63 Year Old Marx H.O. Never Had A Chance Of Running Again Until I Did This...

Vintage store basement find. Dusty, Dirty, and neglected for years. Follow along and see how bad it was, and what I had to do to bring it back to life and running the rails once again.
#marxtrains
#classicmodeltrains
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Mailing Address: Classic Model Trains
1507 Old Hardin Road
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@classicmodeltrains
My second channel mentioned link below.
@RonsClassicRVs

[@DRCRailroard]

Thanks, Ron. You're now officially The Mad Marx Man with your Frankenmarx creation. It turned out great. I just hope it doesn't turn on you one day. I see you as a real-time version of Sid from Toy Story. Fortunately, I'm glad you didn't turn it into a mutant.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I wished I had all the original parts to make it run. I have the complete set of cars and everything. At least this way it will be quieter :-)

[@ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains]

Bravo for using different components from different manufacturers. You are the only one on KZbin who does this. I do it myself and restoration can be extremely limiting when being purest about it.

[@classicmodeltrains]

It was actually kinda cool to do something a bit different. Might have some other "frankensteined" projects on the horizon :-)

[@Iconoclasher]

I couldn't agree more. I have about 40 locos, all Athearn units. Totally reliable, easy to work on, parts available everywhere. I have seven locos with different body shells on the Athearn chassis. Tyco 430 Century on an SD9, Tyco GP20 on the GP38 I think, an Atlas GP38 HiNose on a GP38, Bachman FT-B on the F7, Proto F3 A&B set on F7s. The big project was building a brass chassis for a Model Power 630(?) Century. The MPs don't have a true chassis so I fabricated. I used the trucks from the TrainMaster. Works good.

[@ArcadiaJunctionModelTrains]

@@Iconoclasher ​ @Iconoclasher That's a handy list. Thank! There is an unwritten rule that one must be completely authentic when restoring an old loco. Even if it runs poorly. On eBay, I go for anything body on an Athern chassis. You do not see this mentality with diecast restorers. I even used Athearn chassis on some European locos and changed the side frames.

[@2nd66tube2]

I repowered my Tyco penn central F units with an Athearn super power F. Interestingly the Tyco shell is a modified version of the Athearn body which I think started as a Globe models body

[@michaelmorgan7893]

I used to modify the Athearn GP35 power chassis so it would fit under the Bachmann GP30 diesels, so it would run better. Of course I had to relocate the attachment pin for the body, and mill a bit on the Athearn frame, but it made for a better locomotive. Now that Bachmann has the spectrum line, it's no longer necessary.

[@plunkervillerr1529]

Marx guy here, good show, keep those classics rolling.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello!! Thank you, will do :-)

[@revrup]

Love the noises you make instead of using words!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Makes the video more interesting, but allows my linguistic skills to suffer :-)

[@KibuFox]

There were a couple versions of Marx New Haven train sets out there. One had a simple plymouth switcher with ATSF boxcar (open door), blue C&O gondola, and a green Sinclair single dome tank car, with a bay window caboose. The F unit train set came with a single A unit, two short hoppers, a single dome tank car, and bay window caboose. They also sold another train set that had a NH F A unit, F B unit, stake log car, gondola, crane car, and crane tender. There were no ABA offerings, so I suspect your dummy A was home made.

[@bracdude181]

I could be wrong but I may have seen a couple Rock Island sets on the internet with ABA engines. Most were only a powered A and dummy B though. Dummy As do exist but are rare.

[@KibuFox]

@@bracdude181 I haven't found any that were in NH though. It's likely the person had a powered NH shell, and put it on the frame of a dummy A. However the frame that A has, it's not the typical dummy frame. That's the standard frame they used for powered engines.

[@bracdude181]

@@KibuFoxhang on, did my second reply get deleted? Hate this phone 🙄

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for sharing some good information :-)

[@SantaFeBob]

Another entertaining video. It’s amazing that you find these treasures and bring them back to life no matter what is needed to get them running. Subbing parts when nothing is available is better than just letting it go to waste. Thank you for sharing your fun videos.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markryan1754]

I like the NH paint scheme on those locomotives and they look nice for a MARX Train

[@classicmodeltrains]

I Thought the same thing!!

