Originally Posted by: Cocolarue916 
Can anyone tell me ANYTHING about this train? Year made? What it's worth?
The Loco is Märklin model "SET 800", it was first introduced in the 1954 catalogue to replace the earlier nearly identical "SE 800"
It remained in the Märklin program for several years but from 1957 was known as "3011" due to the factory numbering system change.
Below are some images, first from the 1954 catalogue.
It last appeared in the 1961/62 catalogue before being withdrawn but would have been available from many retailers and possibly ex-factory for some time after this.
It was available as a single item, as well as being part of a complete starter-set with coaches and track.
The model was also re-released under different numbers over the years with refinements, different colour schemes etc.
As with most Märklin models, it is based on a real-life Locomotive, the German Class E44. "039" is its series / road number.
It's quite a nice Loco (I have three of them), and is popular among enthusiasts of that era. As others have noted, yours is unfortunately missing the two bogies / trucks at either end.
These are only held on with a screw so they are easily removed and are still available if you wanted to return it to its former glory. Unless they are tucked away in a box or bag somewhere.
It actually looks to be in reasonable condition. If you wanted to keep it, or pass on to another family member you now have some info and can just display it as it is, but if you prefer to find a new home for it, someone will likely make you a fair offer.
Back at the time, it was a moderately priced item. Approximately 2.5 times the cost of the most basic Loco in the Märklin range.
Plus there would have been track, a controller, additional rolling stock etc to make it actually playable. I would suggest he was a very lucky boy when he got it and quite possibly the envy of his friends.
If you could find some historical prices for common commodities (Milk, Butter etc) or even other toys you'd see how it stacked up (hence I used $US catalogue images). Interesting to note that the retail price barely changed in a decade.
Because of the missing parts, and unknown operational state, and being a relatively common model the $ value is not high in the current market. I'm not in the US so would not want to venture a guess but here in NZ, that item would likely sell for around $75, give or take. $US value perhaps a little lower, or maybe higher?, totally depends on the day.
It would be appealing as a restoration project rather than dismantled for parts, but that's without knowing the internal condition.
Hope this helps
Steve
NZ
From 1954 ....
The 1954 complete set
1961/62....
