Classic Marx train & classic toys under the tree

[dsmith]

Here is my version of a "classic toy train" layout under the Christmas Tree.  It is a Marx 027 Prewar Commodore Vanderbilt Electric and Windup Engine pulling 6 inch Tin Freight Cars.  I feel that the old lithographed tin trainsets by Marx have a simple charm (that the more modern plastic trains lack), they run well after a little lubrication and if you are on a budget, they can be very inexpensive.  I have about $60 invested in the electric and windup engines, several cars, old track, metal tunnel and a vintage transformer.  I can't help but wonder what child (or adult) first received these trains and enjoyed running them over 60 years ago.

You might also notice that the train track runs through several "classic" toys from the past such as Tinkertoys, Mr. Machine, Etch-a-Sketch, Easy Bake Oven, clip on Roller Skates, Slinky, vintage Mickey Mouse and Pull Toys.

Here is a link to a video of the Marx electric and windup train in action.  I had trouble with the sound during upload so I added a musical track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ph4YNVsHLE

[baberuth73]

I, too, am a Marx enthusiast and I must say that I appreciate you sharing your trains with us. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[cpsteamer]

Beautifully done, both in presentation and musical accompanyment. If you are wondering what a child felt like back then 60 years ago tomorrow I received my w/u Marx CV freight set and was more than grateful. My M&D couldn't afford a Lionel but who cared. I had my train and spent many many happy hours playing with it I still have that set today.

Merry Christmas to you and everyone!

 Ken

[Modelcar]

dsmith

You might also notice that the train track runs through several "classic" toys from the past such as Tinkertoys, Mr. Machine, Etch-a-Sketch, Easy Bake Oven, clip on Roller Skates, Slinky, vintage Mickey Mouse and Pull Toys

 

......Your display is not lost on me....I was a youngster in that era and recognize everything you have so nicely displayed.  You really captured it....!  I even had that medal "Slinky"....

And to add to the moment.....I had a Marx train {about 1939 era}, and it was a Union Pacific passenger train...{believe the first streamlined one}, painted a brown and cream/tan color.  Had a big round bulbous front end with opening for the radiator and "V" shaped windshield right above that.  Believe I remember each car had just a single axle and it coupled tightly to car in front of it.  It was marx' version of the M-10000.

Your display really looks great....!

[LL675]

but where are the Lincoln Logs? I love the tinplate Marx

very nice!

[Modelcar]

LL675

but where are the Lincoln Logs?

 

Yes, those too Dave.....Mine was a simple set that constructed a plain log cabin.  Green wood pieces finished off the roof.

[dsmith]

Yes, I'll have to get some Lincoln Logs.  I also had a set as a child so they would fit right in under the tree.  Thanks for the suggestion.

[runtime]

I remember the Tinker Toys, and still have them somewhere. I also remember having that kind of strap on street/sidewalk skates - I remember wearing the steel wheels down until they were work through. Where did you get such an immaculate pair - are they repro?

thanks for the pics,

runtime

[dsmith]

Hi Runtime,

The sidewalk skates are origionals from 50 years ago.  I picked them up at an antique store with the orgional box and they look like brand new.  It was like finding an unused Postwar Lionel set in the origonal box.  I remember palying with all the toys under the tree when I was a child, that's why I collect them and why I still play with trains!