Let's go back to 1952 when trains were still an important part of American life, and toy trains were a part of the American boys' life. Marx, who had always been a second rated competitor to the 500lb gorilla on the block - Lionel - still maintained an impressive array of engines, rolling stock, and accessories. They did so at a price point whicih was far lower, and therefore more affordable, than the 'L' brand. Their quality was every bit as good and their selection was quite large. So large in fact that this catalog only scratches the surface of their output. Marx called it an 'accessory' catalog and it was understood that it was a TRAIN accessory catalog. Now, here's the interesting part (for me at least). Marx was a huge company - the largest toy company in the world. They made toys of all types: trains, planes, automobiles, playsets, single toys, plastic toys, metal toys, ad infinitum. But, except for the 1975 catalog which featured a full range of products, I have yeat to come acros a Marx published catalog of the '30, '40s, '50s, or '60s which did the same. The only Marx catalogs I KNOW about are toy train catalogs! That alone speaks volumes about the importance of toy trains during that era. However, if anyone out there knows about a Marx published catalog AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC (as opposed to being a trade publication) which features their range of products vs. exclusively toy trains, please let me know. Okay, 'nuff said. let's take a look at the first few pages of the 1952 Marx Accessory Catalog. Enjoy!
