Can You Control Marx Switches With Lionel Controllers?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ก.พ. 2021
- Episode 63: There are many myths and misconceptions about Marx trains among O Gauge hobbyists, mainly because there is very little documentation regarding Marx products - especially when compared to Lionel Postwar trains.
In this video, I address the misconception that Marx turnouts are incompatible with Lionel switch controllers. As you see in this video, these controllers work perfectly well with Marx turnouts when wired properly.
I also provide a brief overview of Marx turnout wiring with original Marx controllers and other methods.
Enjoy!
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Thanks for your valuable videos Sir. For folks like us who still use the old school equipment and don't have a lot of money, this is so helpful. Definitely subscribed
Thanks! I started doing these videos because I found so many people were confused about these classics and conventional operation in general. I have learned much about other topics (like 3D Printing) on TH-cam, so I thought it only fair to share my knowledge and experiences about trains as well.
On the lionel controll switch , what does the center wire connect to ? Draw a wiring diagram and label , Please ?
The center wire on the controller connects to wherever your closest common (ground) connects - either to the transformer or a ground bus wire on your layout.
Cool information.
Thanks for watching!
I have 1 of those switches. The 5 other are lionel with the green and red bulbs.
I have the later All plastic Marx turn out , Does this apply to them as well?
The remote plastic Marx turnouts are wired in the same manner.
Great informative video. I am glad you posted this video. One small question however. I noticed that the controller you used was an unlighted version. So if one was to use the lighted controller with " RED & GREEN BLUBS" would the bulbs light up correctly? Using incandescent bulbs probably would work ok but a LED replacement bulb might have polarity problems.
I am not sure. The only controllers I have with bulbs are for K-Line turnouts, and their bulbs are dependent on a mechanism within the turnout itself. My guess would be they will not light at all because the controller is only receiving half of the circuit (no HOT), but that's only a guess.
There are variations in wiring turnouts and controllers even within brands where they dont always swap without a mod or two. You didn't give enough info for him or anyone else to say yes. (model/part #s are key)
As mentioned, some use a mechanical shade and one bulb, some stay lit, some go out, some light via hot, some light via common return.
"It can "all" be done" if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and do it. (but a "proper" choice might be easier. what's your priority today, doing or learning ? That kinda choice is half the hobby imo, lol.)
Marx stuff is Fabulous.While I’m a Lionel fan,you have to admire the functionality of Marx stuff.Sometimes I find Lionel stuff more complicated than it needed to be
The only reason your switch controller lacks position lamps is cost.When MPC took over Lionel at the start it was decided to cheapen the product and that was one of the things they did among others .
To be fair, Lionel was already cheapening the product throughout the 1960s as they struggled to stay afloat. (See the 200 series ALCOs for example). Thanks for watching!
I have just gotten a couple old Marx switches that still have an indicator light. They are badly rusted and I have yet to refurbish them, but the wiring information is very helpful. thanks.
Me again, the Marx dummy. I wired as you instructed. Turnout works well, but my control has two indicator bulbs and they both remain on, there by not indicating the turnout precision. Is there any way to correct this without overheating the turnout relay Thank you much.
If it's a lighted controller, it's probably a K-Line or one for a Lionel O22 O Gauge turnout. These are wired differently. The lights will not change without special contacts inside the turnout itself, which Marx turnouts lack.
You can use a multi meter with a continuity tester to see which transformer clip goes to what terminal on the Marx Control Panel. This way you don’t have to drill out the rivets to open it up. Just clean it up, make it look good, and put it to good use!
Excellent tip!
I have 7 Marx switches that do not operate. I have tried direct-connect from 15v side of my transformer and the switches do not move. Only one switch I have does work when I do this test. I have not pulled the bottom off of any as I wanted to be certain that I didn't destroy it before I got some info. Do the Solenoids fail on these or is it likely a wiring problem under the bottom plate? If solenoids do fail is there any where to by replacements? I dug these trains out from storage (it's been 35 years since they have operated) and have a nice oval track running but would like to expand it and I need working switches to make that happen. This is a project I am working on with my 10-year-old grandson who has dropped his screens and what's to play old school with his poppop. Any help or feedback would be appreciated.
Marx solenoids are generally pretty robust, so it's likely a loose wiring issue. If the solenoid IS bad, you're probably better off repalacing the whole turnout as these are pretty cheap and finding an exact fit for the part is a longshot. This video has more info about restoring/repairing the turnouts. I hope it works out for you! th-cam.com/video/GrT-oz3VEG8/w-d-xo.html
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks Thank you for directing me to the other video. Those are the exact Turnouts that I have except I have a red cover on mine, Can you tell me where the wires are supposed to be connected or provide a diagram for this?
Do you have a video on restoring old track or any suggestions that have worked well for you?
@@jsysgrj Benz Trains recommends white vinegar th-cam.com/video/IJs9aRtoOCs/w-d-xo.html
@@ToyTrainTipsAndTricks You are "The Man". That track cleaning video is going to save me hours. Do you have any wiring diagrams for the turnouts?