Just wait 'till you get this! Deluxe glossy hard cover edition (the cover itself is illustrated! No jacket to tear or lose) -- Here's every single Marx Civil War playset ever produced shown in color with contents lists, correct boxes,  100’s of full color and factory  photos, authoritative resource.  Every figure group, all the accessory groups, which went with what set.

  • Fantastic, definitive guide to the original Marx vintage playsets! 

  • Instruction sheets, boxes, rare photos from Marx shown. Interviews with Marx designers about the sets and their differences, heavy on collector info from guys who actually opened their sets mint in box, factory fresh. 

  • Concrete knowledge on contents, years of sets, originals. 

  •  ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE - THESE ARE THE ORIGINALS, UPDATED AND FILLED WITH HUNDREDS OF SHARP VIVID COLOR IMAGES - FACTORY PHOTOS - ADS - 2 PAGE SPREADS 

    YEARS OF RESEARCH AND VALUE

    EVERY SET GETS LISTED CONTENTS EXACTLY AS RELEASED – NEVER WONDER AGAIN

  • INCREDIBLE BONUS! Includes chapter on OTHER MAKERS Civil War Toys of the Centennial era also!  

  • See Ideal, MPC, Timmee, many more Civil War toys, cap gun sets, soldiers, figures & boxes.

                                            SHIPS IN 1 DAY OR LESS

Watch the review at: https://youtu.be/aph_8_auy_0

  • Loaded with Full Color photo pages of sets displayed, 

  • 2-page spreads, 

  • original ads, 

  • photos of all the boxes, 

  • In depth contents lists make this a fantastic, authoritative reference guide to Every Marx Civil War Playset 

Check this out! Our Volume 14 

 "Marx Civil War Sets" DVD also available on eBay - See the Free Blue & Gray sets DVD preview at   https://youtu.be/34S_YQlc3gA

  • EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM ATOMIC AND NOWHERE ELSE - ALL THE SETS! ALL THE SET CONTENTS LISTS!
  • ACCEPT NO CHEAP IMMITATIONS
  • EVERY PHOTO - VIVID - SHARP - CLEAR  MANY '2 PAGE SPREADS' BRING THE ACTION TO YOUR ARMCHAIR

Collector vetted for accuracy.
·       Complete Mint-In-Box contents!
·       Profusely illustrated with original vintage ads, factory documents,
·       factory photos, 2 page photo spreads in blazing color, more!
·       Huge plus - a chapter on "other" makers of Civil War toys, concentrating on the Centennial Era: MPC Blues & Grays sets  

PLUS MORE Civil War toys of the Centennial Era (1958-1964) from
  • Multiple Products Corp.   Lido  Ideal  Remco    Giant (those 1" tall plastic figues ) and Many More! 

  • Timmee     Britains Civil War    Marx Warriors of the World 

  • Cap Guns sets too!

  •  ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE - THIS IS THE REAL DEAL, UPDATED AND FILLED WITH HUNDREDS OF SHARP VIVID COLOR IMAGES - FACTORY PHOTOS - ADS - 2 PAGE SPREADS VALIDATED BY HUNDREDS OF COLLECTORS

    YEARS OF RESEARCH AND VALUE

    EVERY SET GETS LISTED CONTENTS EXACTLY AS RELEASED – NEVER WONDER AGAIN

 SEE THE FREE PREVIEW AT:  https://youtu.be/aph_8_auy_0  

Includes these and other sets! No. 4759-60 Battle of the Blue & Gray  / No. 4745-6 Battle of the Blue & Gray / No. 4760 Series 2000 Battle of the Blue & Gray / No. 2645 Battle of the Blue & Gray / No. 5959 / 4758 Centennial Blue & Gray / No. 4763 Giant Battle of the Blue & Gray / No. 4761-2 Battle of the Blue Gray / No. 4766 Battle of the Blue & Gray / No. 4631 / No. 4657 - 8  Blue & Gray  Battleground / No. 4658 Civil War Centennial / No. 4655 Civil War Set / American Heroes Confederates  /   American Heroes Union / No. 6001 (4644) Sears Battle of the Blue & Gray

 “JUST WONDERFUL, THE NEXT BEST THING TO OWNING THE SET ITSELF!” - Alex S. Zachweja Jr. Lebanon, VA

MARX CIVIL WAR: The Exciting full story of Every Marx Blue & Gray Playset and lots more! 

