Marx set

[Waynestrains]

Hope a Marx expert can help me with this question. I recently got some marx trains from a lady that told me they were her late husbands set. It contained the following - 1998 ATSF Diesel, 347100 Penn Gon, NYC crane car, ATSF work caboose, and an Erie flat w/stakes. It also has a 1239 transformer and track. I would quess late 50s or early 60s. Any one know a possible set number, or anything else about it.    Thanks a bunch --- Wayne

[Waynestrains]

This question I asked a few weeks ago has had quite a few views but no answers.In my question I failed to mention that the 1998 ATSF Diesel was the less common black version. I'd still appreciate any answer.  Thanks again    Wayne

[sir james I]

OK I found a possible.....set 33242 there are several set's under this number with different cars. Date unknown. The book say's 1998 was offered from 55 to 62.

[Waynestrains]

Thanks for the lead, I'll try to follow up on it.  Wayne

[Papa_D]

Unlike Lionel and American Flyer, Marx didn't publish any consumer catalogs during the time period ('55-'62) when sets with the 1998 Diesel Switcher Engine were produced. Lack of replies to your post is basically because there aren't many/any Marx experts on this forum. Set numbers between 33000 & 33999 were assigned to sets that contained this particular engine which came in either maroon or black plastic. Marx used the same 347100 body number for both the 4 and 8 wheel version. More information on the body colors, number of wheels, and type of trucks (photo would help on identifying trucks) might help pin the date of manufacture to a specific year. A photo or more information on the transformer may also prove useful in pinning down the date of manufacture. Is it a 1239 or 1239AS or have a fixed 13 volt tap? 

Papa D

[Waynestrains]

Thanks for the info - first off I'm unable to post pictures - secondly the transformer is a 1239 - third the engine is the more uncommon black and all cars seem to be the usual colors.   Thanks again   Wayne

[Leverettrailfan]

Also keep in mind that marx primarily made “economy” toys- inexpensive, durable things, often for department stores. So it was very common that “sets”would be created by combining available inventory for a special offer at a department store, so it’s not always as easy to identify specific sets, as it can be for makes such as Lionel, and American Flyer.