Many Marx train collectors are familiar with the Super Chief and Lumar Lines versions
of the torpedo floor train. The Lumar is probably more common although neither is what you would call rare.
Equipped with sparkling friction motors, these toys are certainly well designed and have good play value.
This British example of the torpedo engine IS what you'd call rare. Marketed as the No. 720 Sparkling Coronation Express this is
most likely a prewar toy although the coloring would lead me to believe it's postwar. Manufactured at Swansea should help some of
the British Marx collectors to identify the timing. This would commorate either the Coronation of George VI in 1936 of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
If you are interested in the British Monarchy, the longest lasting monarchy in existance, here's a site for you to check out.
http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/
God save the Queen!
How many Marx collectors are aware of the following Japanese examples of the torpedo engine. This Comet Train Express was produced
by Marusan (San). Interestingly, it is marked Pennsylvania on the boiler front.
This Silver Train version is also from Marusan, Japan
Here's a Steam Train version also from Marusan. Interestingly, the basic lithography on the Steam and Silver Train are identical (color exempted)
even down to the ST logo on the tender.
Here's another example made by Marusan, although the logo just says "SAN". This one must have raised some eyebrows
in the American toy train market by using the name American Flyer! To me this is the most interesting of the Japanese versions
since the engine has a coupler and was sold with a freight consist. I managed to find this boxed set several years ago after
having the engine and two stray cars for a long time.
The say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Apparently this engine style must have seen enormous success. Here's a
little set imported by Cragstan which was made by Wimmer (HWN) in West Germany, which employs the same styling and nearly
identical shape. It makes one wonder whether the Marx tooling was simply sold and moved from one part of the world to another
to another, etc.