Vintage Marx playsets and other toys of the 1950's & 1960's & 1970's -  by Rusty Kern

(Deluxe Hard cover)

MARX CIVIL WAR: 

 (Hard cover) ISBN  978-1-389-753091

I just wanted to contact you and say how much I appreciate the playset books I purchased.  I purchased your Fort Apache, Civil War and Battleground books.  They are fantastic and have brought up a lot of great memories.  Playsets were one of my favorite toys growing up.  I had several sets - Roy Rogers, Fort Apache, Civil War and Battleground.  Like many of my generation, my mother got rid of all of my playsets while I was gone to college.  I have always wanted to replace them and have collected several sets and soldiers over the years.  But I couldn't remember exactly which playsets I had.

 

Your books provide so much insight into the Marx playsets and will help me identify the sets I had. I can tell a lot of work and effort went into those books.

 

Since I purchased the books through Ebay, my comments were limited to 80 characters.  That wasn't enough which is why I am writing this note.  

 

Take care and thanks a lot.

 

Rich Schaeffer

 I am enjoying your new Battleground book I bought from you. ....I look forward to part 2 of your book. You’ll have to cover the Japanese soldiers, the German vehicles, the German sitting figures, Battleground Europe,Thanks for the great read,  Mike Fredericks

I could fill a book the size of War and Peace with how much I loved your book, the great photos and detailed lists.  I had never really seen a Marine Beachhead set that came alive like your artwork.  Would make a fascinating photo of the four LCVPs heading towards the Vacuform that really does look like an island from a distance. The thing I really loved was getting to see what standing firing Marines would've looked like (wonder why they used Army buckle top boots instead of leggings or late 50s boots?) - James Peter Young

 NEW!! DVD "Marx Civil War" now available too. "Read the Book, See the Movie!" Part of our growing line of professionally produced DVDs on Marx playsets and Vintage toys, this is Volume 14. It is feature-length 1 hr 15 minutes long, has extra and different material from book with new dioramas and all the greatest sets. Comes Shrink-wrapped in full color box w/ deluxe imprinted DVD made from High Definition masters.  

Bonus Chapters include the complete Giant Blue & Gray recording by Marx (vinyl record) - figure groups - more! 

Chapters, bonus chapters, more. Full digital color & stereo, 75 minutes of fun and info from the publishers of Playset Magazine. DVD just $19.95 + shipping

The book and the DVD make a wonderful set. Softcover edition also available, $39.95. 


DID YOU KNOW THERE IS A PLAYSET MAGAZINE ?

Each issue arrives in the mail filled with playsets and toys from the atomic age and beyond with playset centerspread, articles,  photos on playsets, vintage toys, and entertainment. Its definitive, updated trustworthy information written and photographed by the world’s best authorities. Toy classifieds, big ads from the best vendors in the world, plus available DVDs, books and back issues or subscriptions. Thanks for visiting and best hunting! 

“A Triumph – an absolute triumph” M. Choquette, Castles Knights and Vikings, Aug. 10th 2025

“Spectacular!” – Dave Mahoney, Lake Geneva  June 8 2025

 

“Castles, Knights & Vikings  book has arrived! THANK YOU both so much!!! This book is just packed full of Information & Photos, AWESOME – EXCELLENT – GREAT  JOB! Again Thank You so much!     Best Regards, GKroll May 28 2025

 

Rick Mellon May 23, 2025

Book has arrived and it's Outstanding ... Great Job !!!

 

Stephen Moyano – April 12, 2025

The books arrived in perfect condition and they are stupendous!  

 

 

Gary McManus April 11 2025

I have purchased a number of the playset books recently. As I continue to read through them, I am more and more appreciative of your "set-ups" and photography. I am not so much a collector as I am a hoarder. I have kept most of the Marx playsets that survived my childhood (and I had great ones). Now retired, I have been and am putting them on display here at the house. Your books let me know what I received, what I have, and when I got them—all information that is important to me.