[@johnbanicki7232]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing how you do these rebuilds. Love watching them.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you like them! Thanks John :-)

[@ohiofrogman1374]

Ron, When you "ding" metal that's black like the truck in the video, I use Gun Blue to touch it up. The chemical has a reaction with the metal ang gives it a dull black finish. I have used it on engine frames because it doesn't chip like paint and when you get it the finish you want, some water rinses it off and the part is ready to go. No drying time like paint. Love the stuff!!!!! Conductor Dave.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks. I need to pick up some of that stuff for sure

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

63 years? WOW! same age as me! awsome!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hope when you move about you don't make as much noise as this one's original motor would make. Well shoot! I'm 55 and I can make some noise when I move about in the mornings. Hate it when laying down can kick yer butt :-)

[@jonpowell-ov3yh]

Great job doctor Ron! The patient looks fantastic after the transplant surgery. 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks so much Jon!!

[@markfloriojr.2170]

I work in New haven Connecticut on the rails and love anything NH. 👍👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Very cool!

[@doublenickelbob]

Nice video Ron, keep em coming...I'll keep watching.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, will do!

[@HotRodRodney25]

Ron is full of ideas

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@regisbraga3833]

I know Ron that you like to restore things the way they used to be, but in this particular case you did a great job putting an Athearn motorized chassis on the Marx F3. As you repowered this old gal, how about adding flywheels on her? Model Power used the Marx molds to do its “F2A” shells until been sold to MRC some years ago (the F2 body is equal to the F3 phase I). Fortunatelly the used a better motorized chassis than the Marx one. Always a pleasure to see you in action my friend!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Mr. Regis!! I would have loved to get the original motor and trucks whooped into shape. Sad most of it was missing. I don't have a lot of Athearn chassis laying around. I kinda figured the Marx was a 60's model so I kinda wanted to do a 60's chassis to go along with it. There is 1 Athearn F-unit w/ flywheels and "super weighted" that will be coming up soon. It's good hearing from you also my Friend!

[@garyamerson7390]

This is an awesome video sir. Thank you for showing the other brands.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Gary. I try and mix it up all the time. So many different manufacturers out there.

[@adventuresinmodelrailroading]

Can't believe I missed this video till now. I acquired a Marx Rock Island F unit off Ebay awhile back. The unit is in excellent shape. All stirrups are present along with the horn. The only cosmetic damage is a split pilot along the mold line where the 2 halves are joined. And it actually runs and has a complete driveline. Now the model itself can be either an F2 or an F3. They were externally identical, the only difference being that the F2 used an FT generator since the new one wasn't ready and EMD needed to get the new locos out the door. Another interesting note is that Marx did a better job on the NH nose paint than Tyco did when it released its NH E7.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on! Thanks for the cool info

[@michaelquinones-lx6ks]

Some of that 'Marx' tooling fell into the hands of 'model power' which became part of lionels 'ho' scale line.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup! Quite a few Fellers have mentioned that :-)

[@michigandon]

I remember commercials for the Marx "Big Wheel" and "Rock 'Em Sock "Em Robots" when I was a little kid, among other things.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I never knew Marx made the big wheel? I though it was Mattel? Loved rock-em sock-em's!!

[@Stanf954]

Love the McGuiness NH scheme on this set but NH only had FL9 EMD unit alonf with the GP7/9. They were big on ALCO power.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Oh Sure! Model companies always taking artistic freedoms with road names :-)

[@haroldalexis4200]

Hello. I never knew even heard of Marx until i saw the pop up. Another way to rebuild the pilot the front bottom to the coupler is Detail Parts West that's available its made of metal you can use any strong glues to bound it to. Wish ATHEARN Would sell these chassis & parts like before. Would love to do more projects like this. These NEW HAVEN units are the MCGUINNESS scheme my most favorite no contest is the EMD FL 9. Very unique & rare engine set glad i viewed this, awesome

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Harold. Yes I'm familiar with Detail parts West. Just figured the old Athearn pilot would work out well and I would not have to drive to town. I agree this paint scheme is REALLY NICE!!!! Thanks for watching :-)

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Very nice, making it work. 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching!!

