There’s something magical about childhood memories, especially those centered on beloved toys. My grandparents had a Marx train set, once belonging to my uncles, hidden under a bed upstairs. My sisters and I discovered it and, of course, wanted to set it up and play. We’d wait until the evenings, when my grandparents were busy outside with their dairy farm’s chores.
I remember the thrill of setting up the oval of track in the living room. The real excitement, though, came when my sisters and I powered up that engine. We’d push it to its limits, watching as sparks flew and the train flew off the tracks around the curves.
For years, the details of that cherished set remained a mystery to me. It wasn’t until recently, thanks to Classic Toy Trains contributor Eric Beheim, that I was able to pinpoint its identity. Based on my few memories and the timeframe, Eric narrowed it down to a passenger set featured in the 1956 Sears Wish Book. It was a 6-piece set (catalog number 49 N 9624) boasting twin Monon FM diesels, all for the princely sum of $9.69.
It made sense that my grandparents purchased the set from Sears, back when you could order everything from dungarees to farm supplies. My grandfather likely thought this was an important gift at the time; he wasn’t one to make frivolous purchases.
The set included two diesels, two coaches, and an observation car. Sadly, the whereabouts of our family’s set remain unknown. My late uncle was its last known custodian, and my aunt hasn’t been able to locate the set since his passing.
I don’t need the set, though. I have my memories, which bring a smile to my face. Though my grandfather died a long time ago, I’m sure he would smile if he’d known I had played with (and remembered) that set so many years later.
Chasing down ownership of old train sets strikes a chord with me. My older cousins, who we shared a two family home with, had a choice Lionel Post-War setup in the basement. Their younger brother, my cousin and best friend, were not allowed to touch it all! Well, you know we tried not too! Fast forward many years later, my oldest cousin, who had possession of the set though I wasn’t sure, passed away. I was a bit gun shy to ask his daughter of the whereabouts of the set. Within a month, I spot her selling it on Facebook! Hoped on the phone and told her I would be there in minutes. It is now in my hands and awaiting the time to get it running again, as it hasn’t been setup since the late 60’s/early 70’s. A little rough around the edges due to poor storage condition, but all in all nothing that is not fixable – maybe some chips and damage will be kept for old times sake.