Play value was a major concern at Marx. Even in the very low end four-wheel plastic line play value was important. The auto flatcar was one of the pieces Marx used to increase play-ability. The cars on the flats, while cheap, allowed the operator a little something more to play with while the train was running. And, in typical Marx fashion, the flatcars and loads were produced in several variations. This maroon Erie flat, with the yellow and silver Studebakers, is probably the most common.



Here we have a blue Erie flat with a green panel truck and a red Chevrolet. I believe this is from the Hot Shot set.




This Maroon Erie flat with the white lettering is actually somewhat hard to find. The cars are both Chevrolets.




The green Erie flat is the scarcest of the automobile flatcars. I have shown it with two more odd vehicles. The Chevy is an unusual blue/green while the Studebaker is a very dark red.