Marx Channel Rail set

[algatex]

I recently purchased a small size Marx set with a number 5151 locomotive and tender marked NYC. There were 5 additional cars as well. The set also included an oval of track which is more of a channel than individual rails. I think this is what is called a channel rail. The size is bit smaller than HO and a bit larger than N scale. There is a place to connect wires to the channel track, but no power source was included. I would appreciate any help on this set such as date, power source, and if indeed this is referred to as channel rail. Any additional information or reference would be appreciated.