXCEPT for the occasional "sticking" of the E-Unit.
Now for my last question. Can you explain how to separate or "remove" the plastic shell from the Locomotive? I think if I can get it removed then I would have a better view of the E-Unit and be able to spray it easier.
Thank you again for your helpful response and I hope to hear back from you soon so I can get started with this project and do it right.
jimlat Hello, First I want to say "Thank You" for the information. I think it will be very helpful. Now as far as the Marx Manual, I can't seem to find a copy anywhere. I thought it would be helpful but maybe I'm looking in the wrong places. Also, what you suggested by "cleaning the unit by spraying it" was exactly what I had in mind. I did not wish to take the unit completely apart and remove it from the Locomotive because it's running very well EXCEPT for the occasional "sticking" of the E-Unit. Now for my last question. Can you explain how to separate or "remove" the plastic shell from the Locomotive? I think if I can get it removed then I would have a better view of the E-Unit and be able to spray it easier. Thank you again for your helpful response and I hope to hear back from you soon so I can get started with this project and do it right.
Please contact me via personal e-mail to discuss. Thanks.
Marxalot,
I'm not sure if I understand. Are you asking me to contact you via your personal email? If so, how to I know what it is? Please send it to me if you would rather discuss that way.
Thanks
jimlat Marxalot, I'm not sure if I understand. Are you asking me to contact you via your personal email? If so, how to I know what it is? Please send it to me if you would rather discuss that way. Thanks
You should be able to click on my name and get to my profile. Look on the right hand side for contact information. Thanks.
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