Snap-on Front Couplers for Marx Engines

FauxToys

Hints and Tips
For Marx® Train Operators

Easy Snap-On Front Couplers
For Marx Locomotives

You can push a snowplow, or turn your Marx® steamer into a real switch engine with these easy-to-make wire couplers that snap on and off without altering the locomotive body.

The pattern below is sized to fit the common 898 stamped steel locomotive, but it will also fit, or can be easily modified to fit, any metal or plastic locomotive with wire handrails that come down to the pilot (cowcatcher).

You can make the coupler using the measurements given below, or download and print a pattern to guide you

Front Loco Coupler

Using the Pattern

Click on the Pattern diagram at left.
This will bring up a version in a new window.

Download the image in the window to your computer, and print it out. Measure the scale bar on the print. If it is not 1-inch, or very close to it, enlarge or reduce the print size until it is.

Hard brass wire (available at hobby shops or hardware stores) is easy to work, but is distractingly bright. It can be blackened with Blacken-It, but will eventually develop bright wear spots. Recommended size for brass wire is 1/32" (.030") to 3/64" (.046")

Steel music wire is available from hardware and hobby shops. It is a gunmetal grey in color (and can be darkened with Blacken-It, and is stronger than brass, but is harder to work. Music wire will notch the blades of wire-cutters. If you have a set of wire cutters that is already notched or ruined, you can use it, or you can cut the wire with a file or use a cutoff disk in a motor tool (always wear eye protection when using cutoff disks). File or grind the sharp end smooth. Recommended size for music wire is 1/32" (.030").

Make the coupler from stiff wire.

Using needlenose pliers, bend the wire to match the pattern. Then bend downward near the tip of the coupler, about 45°, and bend sharply downward farther up the coupler at 90° or a bit more.

The eyes of the wire coupler should fit behind and around the locomotive's handrails, where they meet the pilot. If you bend the very ends of the wire slightly upward, the ends cannot scratch the finish on the locomotive pilot. If you wish to protect the pilot completely from rubbing by the coupler, you should cut a piece of black or transparent tape to fit over the top surface of the pilot.

The wire coupler works well with tab and slot couplers. Since it is not permanently mounted, it can rotate upward as it pulls, so the small bend at the end is designed as a "hook" to keep it in the slot of the car's coupler.

You may need to make one or two before you get the hang of it. Bend the wire until the eyes provide a snug fit around the handrails and make sure the coupler does not hang down far enough in front to contact the track and cause a short. You may need to adjust the dimensions to fit your locomotive,

Hop the Fast Freight to other Hints and Tips
Loco Front Couplers   •   Caboose Couplers  • Restoring Sheetmetal Curves
Filling Slots and Holes   •    Metallic Buffing Paste   •   Motortool Tips  •   Limiting Coupler Slide
Painting Tips   •   Tabs    •   Identifying Marx Trains    • The Hints and Tips Page

Take the Express
FauxToys Home • Railroad Wraps • Custom Work
How-To • Layouts and Feature Articles • Links

How to
Order

"Marx" is a registered trademark of Marx Toys, Inc. and Marx Trains.
FauxToys has no connection with either company, except that the owner likes their products.