Marx Tinplate Trains! Maintenance, Repairs, and Running. Make them roll like new!

[@johnlongssilverrailz5873]

The purpose of the Marx sliding coupler, which causes slack, is to give a wind up locomotive a small head start before it picks up the weight of the train. I always enjoy your channel. Thanks.

[@chiconian49]

You got it!

[@johnlongssilverrailz5873]

@@chiconian49 I always liked the sound of the real freight trains when they took up the coupler slack.

[@dagryffynhobby]

That makes sense! I had wondered if that was the case, noting the difference between the ones with slack and the solid mounted one.

[@johnlongssilverrailz5873]

A service tip, when you bend up a mounting tab do not bend it back down. Simply give it a slight kink or twist to prevent breakage and to permit later servicing with less likely hood of breakage. I add cylindrical fishing (pinch on) lead weights to the axles for low center of gravity weight.

[@danny117hd]

Every time metal is bent [twisted] and bent back without breaking its a blessing.

[@dagryffynhobby]

That’s a good tip. I’ll have to keep that in mind. Maybe just don’t bend the tab back the way it was, but a different direction so it doesn’t bend in the same spot. I’m not familiar with the weights you’re using, I’ll have to check that out. 👍

[@johnlongssilverrailz5873]

@@dagryffynhobby I get them at bass pro

[@JDWorkshop-wn9tt]

Very enjoyable Dave! Most people buy these for display or, run around a loop for shucks. You actually RUN them on a nice layout and, offer servicing tips that will work for smooth operation. Very cool! Ingenious simple and, rugged design for kids to play with back then. If Marx trains was around today, you would definitely have a sponsor with them!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! Marx as a sponsor, that would be awesome! If I can’t run it then I don’t really want it. When I first started running them, I had all sorts of problems, but now that I’ve got them working better, it’s just fun!

[@DavesTrainsAndAutomobiles]

Great maintenance video Dave Always enjoy all your time effort and work... Some people think tin is worthless I love all your Gold keep up the great job 😎👍

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks a lot Dave! Some people thinking it’s worthless is great for me, almost every car I have I got for $5 or less. And some of those cars I’ve seen listed at $45 each!

[@tomrogers5516]

I really enjoyed this Marx collection blast from the past, Dave! It's nice to see an O gauge collector still likes to run Marx consists around the layout once-in-awhile for your fans. Appreciated your maintenance instruction, too. It's terrific how Marx kept things simple all those years making collecting and running trains an enjoyable experience. Thanks, Dave.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks Tom. I love the variety of running them. It’s a nice change of pace. 👍

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

As a sideline to my regular trains I had a small 027 layout with mostly Marx cars and some engine. I love how a train of tinplate cars will sing when they are going down to track it is an interesting phenomenon. Josh small cars along with the 666 locomotive are excellent at simulating a branch line of a larger Railroad in the 1920s and 30s. Most cars in that time period were 36-foot which translates to 9 inches. They would be pulled by cast off Mainline steam locomotives too small for Mainline service any longer. The tinplate trucks are very nicely done as well.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Yeah the sound is amazing as they roll.

[@ronalddevine9587]

I am IMPRESSED. Great action. And your photographic skills are really improving. I liked the low track level shots. Great video Dave.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thank you very much 👍

[@KorraDaTrainBuff]

5:37 The red-framed cars are actually a great way to tell what year they were from. The black-framed cars are from the postwar era and the red-framed cars are prewar, more specifically the years 1937 and 1938!

[@dagryffynhobby]

That’s good to know, thanks so much.

[@peterkordziel7047]

Actually, I just looked it up. Those red framed cars are ten times more desirable than the others because,well, for one thing they are not from 1937, they are from 1934. They're the earliest cars not from the Joy Line. Also, look for the ones with a shorter wheel base, those are post-Joyline, very desirable early 30s pieces, then the lithographed frames, and to tell you the truth, any color other than black are low production early scarce items. Black framed cars are not nessasarily post war, they go back to 1936 or so. That other gentleman who told you about the sliding couplers is correct, they are for clockwork motor powered locomotives. A well tuned clockwork locomotive is a charming machine when in it's home field. Remember,if these things were people, how old they would be. Cherish them. They were the source of inspiration for the greatest generation and they are charmed. When working on them, don't be afraid to go for perfection, not just good enough.😊 My source of information was Greenberg's American Toy Trains, and 32 years of experience in the field.

[@Geo3Rail]

Wow! Old beauty’s on the rails. Really great looking vintage quality. Colors and character are awesome!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks 👍 the colors / character of the cars is a big draw for me.

[@thomasking2021]

I too collect Marx. Mostly plastic diesels, 333 smoking and none, 1666, 666 with chest smoke. They all run great with minimal care. I have a Marx streamliner that never pulled well. Thanks to you and your wheel weight fix, it now pulls great. YES!!!!! My Marx sears allstate set came with the New Haven diesel. I have run it for 56 years and never had to replace a traction tire. Glad to see you giving great trains the attention they deserve. Your videos keep improving. Thanks for sharing.