My inner seven year old is delighted. Many thanks.  Peace, Gary McManus

 

 

CASTLES KNIGHTS & VIKINGS

3-21-25 Eric Koopmeiners

DUDE!! This book is a masterpiece.....amazing pics....killer displays on battle boards!  

An Amazing Job!

 

An amazing job! Thanks again, -- Matt Cally      “Calypsocoral” ebay buyer

 

Can’t wait to see the new book. All your others have provided me so with much info over the years. They are an indispensable reference tool for the collector. You do a great job for this hobby.  Best regards, Jamie Delson Jan 30th 2025

 

“I am blown away” – Clark Haberman aka Billy Hill re “Castles” Jan 26, 2025

 

"What a fantastic treasure trove of playset info, display and artistry... I am truly blown away... Many, many thanks"

May 20, 2025

Thank you! There are so many great playsets and I cannot afford and/or do not have room for them.  If I cannot own them, at least I can get a GREAT book about them.

So I am delighted to see another GREAT book from you!

I hope you are doing OK and things are going OK.

 

Best, Rick Kelsey

 

Have finished reading both volumes of the Louis Marx story for the 2nd time!  I'm very pleased with the experience!

Thanks for taking the time, effort and expense to publish these books (along with Playset Magazine). -Jeff Smith, Omaha

 

7/6/2011 11

I just finished Volume II of your wonderful book and I had to sit down and tell you how much I enjoyed reading them both. Since becoming a playset collector after 10 years of collecting toy trains in the mid 1990's, I had always heard bits and pieces of the Louis Marx and Company story and of its demise to Quaker Oats but your definitive work of what really happened from beginning to end was truly facinating.

"Just received, and watched the Civil War video. Amazing. I don't know how you continue to do it all - the mag, the vids, the research, but we are fortunate to have you, and the entire staff at Atomic productions, at the helm of our hobby. Kudos And thanks!" - Don Faruolo, Somewhere in Jersey....

 "The NEW Civil War sets DVD arrived today . It is AWESOME - my definite favorite right after the Western (Custer) sets DVD !!!  Actually my wife Carol purchased this as a gift & it will be saved for either my birthday or Christmas as I always like her to buy something SPECIAL  as a gift ( we've been doing this for most of our 45 years together) and the Civil War DVD certainly meets the criteria. I'll be anticipating it just like I did the Marx playsets !!! I got to preview it as we always make sure all DVD's we purchase work so there are no disappointments on the big day !!  All the Best- Rich  P.S. I don't know if you'll ever be able to top this DVD !!!!PS -  I love your business card - it looks like a scene from a John Ford movie !!! - Rich Fisher

"I have watched your new Marx Blue and Gray Sets DVD, countless times
this past weekend. It is sensational! Thank you so much for making this
DVD!" Sincerely,
John M. Guarneri, Sr.

 I think your newest Atomic Home Video on the Marx Civil War sets is absolutely terrific--wonderful production values and, of course, great commentary on wonderful sets.  I really enjoyed (and envied!) the George Kroll collection and display; thank you for including it. The only problem I have is deciding which of your videos is my favorite. Best wishes, Hal, Utah

 ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE - THESE ARE THE ORIGINALS, UPDATED AND FILLED WITH HUNDREDS OF SHARP VIVID COLOR IMAGES - FACTORY PHOTOS - ADS - 2 PAGE SPREADS 

YEARS OF RESEARCH AND VALUE

EVERY SET GETS LISTED CONTENTS EXACTLY AS RELEASED – NEVER WONDER AGAIN

 WE ARE GRATIFIED BY WHAT YOUR MANY FRIENDS ARE SAYING ABOUT ALL OUR 12 BOOKS:

 

“A Triumph – an absolute triumph” M. Choquette, Castles Knights and Vikings, Aug. 10th 2025

“Spectacular!” – Dave Mahoney, Lake Geneva  June 8 2025

 

“Castles, Knights & Vikings  book has arrived! THANK YOU both so much!!! This book is just packed full of Information & Photos, AWESOME – EXCELLENT – GREAT  JOB! Again Thank You so much!     Best Regards, GKroll May 28 2025

 

Rick Mellon May 23, 2025

Book has arrived and it's Outstanding ... Great Job !!!

