marx train set #999 engine

[Anonymous]

I have a marx train set and the #999 is on the front of the engine rather than the back. Is that the rare engine?What do you think the value is?

[Anonymous]

I bought a 999 thru Ebay a couple years ago for about 15 bucks. It also has the number on the front. While I'm by no means a Marx expert, I don't think the number being on the front gives it any special value. I do remember reading about a variation concerning the pilot. If it is spoked instead of solid is a variation that a collector may be willing to pay extra for if it is in really good condition.
When I got this little engine I was surprised by its' weight. The first time I ran it I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it ran, especially at very low speeds.

[Anonymous]

Every Marx 999 I have or have seen has a lighted 999 marker number on the front lit by the headlight bulb.

Charlie