[@n4pwx]

Wonderful job Ron.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Dennis. :-)

[@pathvalleyrailroad9277]

Just saw a Marx O scale set at one of those thrift shop things in Iowa and thought of you. I don't do O scale so I left it right there, but I think its one you already have, one of those four wheel jobbies. There was a diesel and a steam engine and both seemed to use the same mechanism. Nice work with the HO set, it looks good.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your kind words and thinking about me when you see old trains in thrift shops :-)

[@johnbarone3426]

Awesome Ron. Im a big New Haven fan that set turned out great.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks John. I really do like this Marx offering

[@tallpaul9475]

Wow, so that is what the driveshaft in a box was for. My father had the Santa Fe F unit. Thanks for sharing.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@damiencx5002]

Fantastic job converting the old Marx F unit with Athearn chassis Ron 👍🇦🇺

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you :-)

[@user-tr3py5nz2j]

Just watched your surgery and tune-up video- great job! I’d have never accomplished what you did. Your New Haven set looks fresh out-of-the-box new! I love the old “F” series locos! Whether pulling a freight or high-balling a passenger train, they are the best looking trains on the rails. Best wishes and looking forward to your next video. Oh, and thanks for the tip on Grandpa’s trains. I’ll go track him down to see what tips and tricks he might offer.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your kind words on my video. Yup the old "F" units are quite a railroading staple :-)

[@jimbrent8151]

Ok you are awesome. I saw your resto of the Gilbert S gauge last night and forgot to comment.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jim :-)

[@theplumber33]

Outstanding!!!!! Nice conversation with the Athern! ✌️

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@caboosech]

Great job on fixing those old trains

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!

[@ColdSteelRails]

Great job man, been learning a lot from your videos! Keep it up.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks ColdSteel, Glad they are helping out :-)

[@jebbohanan2626]

IMHO Athearn locomotives are the simplest locomotives to fix or modify…. Most of my locomotives are Athearn under the shell. Good job once again!

[@bracdude181]

IMO the marx stuff is slightly simpler, but beyond any doubt the Athearn stuff is MUCH easier to fix. Especially the old Hi F drives.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree with ya Jeb.

[@jebbohanan2626]

@@bracdude181 I must be honest. I’ve never had the opportunity to work on any Marx locos. From watching this video, it would be rewarding to.

[@mjamesb66]

Yup you got Girard right, but the Pennsylvania you might need to work on. Great work Ron getting that engine back on the rails. And that 36 dodge is way cool. Thanks for another great video.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching. :-)

[@casstelles]

It's good to see the restoration. Also, I've seen the My Grampa's Trains, and I'm a subscriber to the channel. There was one last thing that made me think. Have you ever noticed how F3s of this era seem to have almost the same shell with minor variation to them such as the mounting tabs in the shell. It's a bit weird when you look at a plastic Varney F3 shell, and you compare it to a Marx and a Gilbert (American Flyer) F3. They almost look too identical to be a coincidence. There has to be more to the story somewhere on this coincidence.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hear you. Maybe to engineers that make the molds moved from company to company. Or One company manufactured bodys for a few others.

[@casstelles]

@@classicmodeltrains I'm leaning towards the second one. It wouldn't be the first time that one company made the same stuff for other companies. It would be nice to get a confirmation on what happened. Someone out there knows the real story.

[@bracdude181]

It appears Gillbert had a deal with Marx to provide engines for them. If you have a Gillbert F unit that looks like a marx hold onto it as they are rare. Be careful running them though. The Gillbert ones have cheaper gears inside that break easily.

