Marx e unit

[Bearykleen]

How can I bench test a Marx e unit?

Thanks!

[M. Mitchell Marmel]

What model of locomotive?  My limited experience with Marx E-units suggests they're generally integral with the locomotive mechanism; in that case, your best bet is to run jumpers to the center rail pickup and ground, hold the mechanism upright and apply power. 

One thing I've noticed is that Marx 666 E-units, being essentially gravity operated, tend to operate erratically if the loco is held upside-down...

Hope this helps!

Mitch

[Bearykleen]

The commodore Vanderbilt (597) and the Canadian Pacific (3000) are the two I have been working on. They both have e units but both run forward and not reverse. I just wanted to find the best and most simple way to test before I move on to look at other posibilities.

Thanks for your help!

[M. Mitchell Marmel]

Ah!  Well, get a transformer, clip the wires to the pickup shoe and frame, apply power while holding the loco upright above your work surface and work the direction button.  If you don't hear/feel any E-unit action, it's likely clogged up.  First, remove the motor/E-unit assembly from the shell, then give the E-unit a good spray with this: 

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12784986

Again, apply power and try working the direction button.  If it's still not working, you'll probably have to get into the guts of the thing...

Good luck! 

Mitch

[Bearykleen]

Thanks for your help Mitch! I try that and see what happens.

[rrlineman]

A C Gilbert bought the design rights to Marx's e-unit and that is what their later 2 step unit is based on. almost identical but smaller by 10% or so. Years ago I did a swap for a lady when I worked at a store called TRAIN 99 in Concordville Pa. she didn't have a lot and we had no Marx engines to rob parts from. so I took the e-unit out of a Casey jones and it dropped in place. worked great, though it was a waste on labor time to do it, but I had to try. try some silicone spray to loosen it up.

[Bearykleen]

Thanks for the info!