[@stever.5092]

That was a awesome video. You have to love how Marx kept things “simple”. They look great running on your layout.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! Yeah the simplicity of tin cars with four wheels is fantastic. I only have one Marx car with 8 wheels, I’ll stick with the simple version.

[@crossbow1203]

Simple equals cheaper, simpler, and sturdier at that time. Today equals crap. These things were made to hold up to the little monsters that would drop them and would throw em at their sister! Almost all marx tinplate toys will last forever given the minimum amount of care.

[@Ed-ICE-Berg]

Great running session Dave! It's nice to see Marx running on a large layout for a change!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! Marx stuff is great and more than deserves its turn! 👍

[@rickmaycroft9412]

Great tips I am working on servicing numerous 6” tin cars for my all marx layout, I have done some of these repairs but not all. Can’t wait to do more. The red frames are prewar

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! An all marx layout, I like the sound of that.

[@francispotter5300]

Thanks love my American made Marx's can't beat the sound of the tin car's my friend 😁Doug

[@mypugsdad5366]

your videos are the BEST. I have Lionel and lots Marx. I run them not collect, I buy what I like. My little layout is in 0-27 tight curves but it gives me a lot pleasure.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks so much! Run what you love, that’s the right way of there is one.

[@jimm6339]

Thanks for video. I found one of these Marx trains while cleaning my dads house after he passed. I want to get it running so I can sit and imagine my dad playing with it when he was young .

[@dagryffynhobby]

Sounds like a good plan. These old Marx were simple and cheap but they are also very cool and will run forever. Hope you were able to get it going.

[@TheDelawareAndHudsonRailfan]

I love the blue wind up Marx Mercury Vanderbilt, have been trying to hunt a Vanderbilt with that different front style. Just a beautiful looking model

[@dagryffynhobby]

It is a good looking engine indeed! Good luck in your search.

[@TheDelawareAndHudsonRailfan]

@@dagryffynhobby Thanks!

[@davidstevens9002]

Love the old time feel of this video. Great job.

[@mylennyuym]

Nice job Dave, Marx is my favorite!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks. Marx is great stuff

[@TJsEpicTrainChannel]

Marx are my trains of choice. Great video.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks!

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

nice to meet another marx train inthusiaste! marx is what started me in model rail roading.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Marx is classic and a lot of fun to run and collect.

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

i was about 3 years old when i got my first marx set for christmas. it was a marx all state new york central steam freight set with the 1666 steam loco.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Very nice!

[@DelHudson1]

Must have been deafening in the garage with 2 Marx trains running. It's a small inconvenience to get that nostalgic clickety-clack sound that is timeless. Great content as always.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! It wasn’t too loud, and it’s a pleasant sound. Much better than a few sound of steam boards at once!

[@chiconian49]

Excellent upload.

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

you just cant beat the graphics on those old tin litho trains!

[@dagryffynhobby]

The colorful cars are what really gets me. I love all the variations and colors.

[@northpennvalleysteamrailroad]

Awesome video friend!! 👍👍👍🚂🚂🚂

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

i never even heard of lionel til i was almost grown but marx remains my favorite

[@dagryffynhobby]

Marx is pretty cool stuff.

[@dominicdipollina8220]

Nice video Dave. Although the majority of trains I have are Lionel, I also have Flyer

[@dagryffynhobby]

It’s always good to have a variety!

[@OldFrailandDecrepit]

Great video, good tips! I’ll have to try the stick on weights. Thanks.

[@Slideyslide]

You've got some cool stuff Dave 👍

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks!

[@btucker718]

Another great video Dave. I love running my Marx & Lionel stuff on parallel tracks. I also have an adapter coupler that my son in law made using a 3d printer that allows my Marx 490, 666 and 999s to pull Lionel freight & passenger consists. Run trains!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks Bruce! I have no choice but to enjoy myself with these trains. Pure joy and stress free. I’ve never thought of running Lionel and Marx in one train. I had thought about putting a Lionel motor on a Marx shell, but that just seems like sacrilege.

[@azslotracer]

I really like your Marx trains and layout. I like that you can run some long consists of trains on the layout. Thanks for the tuning tips. I have a likenew Marx set here so.ewhere I will breakout once I get my layout running.

[@Coreyt1976]

Great video Dave. Those trains look nice.

[@plunkervillerr1529]

Leave the tabs as straight as possible in assembly and put a drop of Carpender's glue on each. The glue can be scraped away with a razor blade in the future. I painted my C/P shell silver and yellow and dubbed it "Sunshine Express". Forget the wait, build a traction wheel with electrical tape in thin rear wheel strips. Marx trains are the Bees Knees.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing. Sunshine Express, I love it

[@slvrktman7824]

Try some Gibbs oil on all that dry looking rust…it dries and doesn’t stay oily. Guarantee you’ll like it! Look it up…read directions.