[@BLWorks1982]

I’ve got a small box of old HO. Some of the pieces are a Marx HO Hudson, pennline gg1, a rubber band drive f unit, and I think the rest is Ahm. It’s cool to look at. But I collect American Flyer. So the HO stuff just sits there.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Perhaps a local kid would enjoy them

[@ecidaho]

Great video Ron!! Thanks!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Erick! I need to hear about your week long train ride sometime.

[@ecidaho]

@@classicmodeltrains Ron, It was an adventure! The sleeper rooms were very uncomfortable, while the coach chairs were pretty good! Also, overdose death in coach in Spokane. Then about an hour after we started to go from Spokane the locomotive broke down. After all said an down we were 14 hours late into Portland, 1 am after a 3 hour bus ride from hell. Amtrak did put us up in a hotel that was very nice. Over all it was a lot of waiting and arriving in many towns at hours where everything was closed. We had a blast in the cities we visited but sadly the train portion of the trip was not very good. Would nit advise to take train or do it again. The food on the train was very good though expensive if you are in coach, it is included in the cost if you get a sleeper cabin.

[@billdryden6275]

I had a Marx HO scale train set from Sears (Allstate) back about 1959 or so. New Haven EMD F 3 ABA with operating door boxcar, auto loader with 4 cars, bay window NH caboose and I just don't remember what other car(s) came with the set; steel formed rail track (ala Lionel type track) that used pins to connect; power pack (which burned out the first week after Christmas). a dozen years later, I had gotten into [my version of] "custom painting" and made the mistake of trying to strip down the locomotives to repaint them. As you are showing, they had a Pittman style motor with a drive shaft between the trucks; 2-wheel pickup per truck (opposite sides) with one drive tire [also] on opposing sides, 1per truck. Mine are deep in storage, but I need to change storage locations as mine has been sold. Anyway, while moving my stuff, I'll see if I run across the units. If so, I will see if I can send you pictures, just FYI 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on!! Sounds like you might have had this set back in the day. Thanks for sharing!

[@SleeperBBQ]

TY

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@ronaldsnell1503]

Great Videos 😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks! 😃

[@davidkaralus7464]

I have repaired several of the Marx F3's, as well as Plymouth switchers, and a Marx GP7. The drives are all the same on the ones I have. The driveshaft being missing seems to be common. Glad to see you get these operating again! I looked to see if I had a spare drive, and don't.

[@bracdude181]

One GP7 they sold seems to not have come with that shaft at all. Fixing these is kinda a PITA though. Especially the tabs that hold everything together. Gotta put them back in exactly right.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup! Them dang driveshafts always coming up missing. Thanks for checking if you had one :-)

[@nrd515]

I had the same Marx NH locos! I had a powered A and a dummy B. The A unit was easily the worst of all of my HO locomotives, worse than my rubber band drive Athearn NH (My mom picked out all the early ones) F unit and GN GP-7/9 , and even the Varney SW was better with the similar driveshaft mechanism. I got all of them for Christmas of 1960, when I was 4. Both the Marx and Varney units were derail prone and the best thing about them was they noise they made when they were running. I didn't really have a great running loco until about 1966 or so, not too long before I swtiched to N scale with the purchase of the "Postage Stamp" (Minitrix) set. I have a half dozen or so old brass locos that barely run, all have the same basic shaft drive. The locos of today, even the worst of them, are light years ahead of the old shaft and rubber band drive units.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds like you had a bit of a railroad empire when you were a little one. Sorry to hear the Marx was a poor runner. I will never know since this one got a Athearn drive. I did a Athearn Hi-f awhile back. nice locomotive. very quiet. Them dang open geared ones very loud, but with some imagination turn it into the roar of the Diesel engine. Wow! Brass loco's. Ive never laid hands on one of them. Someday......... :-)

[@davidvincent9713]

Nice job!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks!

