Recently, with the help of the wonderful librarian at the Train Collectors Association, I was able to learn that the "391" engine was produced in several variations between 1938 and 1942. I was also able to determine from information sent to me that my locomotive was probably produced in 1942 (based on its description in Greensburg's Guide to Marx Trains, Vol. 1, E. J. Matzke). Further, I was able to determine that the set Dad bought me might  have been Marx set number 14007. Of the descriptions of the various sets sold with the 391 locomotive, this set comes closest to the description of the set I recollect but, without more information, particularly what transformer was supplied with the set, I cannot be certain it is the correct number. Further, my recollection is that my tank car had bullet ends and that set's tank car is described as having flat ends even though its number and all other marks are identical to the 553 car shown below.

Nevertheless, armed with this information I have begun to reassemble "my first train set". I have inserted pictures of some of the pieces I've been able to acquire. (Click on a picture for its enlarged version.)

Louis Marx 391 Locomotive ca. 1942 This is my original locomotive with clear evidence of the use, misuse and abuse it suffered during my early "electric trains" years.	Duplicate Locomotive I was able to aquire this almost never used duplicate of my first locomotive through eBay. It appears that the boiler may nave been repainted but the remainder of the piece shows signs of very little use.	New York Central Tender I'm not sure this was the same tender that came with my set. I continue to research the matter.
Hopper, Nickel Plate	Refrigerator Car, Colorado & Southern	Tank Car, Santa Fe
Caboose, New York Central	My Transformer This is the original transformer that came with my set. It's a Cat. No. 809; 50 watt transformer with a built in circut breaker and run-stop-run switch for reversing direction.

 There's an interesting anomaly in this set and a number of others produced by Marx in the period. The cars are all "six-inch eight-wheel" cars with one-way automatic couplers. I remember vividly the awe with which I discovered the pivoting trucks and the gloriously complex spring operated, latching couplers. I also remember well Dad's never ending task of replacing the tiny springs that my little hands managed to remove and, in many instances, loose.

I seem to remember that there was an uncoupling track with the set but my recollection on this point is hazy. However, my brother has helped me remember one of the reasons my locomotive is in such terrible condition is that we sometimes raced the trains on the 8'x8' layout and, before I put fences in the corners, there were several instances where the entire train flew from the table to the concrete floor. In fact, a lead weight I installed to make the locomotive heavier in an attempt to keep it on the track is still in the cab. (It can be seen in the window.)