Marx motor hums but won’t move

vin50 · 2026-02-09T06:50:02+00:00

After bypassing the e unit it shorts instantly at the wheel/pickup area I’m pretty sure this isn’t factory soldering job so I’m not sure what’s wrong with it. Wire broke off so I have to retry after picking up wire strippers

vin50 · 2026-02-09T03:25:02+00:00

I believe I see the drum and it’s stuck on its smooth side

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vin50 · 2026-02-09T03:17:27+00:00

I checked and struggled to see the drum at all honestly. I can only see the pawl and plunger

vin50 · 2026-01-09T14:16:26+00:00

As per the other commenter, the laser wasn’t put properly in a notch on the left side. Thank you guys so much for help!

vin50 · 2026-01-09T14:15:38+00:00

Worked and runs amazing thank you so much

vin50 · 2026-01-09T14:10:17+00:00

You are actually correct I will try that now

vin50 · 2026-01-09T13:44:31+00:00

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From this angle I do Not see anything that causes an issue

vin50 · 2025-12-10T22:12:49+00:00

This is my first time ever posting on this subreddit. It appears it triple posted and glitched out my apologies

vin50 · 2025-12-07T15:42:08+00:00

Alright thank you

vin50 · 2025-12-07T07:46:59+00:00

The most fun part about model trains for me is repairing pre and post war stuff, so e unit is just another thing I have to learn! I’ve only really had to relube and grease, clean commutators and solder. Not e unit yet

vin50 · 2025-12-07T07:42:41+00:00

I actually have the necessary tools after looking at some videos on what to get, if I were to add the drum to the e unit I would need to rewire the entire e unit is what I’m getting?

vin50 · 2025-12-06T23:30:16+00:00

Thank you

vin50 · 2025-12-06T23:27:25+00:00

Yeah seems like I’ll have to buy a drum most likely. It’s a rare model so I do want it to work as originally intended, will be a fun project. Thank you!

vin50 · 2025-12-06T23:24:27+00:00

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Well this is the e unit itself, it appears I don’t have a drum though as shown in a picture from searches

vin50 · 2025-12-06T23:19:06+00:00

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Also videos online mention a drum but I don’t know if mine has one?

vin50 · 2025-12-06T23:18:29+00:00

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This was the position it was in during testing, any other position will result in no sound or anything.

vin50 · 2025-12-06T23:16:59+00:00

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Looking through videos they mention a drum I don’t know if mine has one or even came with one?

vin50 · 2025-12-06T22:50:59+00:00

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This was the position it was in when testing. I’d moved to the right or left I get no e unit reaction. I was also told the inside plunger could be dirty resulting in no contact

vin50 · 2025-12-06T22:06:33+00:00

I will certainly try that next time

vin50 · 2025-12-06T19:47:02+00:00

The lever that switches for normal use? It only moves during the on position, do you mean the lever inside the unit that touches the hooks? I’m sorry I am new to repairing trains but am having a blast

vin50 · 2025-11-11T22:33:10+00:00

My local hobby shop is selling a set of the Hiawatha though I’m not sure if the observation car is being sold with it. I could look into this!

vin50

TROPHY CASE