[@WWIIREBEL]

I actually have a layouts worth of the old HO scale Marx track ,stamped steel rails w/brown rubber coated , card stock ties and with the black plastic roadbed....just no trains yet,lol.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Oh WOW!! never knew they made fancy looking HO track also. Pretty cool!!!

[@michaelquinones-lx6ks]

Nice Rebuild.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks!

[@michaelquinones-lx6ks]

@@classicmodeltrains And, thank you for responding to my reply.

[@alfreddill3251]

That is a FANTASTIC video! Outstanding!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!

[@papstrainshow3353]

Great job , nice looking set there.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you!

[@elleryparsons2433]

You Go Ron! It is What it is We Love it one way Or Another it’s Theraputic that’s My Story.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks :-)

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

i dont make too much noise yet, but sometimes when im getting out of bed my joints sound like a bowl of rice krispies LOL!! but once im up and goin they quieten down.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup! I hear ya :-)

[@garysprandel1817]

Well I thought I knew a lot of obscure HO scale trains of the era but I was today years old when I found out Marx made HO. Just finished restoration of my late father in law's Revell ACL trainset. Took a bit but the hardest part was the missing ACL SW7.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Well I'm glad I helped ad 1 more smarter to your memory banks today. I really like the Revell stuff also. Have a F unit that the motor armature is toast. Perhaps the stupid motor that someone Jerry rigged into this Marx might help fix the Revell. That ACL SW-7 is on my bucket list. Very nice looking :-)

[@garysprandel1817]

@classicmodeltrains don't get too jealous but I lucked into the replacement for dad's as a NOS Revell for like 45 bucks.

[@michaelmejia3822]

Always delivering nice videos. Well done.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much Michael!!

[@Benthetrainkid]

Model Power also used some of Marx's HO Toolings

[@classicmodeltrains]

More than likely :-)

[@markwilliams2620]

I kinda figured it was a Dodge. I went looking earlier. My first car was a '66 D200. Dodge Main. Hamtramck, MI.

[@classicmodeltrains]

My first was a Ford. Then many, many Mopars followed :-)

[@hmsjr0154]

I have approximately 35-40 Marx Ho locomotives of those there is only 10-15 that I need to work on to get them back up and running. They run using their original motor. A meticulous cleaning usually does the trick unless it’s the 4-6-2 nyc steam locomotive. They can be a bit of a problem child!

[@classicmodeltrains]

WOW!! Sounds like you have quite the collection of Classic Marx!!!!

[@bracdude181]

Do you have any videos of your collection? I would love to see it. I’m a big fan of really old HO stuff and I think the HO Marx products are some of the most interesting from that era of HO.

[@hmsjr0154]

@@bracdude181 I have several sets that are in the original shipping box from Marx in girard pa. One of them has never been ran to this date. Also in the collection is a sample of a salesman’s display set with track but no transformer. It is in a box like a small briefcase with simulated leather box.

[@bracdude181]

@@hmsjr0154 WOW. Those briefcase sets are super rare!!!

[@mjamesb66]

I did a quick search of marx Ho and looked in images, and there were a few sets with New Haven.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup, I found a few sets, very small and none had a A-B-A or that searchlight car.

[@bradwb6192]

Speaking of "Frankenstein," nice work...

[@classicmodeltrains]

RE-POWER!! We can make him faster.....Stronger........ :-)

[@myjunkisstuffgarage967]

Ron, I found that the old Christmas wishbooks by Sears, Pennys, and Montgomory Wards are a good source for at lest some of the possible train consists that were made. There are a couple of websites that have a bunch of em loaded for searching.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for that info. I have a site that has all the Sears Christmas catalogs saved. Lots of searching would be involved. Probably be a good winter project. Then I would get all pissy about all the toys I wanted and never got as a kid X-D

[@grege6287]

@@classicmodeltrains Your set is in the 1960 Montgomery Ward Christmas Catalog Page 413

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@grege6287 THANK YOU!!!! I just searched it up. Sure enough. Im only missing 2 of the cars. perhaps eBay will serve them up. Thank you 😀

[@grege6287]

@@classicmodeltrains Thank you Ron for a great repair! I have an American Flyer HO F unit with a bad motor. I'll be looking for a suitable replacement based on your success!

