A Marx Wind-up engine with Radio Control added.

 I'd have to agree with Mr. Meep - it really isn't a case of Marx trains being cheap in the sense of construct.  If you do a side by side comparison of say the lowest price Lionel set from the 1950's and compare it to a Marx train aimed at the same market with a commensurate lower price what catches the eye is the attention Marx paid to making sure the basic aspects of their product such as motors were well built and could take a lot of punishment.

  The proof of their manufacturing philosophy can be seen at almost any train meet - lots of VERY well played with Marx which, with a bit of cleaning, still runs.  For me, the biggest challenge with respect to Marx is finding really nice examples.  As mentioned, these trains were PLAYED with and it shows (the nerve of those darn kids having so much fun with their trains!  )

  For a long time I didn't pay too much attention to Marx.  That changed one day when I passed a dealers table at one of the train meets and saw a brand new Marx litho set from the 1950's...and then the hunt began...

  I've posted this picture on another thread on this forum but it gives you an idea of the visual impact Marx trains had when they were new in the box and just opened on a birthday or Christmas.