[@dagryffynhobby]

I’ll check it out. Thanks for the tip.

[@jimmelchin1531]

Nice touch on servicing.....I always learn while watching your videos. It's pure enjoyment. Thanks Dave

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thank you so much. Glad you enjoy the vids and find them useful!

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

Looks like you have about 16 cars in that long consist including tender and caboose, very cool. Do you know any tricks to cleaning Pre-War Lionel tinplate without hurting the paint? Thanks for any suggestions!

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks! With the added weight in the engine, I think it might pull a couple more, but there might be too much wheel slip. I have no experience cleaning the prewar tin cars, I’d be careful. I have some that the paint is practically turning to dust!

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

@@dagryffynhobby Thanks Dave.

[@rennethjarrett4580]

Good service job Dave, and surprising amount of tinplate. My general interest of tinplate is about zero, except the idea that they are old and have some memory of what my older brother had and my dad might have had. Interesting how MarX kind of stuck with about the same AC motor for all of their trains over those manufacturing years. I have a set of two MarX diesel yard switcher engines coming. Got my first one last year and was super pleased how quite it ran once it was oiled and running. Very heavy engine due to that motor and the lower main frame is cast iron as well. #1998

[@dagryffynhobby]

Thanks. I don’t know that I would be into these trains if I didn’t have the ones my mom and uncle grew up with. But I’ve really enjoyed collecting and running them.

[@gregkocher5352]

I have my Dad's windup engine and I'm 99 percent sure it's the same engine. We live near Moundsville WV so it's a reasonable chance its a Marx toy. I need to get the spring repaired.

[@dagryffynhobby]

There are tons of these Marx wind ups out there. I see them all the time at shows. I had good luck with one that wouldn’t work, I sprayed wd40 in it, soaked it, then let it sit for a few days. The spring went from being rigid to being able to be wound up significantly.

[@Anthony8892]

“Hi I am Dave and thank you for watching DAGryffin Hobby. On today’s episode I shave my beard.” Lol great content Dave. You are far from running out of material.

[@TheCreativeMind]

These look like fun trains to have. Don't get me wrong the higher end trains are nice but these Marx trains can give the same enjoyment if not, more.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Being the budget minded person that I am, they are my kinda trains! I mean when I run someone’s new trains I giggle to myself in joy, but im ok without.

[@robertnielsen2461]

My first train was a Marx windupEarly on electricity was not available in many parts of the country and wind ups were the answer, they were also less expensive, a factor that counted during the depression years

[@dagryffynhobby]

I have two Marx wind ups that belonged to my mom and uncle. Those are the pieces that got me interested in Marx.

[@robertnielsen2461]

One more thing I failed to mention, the red frame cars are from the thirties and are much prized by collectors.

[@ZaynMusic555]

Really appreciate the effort has taken....Keep doing, keep growing.i love it🧡🧡❤❤❤❤+ my SUB

[@crossbow1203]

Is there a reason you run the large caboose on the freight train instead of the union Pacific six inch?

[@dagryffynhobby]

Just for fun and since I have it. I usually run the shorter one.

[@matrox]

Anyone know why my Marx 5620 engine stops running after less than a minute of use? The wheels get really tight and hard to turn by hand when it begins to warm up. Wheels roll freely when cold. I cleaned and oil with no success.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Interesting. Wish I had an easy fix. Without pulling the wheels and replacing the axles, maybe spray the axles with electronic cleaner or something like that to try and force out any foreign debris and then give it a good oiling, too much oil, spin the wheels to move it around and then let the excess drain out and wipe it off. I haven’t had a problem like that so I’m just winging it.

[@matrox]

@@dagryffynhobby Did all that.

[@MESA-East-Model-RR]

Fun

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Keep the running voltage for a Marx locomotive under 16 V otherwise you'll burn it up ask me how I know

[@dagryffynhobby]

Good to know. I’m assuming you may have first hand experience with the result

[@Matscolinger7305]

I use Lionel switches in my layout, but my fist ever engine was a Marx with a single reduction motor, and those don’t through Lionel switches, but Marx also made double reduction motors that can run through Lionel switches, so I just swapped the single with a double and it runs great!

[@dagryffynhobby]

There’s a solution for you! Most of my Marx would not go through switches.

[@mrsam6751]

Is there anybody out there that wraps those cars. Especially those that are in that bad of shape.

[@GaryDavis-ir6fh]

marx is my first love, and lionel comes in second.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Both fantastic trains!

[@johnramey7190]

Benz trains has lots of repowering videos.

[@dagryffynhobby]

Yes he does

[@surplusgear3545]

This lionel

[@dagryffynhobby]

This Marx. Lol

[@kenshores9900]

Haven’t forgotten about you. Just been lazy. I haven’t care much for Marx trains because they look very toy like. Lionel can look toy like especially when you get put Lionel on things like the box cars or cabooses (which they charge an arm and a leg for).