[@MygrandpasTrain]

Next time I go to the Library I will get the Greenberg Guide to Marx, it might have info on those cars, they might be stamped Marx underneath. That's a nice looking set! A little nicer than my poor little Marx engine and probably runs better and quieter than the original Marx drive. Dodge truck? That was my third guess after Ford or Chevy, but it didn't resemble either of them.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I have several copies of the Marx Greenberg guides. They mention cars and loco's and such but don't mention anything about the sets they came in. I will get this old frame and trucks sent down to you. If you have a motor and drive line you will be in business. That shell you held up in your video looks like it was paint stripped. Hopefully you will make the shell real nice again :-)

[@johnschutt9187]

It's fun to watch your videos. Thanks. (In a prior video, you mentioned smoking. Have you considered giving it up? My dad was a smoker and died at age 60. It's an ugly way to go. I just want you to stick around for a long time.)

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for your kind words John. I agree I need to find a way to give up the nasty habit.

[@paulburns3788]

Hello Ron how you been I love your videos you make me laugh

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello back Paul, Thanks for your kind words. I've been fine, I hope you have also.

[@mreverythingcollectible334]

Hello I’m just getting in the train hobby and I have ran across your channel and I have found myself looking at your videos everyday even when I’m just running my trains to the point I have to make myself stop just to make a video and go right back to your videos 😂smh but I was lucky to actually own this engine and she is very fast but I must have a later model because the gears are not showing at the bottom like that but if you would like to show everyone what the inside looks like and help yourself to learn more about your engine I am willing to lend you, mine it is a runner but I’m going to need it back sorry I can’t donate it to the channel I’m just beginning, so I only have a few engines but I love what you do.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much for supporting my channel. Also thanks for the offer. I have made a earlier video that actually uses the same motor this would have had in it originally. They run very noisy!! Just a few loco's now? Watch out because soon you will have many of them. Model trains Is a heck of an addiction :-)

[@mreverythingcollectible334]

😂😂😂I just found out the hard way I just add 2 more to my collection but I just found a k line diesel, IHOP set but can’t find anything on it on KZbin I made a short video on it on my page

[@kensbackshop6399]

Great video Ron just one tip today,,,,,use a brass wire wheel in your dremel tool not a steel wire wheel the steel will put micro groves in the wheels wich will collect dirt and things,,,,the brass wheels are softer then the steel onea and wont scratch he wheels,,,,thats all

[@user-tr3py5nz2j]

Oh, very good suggestion! I’m switching my cleaning methods based on new information I’ve seen recently on this and other channels but I didn’t actually make the connection about NOT using abrasives to clean wheels. Tracks and motors parts, yes, but wheels, no. Thanks for the helpful reminder.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the info

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

i got some marx train sets that are my age. and some marx and lionel locos even older than me from the 1940s, and 50s era and all of em still run like a top! amazing aint it? who da thought it?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Stuff was built good back in the day

[@richardsobieck9660]

Back in the 60s I had a Strombecker Race set and the slot cars used that same open frame motor. They must have been a standard go to motor.

[@classicmodeltrains]

The original motor that would have been in this does seem to be used in a lot of things. That slot car must have been huge for a motor this size to fit in it.

[@richardsobieck9660]

They were 1/32nd Scale

[@kencole8104]

Ron, you need to use an ink eraser for the track. It's an old trick.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Ive heard of guys doing that. Also found about 6 NOS erasers in a lot of stuff I purchased. I can clean track till the second coming of the big guy! :-)

[@jackseamon7064]

Great work on pronouncing multi versions of manufacturers' names. I found out over the years that if I offered up several versions of a questionable name I could avert a five minute argument. One name at different times was accepted by the person I'd be talking to. I still don't know the correct way to pronounce some of those names, but I was able to have conversations. 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

