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572ST Tank Flat

The picture above is of a 572ST flatcar for a tank. This car is indisputably a tank flat.

572ST Tank Flat

Now, above is another 572ST tank flat car. It is also, indisputably a tank flat. But, is it also something else?

Tank on Flat

As you can see above, the tank fits on this car correctly.

Tank on Flat Detail


This picture shows a detail of the correct tank on the questionable flat car. Note that this questionable feature has nothing to do with the tank. The tank is not long enough to reach back far enough to touch it in any way. So the question is, why did Marx modify the frame tooling to punch this tab? We all know that Marx, like other manufacturers did not waste money. This tooling change had to have a purpose that was justified, because someone had to pay to make it! I have an answer that some collectors don't want to hear. I present it here because I'm interested in facts, not in affirming preconcieved ideas.

Airplane on Flat

Yes, that's right. I believe this car is an early version, dual purpose flatcar, capable of carrying either the tank or the airplane. Now those collectors that have airplane flat cars (572A) in their collections don't want to hear this. That is understandable since, if I am correct, the number of airplane flat cars in circulation is immediatly doubled, at least. But the evidence is strong that I am correct.
First of all, it explains why airplanes are easier to find than airplane flat cars and it explains why tank flat cars are easier to find than the tanks. It justifies the tooling alteration. Finally, the airplane fits perfectly. Is that just a coincidence?
Below is a detail picture showing how the tab on the back of the airplane fits perfectly into the flat car.

Airplane on Flat Detail

I can't help but wonder, how many collectors have found a Marx military set with this car and an airplane, only to replace the plane with a tank, simply because a book which has several mistakes, fakes and many omissions, claims that this flatcar is for a tank? Have you? I know of one collector, so far, that has found this car in a boxed set with an airplane and no tank. His first thought was to find the "correct tank" for his set. I was able to convince him to leave the contents of the set alone for the present. But, this is a question that begs an answer. If not for the airplane, why the tooling change?
If you have found a set with this car and an airplane, I would love to hear from you. Please email me. marxtin@comcast.net

Airplane on Flat

This is the eight wheel Tank Flatcar which does not have the suspect rear tab. If the purpose of the tab had anything to do with the tank why is it never found on the eight wheel Tank Flatcar?

Since I first presented this theory several years ago several serious Marx collectors have indicated they agree with me. There are still some firmly entrenched holdouts though!
I have a more extensive description of this on The DEFINITIVE Guide to Marx Trains, Joy Line and Six-Inch Tin.