 

Stephen Moyano – April 12, 2025

The books arrived in perfect condition and they are stupendous!  

 

I have purchased a number of the playset books recently. As I continue to read through them, I am more and more appreciative of your "set-ups" and photography. I am not so much a collector as I am a hoarder. I have kept most of the Marx playsets that survived my childhood (and I had great ones). Now retired, I have been and am putting them on display here at the house. Your books let me know what I received, what I have, and when I got them—all information that is important to me.

My inner seven year old is delighted. Many thanks.  Peace, Gary McManus 

DUDE!! This book is a masterpiece.....amazing pics....killer displays on battle boards!  

An Amazing Job! April 11 2025

 

An amazing job! Thanks again -- Matt Cally   

 

Can’t wait to see the new book. All your others have provided me so with much info over the years. They are an indispensable reference tool for the collector. You do a great job for this hobby.  Best regards, Jamie Delson Jan 30th 2025

 “I am blown away” – Clark Haberman aka Billy Hill re “Castles” Jan 26, 2025

 "What a fantastic treasure trove of playset info, display and artistry... I am truly blown away... Many, many thanks

 

Thank you! There are so many great playsets and I cannot afford and/or do not have room for them.  If I cannot own them, at least I can get a GREAT book about them.So I am delighted to see another GREAT book from you! Best, Rick Kelsey

Have finished reading both volumes of the Louis Marx story for the 2nd time!  I'm very pleased with the experience! Thanks for taking the time, effort and expense to publish these books (along with Playset Magazine). -Jeff Smith, Omaha

I just finished Volume II of your wonderful book and I had to sit down and tell you how much I enjoyed reading them both. Since becoming a playset collector after 10 years of collecting toy trains in the mid 1990's, I had always heard bits and pieces of the Louis Marx and Company story and of its demise to Quaker Oats but your definitive work of what really happened from beginning to end was truly facinating.

You thanked all the Marx Men at the end of the book for their work and dedication to producing the toys of our youth but in this email I would like to thank you for bringing the story and history of Louis Marx alive in these pages. These books are a must read for any toy playset collector and these two volumes occupy a valued place in my toy library of reference books, right next to PLAYSET MAGAZINE. - 
Dan Palaschak

 I received my copy of Vol. 1 of Marx: Toy Kings. In two nights I read it cover to cover, not being able to put it down. Having read every issue of PFPC and PM many times, I thought I was already well-informed , but I was astounded at how much new information was revealed. A truly outstanding book. I salute you on a fantastic effort on every level. Having watched the TV program Mad Men, I could not help but think of the show when reading about the Marx office at work. Not a totally similar situation, but enough to recall a common era. More to the point, the book was excellent, and I can't wait to read the next volume. Regards, JOHN TITONE, Burlington NJ

 Received  the order yesterday. Everything was packed so nicely and arrived in great shape! Love what you and Kathy do. Thanks so much!  Tom Howard

I just want to thank you for the exceptional job you did packing and shipping my order!  It finally arrived today, yes, today. You shipped it incredibly prompt and fast all the way back on November 4; but this is what I meant about our USPS delivery being terrible. In this case, the package was routed way off course from the usual postal deliveries we get out of the St Paul/Minneapolis shipping hub.

So with all this time in transit, I was a little worried about how well it was packed. But when I saw the amazing job you did in packing my order, I can see that the postal service was the only thing for me to be concerned about. Because you did a fantastic job, solidly packing my order and even adding layering to ensure the contents were stable inside the box - magnificent! 

And beyond that, it was all those little touches. . . from the handwritten note - to the wrapping of the books with crepe paper and little stickers, delightful touches  little touches   which made even mundane things, like opening the box, something that brought a smile to our faces. 