I've found if I pronounce it.....It's usually wrong ;-D

[@matchboxcustomsandrestos]

On my channel I always make a point that you dont have to turn the Dremel up to 80 MPH to get things done. Slow and steady is the way to go.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds like You and Me would be able to drink beers together and get along real good ;-)

[@rennethjarrett4580]

I noticed this a long time ago with the MarX diesels. They used the same motor assembly in their full sized diesel as in the little 4 wheel switcher engine. Both are spur gear to worm gear driven. what you have there is some kind of a mock up mess. Still some of both on E-bay today. 1/24/2024

[@classicmodeltrains]

I had two many missing parts to repair the original factory drive. I installed a Athearn F unit frame and drive. No mock up mess going on around here.

[@HotRodRodney25]

and old marx rolling stock also is interchangeable with model power rolling stock

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good info Thanks!

[@TomzTrainzandAccessories]

Very interesting lesson on Marx HO trains. When you think of Marx, you think of their O scale size lithograph and plastic toy trains, not so much HO. Even Lionel got into the HO market in 1957 until 1966. You didn’t see a Lionel HO train until 1974 again, but soon ending in 1977. It wasn’t until the Lionel Rail Scope came out in 1988-1990 that you saw Lionel HO again with the camera in the nose. I actually bought that brand new back in the 1990 myself, and I still have it to this day. I’m giving this a guess. The famous model in your video looks to be a 1936? Dodge Pick up truck. I paused your video to write this down.

[@michaelquinones-lx6ks]

@twissmann You forgot one more, model power was bought out in 2014 by Lionel in third outing in 'HO' scale

[@classicmodeltrains]

You were correct on the Classic pickup! A camera in the nose? I need to see a video of it!!! Sounds AWESOME!!

[@jimcarey9523]

I’m sure Harrison at SMT mainline would have parts you need.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Perhaps

[@normancoreyBuildingTrains]

Nice

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

If Quaker oats had not bought MARX they would not have survived they owns the company for like 10 years so that's not so bad but compared to general Mills buying Lionel they kept making trains in America for another 20 plus years.The HO scale market with better shared by other train companies.

[@bracdude181]

Despite being toys, I gotta say Marx made some good HO stuff. Model Power used the old marx molds for a while and now Lionel has them cause they bought out Model Power.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Mr Marx came out a millionaire with the sale. He was Old and wanted to retire.

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

@@classicmodeltrains at least someone kept production of the trains going when we were retired some of the molds got sold to Atlas and some of them got sold to Lionel and the only reason that they're made here is because it cost too much to ship up to China. Nothing wrong with wanting to retire.

[@ianbroxterman3810]

Never new Marx made Ho scale trains!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I heard about them, This is my first time seeing / owning one :-)

[@mph20000]

I had a similar such problems with pitman motors in a Tenshodo and an old Varney . I just replace it with a modern Mabuchi SF-266sa 12-24v motor. I use that whenever I need to replace a pitman. It has more torque, has good low speed characteristics, draws less then a tenth of the amperage, can be digitized and it runs almost silent. -- And you will still have the option to quickly switch it back to stock ,should a pitman come available.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for sharing that great info with me. I shall try and search up one of those motors

[@PapaMav]

I've watched My Grandpa's Trains.

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@kevinb9327]

That may have been my first HO set. A NH, no less. Are you familiar with KZbinr Vice Grips Garage? You're BOTH funny, but informative! 😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Oh WOW!! First set a Marx HO NH. Well this must have Brough back some good memories (hopefully). Yes I am familiar with VGG. A lot of people think were related.

[@michigandon]

Atheran drive is the only way to rock!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I Agree!!

[@RailRide]

So, it's a _MarHern_ now? 😁

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup, or a Athearx :-)

[@ron.owensby]

It's a Mack (Jr) not sure about the year, maybe 1937.

