Linemar (Marx Japan) was very prolific with Zig Zag train production. Above is the Choo Choo variation. Linemar examples usually have the lithographed engines which are definitely more charming than the plastics. Linemar box art was also an improvement over the American boxes while the litho on the train itself is not quite as nice. Despite the musical notes on the cars this set does not play music!


While I have no documentation to prove it I am sure this Cocoa Puffs Train was a promotional offering. Probably one of those deals where you had to send in so many box tops from Cocoa Puffs cereal along with 50¢ and one would show up in the mail just about the time you forgot about it. I can say that while the train is neat it would not have warranted eating ANY amount of Cocoa Puffs cereal. That stuff was just nasty. My mom's cooking was bad enough without me having to ruin breakfast too! That last car should have been the barfing car.
Both sets above used the number 8400 which is unlike traditional Marx engine numbers.


This Dodge City Express version was probably made about 1959 - 1960 when there was a renewed interest in westerns. Marx released the Wm Crooks sets about that time and Bonanza was the big hit on television. Speaking of Bonanza, what ever happened to Adam?


Here's another version most likely released in the late fifties - early sixties. This Overland Stage is probably my favorite with the litho'd stage coach, horses, and driver. There is variation of this which has a plastic stage and horses. It is usually found with the horses legs broken. This one is Marx domestic production.