Well, rest assured I will be checking in very soon with another order. Because, not only are your books and DVDs amazing in their own right, but the care and creativity in your shipping made this a true pleasure in doing business with you!  - All Best!   Anthony

I just wanted to contact you and say how much I appreciate the playset books I purchased.  I purchased your Fort Apache, Civil War and Battleground books.  They are fantastic and have brought up a lot of great memories.  Playsets were one of my favorite toys growing up.  I had several sets - Roy Rogers, Fort Apache, Civil War and Battleground.  Like many of my generation, my mother got rid of all of my playsets while I was gone to college.  I have always wanted to replace them and have collected several sets and soldiers over the years.  But I couldn't remember exactly which playsets I had.

Your books provide so much insight into the Marx playsets and will help me identify the sets I had. I can tell a lot of work and effort went into those books. – Thanks!

Since I purchased the books through Ebay, my comments were limited to 80 characters.  That wasn't enough which is why I am writing this note. Take care and thanks a lot. Rich Schaeffer

 I am enjoying your new Battleground book I bought from you..  I look forward to part 2 of your book! Great Read M. Fredericks

I could fill a book the size of War and Peace with how much I loved your book, the great photos and detailed lists.  I had never really seen a Marine Beachhead set that came alive like your artwork.  Would make a fascinating photo of the four LCVPs heading towards the Vacuform that really does look like an island from a distance. The thing I really loved was getting to see what standing firing Marines would've looked like (wonder why they used Army buckle top boots instead of leggings or late 50s boots?) - James Peter Young

 Received it fine today. Your books, DVDs and magazines have really put a professional touch on our hobby. Thanks very much. Kerry

 I received my Battleground and Combat sets book - I can only say it is absolutely wondrous! You guys are amazing! The hobby is goin' strong because of all your work and efforts. We all truly appreciate it! And also, thank you Kathy for sending another copy to replace my AWOL book. You guys are the best! - Terry Isbell 

The new book is over the top packed with so much information that it is still unbelievable, You have truly out done yourselves.  - Dan McLean (Toymiester) sends.

You've outdone yourself- the book is spectacular! Also please let Rick know that I was very impressed with all his contributions- truly a labor of love.-        Jim McGough

I have all of your books, but this one is by far the BEST ONE you have done.  The information and the photo are great, and the subject has now been covered perfectly.  This is my main interest in Marx collecting, so I must say, that this book is a must have for anyone interested in the WWII era of Marx playsets. Congratulations on a supreme effort on your part for finally putting all this in a well documented and highly informative book - Ron Angleton 

I’ve been a serious collector of original Civil War artifacts for over 45 years, and have learned how to tell good relics from items that were repaired or reproduced. Although the monetary stakes are lower in playset collecting, the authentication challenge is just as daunting.  Your books and videos have been invaluable in verifying the claims of the eBay sellers on the three playsets that I have acquired to date. I plan to subscribe to your magazine so I can learn the good dealers, as well! Mike

 

EBay asked me for a review of your Fort Apache book.  I sent them the following 5-star rating: Rusty and Kathy Kern have produced an outstanding reference that all collectors of playsets, and all Baby Boomers, will want to buy and study!  Lavishly illustrated with color photos of the many varieties of the Marx Fort Apache playset, the book also includes copies of vintage advertisements and descriptions in the Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs. The book catalogs all known variations, noting when changes were first introduced in the figures depicting Cavalry defenders and Native American attackers, as well as the building, stockade, block houses and accessories. Of particular value, the book includes an inventory of the contents of mint playsets and even the original Marx parts lists. This information is particularly important to those shopping to buy a playset, because unscrupulous eBay sellers routinely try to "complete" the playsets they acquire in estate and garage sales by adding components that do not belong, in a misguided effort to enhance their sales prospect. But a reader of the Kern Fort Apache book will be appropriately warned about details to watch for.  For example, a crooked horseshoe on the front door of a lithographed Fort Apache cabin indicates the metal building was produced in 1960 and later; it is an incorrect replacement for a missing cabin in a 1952-59 playset. Reading the Kern Marx Fort Apache book is necessary preparation for forays into this danger-laden market place. Your fan, Mike