[willsarv]

I am just getting into trains more or less. I've got my old Marx NYC 4000 from when I was a kid but I am wanting to build a larger layout. I am interested in what kind of track has the best results. I have looked at some of the Lionel stater sets with fast track and a train in the $250 - $300 range. Is this a good place to start or should I just buy it piece by piece to begin with? Will Marx trains work OK with Lionel track or are there problems doing this? Are train shows a good place to buy or can I do as well on the net?

Thanks!

 

[bradimous1]

personally I like buying from train shows... but many people on here will tell you that E-Bay is a good place as well.

 

[willsarv]

personally I like buying from train shows... but many people on here will tell you that E-Bay is a good place as well.

I've been buying some Marx Engines off of E-Bay and I like Marx since that is what I had as a kid and the price is usually good. I'm mainly looking to get some advice on some track. What is generally considered the best, and will Lionel track work with Marx trains?

 

[bradimous1]

I avoided that section of the question on purpose... I really am not the guy to answer that, but I am sure before the weekend is over, you will have plenty of suggestions.

 

[tjcruiser]

I'm pretty sure your old Marx O locos will run OK on old and new Lionel track. With two potential exceptions, though ...

1. I'm thinking that some old Marx trains have their center rail (hot) pickups somewhat close together, such that there might be a brief loss of power navigating through some Lionel switches (turnouts). If you have an e-unit, this might be perceived as a throttle-down, and instigate a direction (or shift to neutral) change. This same thing happens with some older (smaller) Lionel locos on newer Lionel track.

2. I believe that some older Marx locos have a large drive gear that's integrated with the drive wheels, such that drive gear leaves little margin/space on the outer wheel flange. As such, these locos have some difficulty navigating through some switches, switch frogs, etc.

I'm saying all of this based upon ONLY what I've read ... I've never tried to run a Marx loco on Lionel track, myself ... so take all of this with a grain of salt.

TJ

 

[T-Man]

They run on Lionel Plain track. Some don't like switches. The engines bounce over the uncoupler track. Test and learn.

 

[tjcruiser]

Willsarv,

Some more info/dialog re: Marx and Lionel track on this thread:

http://www.modeltrainforum.com/showthread.php?t=3551

TJ

 

[willsarv]

They run on Lionel Plain track. Some don't like switches. The engines bounce over the uncoupler track. Test and learn.

I guess I posted my responses on two threads. Oops.

I checked my Marx engines and about half have the fat wheel. So I am guessing those will be a problem.

Does anyone make track and switches that are Marx compatible? I have a bunch of old track but I would like to get some new stuff to start a new layout.

Or should I just keep my old track for the Marx stuff and start out new with Lionel? Is the new Lionel trains any good? From what I have seen the old Lionel cost more than my truck is worth!

Any opions on the Lionel Fastrack?

Decisions, decisions.