[@classicmodeltrains]

It's from 1961

[@Kevin_40]

Cool channel mam. Do you have any brass trains?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you! I currently do not have any brass in my collection

[@RayBoebel]

I have one!!! Refuse the run it because of the open gears

[@classicmodeltrains]

Well now you can re-power it and DCC it and really have a great running Classic :-) Good hearing from you Ray!!

[@bracdude181]

Keep it away from hair and you should be fine. Be especially careful if you have one of their yard hustlers. Hair likes to get stuck on the copper busbar on one side which makes the engine quit working.

[@raymondleggs5508]

Model power's later F units were based off Marx F-units

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup Ive heard that a few times :-)

[@HotRodRodney25]

SMT trainline on you tube repairs Tyco etc

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup.

[@MosriteCharlie]

Looks like it as made by Penn Line.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Ive never worked on a Penn Line yet. Have to scare one up!!

[@bernadettegarbers9552]

Athrin is a close match but it won't work on a mrx F2, you would have better like putting it in a Mrx a F3. body.... Since you filed those tabs off you will get a seesaw effect on the body.... Abby unit should fit without a problem.....

[@classicmodeltrains]

This chassis swap worked just fine and has no wobbling of the shell to speak of.

[@jeffsikes5312]

MARX ALSO HAD A DEAL WITH AMERICAN FLYER IN THE HO LINE IN THE 50S THROUGH THE 60S THEY MADE CARS AND ENGINES FOR AMERICAN FLYER IN HO THE NUMBERS ARE DIFFRENT ON THE CARS AND ENGINES ALSO IN THE 90S MODEL POWER MADE CARS IN THERE LINE OFF THE MOLDS !1.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sounds pretty good to me!

[@bracdude181]

I think the engines were mainly F units made for Gillbert/American Flyer? They weren’t as good as the Marx ones tho. Cheaper gears on the wheel axles.

[@user-bf1oc6zt1z]

36 Dodge

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup!

[@jamesdenny4734]

Say, did you say just the front unit was powered?

[@classicmodeltrains]

I re-powered the front unit yes. the other 2 are dummies

[@clivegriffy6378]

32 ford picckup

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup!

[@customwoodworketc1046]

1934 ford pickup flat head ford 60 V8

[@classicmodeltrains]

Checking out the vehicles in the background I see ;-)

[@jasonoconnor505]

could you answer a question DCC without a card/chip in it can it run on DC? new to model trains now last use them back in the 80s

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Jason. A DCC locomotive with out a de-coder is a DC locomotive. They call them now DCC ready. I personally find DCC to be a big pain in the butt. Very finicky.

[@elleryparsons2433]

What Other Rail Names are they Built for?

[@bracdude181]

Marx didn’t really do that many road names. As for the F units they made New Haven, New York Central, Western Pacific, Rock Island, Union Pacific, and Santa Fe. They made GP7s in Monon, Northern Pacific, Santa Fe, and New York Central.

[@classicmodeltrains]

DAAAAAaaaaaaaNNNNNGGGGGggggggggg..........@bracdude181 has his information TIGHT! and ready to share. Thanks :-)

[@arrow1414]

Those Marx F3s are damn ugly. That front end does look sad. Bachmann inherited those molds too.

[@classicmodeltrains]

definitely a different approach from the mold maker

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

I truly wish Lionel and marks and American flyer had never made HO scale trains because it was just a drain of resources and ho was much better served by people who were specialists in h o. The HO scale market was better served by people who specialized in HO scale. The trains that they made or imported were poor quality in either detailing or running properties or both.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Sorta agree with you there Frank. Companies always looking to make a extra buck or two.

[@bracdude181]

The original Lionel HO stuff was vastly superior to what came later on, when Lionel themselves made it and some of the Athearn made stuff. I kid you not, the 70s and 80s HO Lionel stuff was LITERALLY MADE BY BACHMANN. The only difference was the shells which were from Athearn. Simply put, they were pure trash.

[@charlesyonk4315]

Oops? I axidentally hit the thumbs down button. I enjoy your videos.😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the compliment, you can hit the thumbs down again and it will go away. Than hit the up button :-)