Model Train Forum banner

Marx 490

18651 Views 8 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  T-Man
6
Recent cleaning project for a friend. The 490 was made from 1962 to 1975. AN 0-4-0 configuratin it is nothing fancy. This unit did not have a reverse function. Came with a plastic body. Notice the slot behind the rear wheel.


The motor does not come appart but there is a hole the size of an eraser to clean the top of the armature plate.It's to the right of the brushes.


I like the wheel style. Also it has a seesaw engine attachment. You unsnap both side from behind the rear wheels and pull the engine out.

For fun I installed a light.

For comparison I matched it up to the Lionel 1062

The weak spot for the engine is the two copper wipers to the axles since the motor sides are non conducting.

Also to note the center pickup is shorter than the 50's versions. It did not like my 45 degree crossing.
See less See more
1 - 3 of 9 Posts
T-Man,

This answers my question. The copper wipers are the problem.

Thanks, Ian
Better pics than my camera takes.

My 490 is set up exactly the same.

Any recommendations on bending the copper wipers? Mine don't touch the axle shafts. Just bend them?

Dumb question, but I'm assuming that both wipers have to touch both shafts?:rolleyes:
T-man,

As of today, 26 May, the 490 still won't run.

I really don't know why it doesn't work:confused:
1 - 3 of 9 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top