AF #3116 with the Potomac Set

[AFPotomac]

I inherited an American Flyer #3116 with the Potomac cars, they are in pretty good shape.

I recall setting this up at the holidays with my grandfather when I was a child, and it would be really great if I could get it running again.

I have the following:

St. Paul Type Locomotive, AF#3116

Potomac Club Car, AF#3180

Potomac Pullman, AF#3181

Potomac Observation, AF#3182

Dorfan Lines Pennsylvania Coal Car #11201

Dorfan Lines Union Pacific #126432

Dorfan Lines Log Car? (No number)

On the engine, I believe that I am missing an important piece of the puzzle.  It is pretty apparent that I am missing a piece that connects to the outside track.

Also, the wheels on the locomotive are a bit tight, and when I add power directly to the motor, it barely can move the wheels.

Please let me know what I may be able to do to get it running again.

Once I figure out how to insert pictures, I can add them here.

Thanks!

[rtraincollector]

1st to insert pics you need to goto a host site like photbucket www.photobucket.com add your pics there then there is 2 ways the easiest is move your cursor over the pic you want and click on the one that says img the second way is you click on the one that is for direct link then got window looking thing in the bar above here as your making a post and click on it a new window will open insert the link and click insert and then close the box

[Northwoods Flyer]

Hi AFPotomac,

Welcome to the forum. 

I assume this is the set that you are referring to:

You are very fortunate to have a set that you remember you and your grandfather playing with.  I am not sure I understand what you mean about missing a piece that connects to the outside track.  The wheels on the engine connect to the outside rails and there is a pickup in the center of the 3116 on the bottom that rides the center rail.  The wheels and the pickup complete the circuit.  Are you missing a track clip that connects the transformer to the track?

 

As far as the wheels being tight;  it could be that the engine needs to be lubricated, please be sure to do that, it will make the engine run much better.  The other possibility is that the wheels on the engine could be swelling ( a very common occurance with engines of this age).  The wheels can be replaced if this is the problem and the engine will run as good as new.

 

The Dorfan equipment that you mention is much less common than the American Flyer Equipment.  Again, you are fortunate to have inherited some very nice family pieces and memories.  We look forward to seeing your photos.

 

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[AFPotomac]

Yes, Thanks Northwoods Flyer.

That is exactly the set I am referring to.

Here are a few pictures.

I think that the part which is missing is actually the reversing mechanism. 

You may also notice that it is missing the lights at the top. 

I would be interested in getting this fixed, but I am not sure where I can get any parts, or even how to "rig it" myself.  Or even, how much it may cost to get it running again.

I now realize that the Dorfan Lines cars are a bit more rare, they are also not in as good of shape.  

The information on the cars leads me to believe that they were built in the early 20's. 

Most of these cars have their original boxes.  I also have the AF Transformer to power it up. 

Is there a way to tell when the Potomac set was built?  I suspect it was the late 20's, when my great grandfather bought the set for my grandfather.

Thanks!

[AF53]

Very nice set! The 3116 Loco was cataloged in 1928 -29. In 1930 - 31 it was changed to 3109 with a lower profile and other minor changes.

Incidentally your bridge was cataloged between 1928 - 32. As far as I know its pretty rare as I seldom see it for sale, especially in good condition. I was lucky enough to buy one earlier this year. Do you have the abutments for it? Mine do not. These are harder to find.

[AFPotomac]

Yes, I have the abutments. 

Here is a picture of the complete set. 

[Nationwidelines]

Hi,

 

The piece you are missing on the motor is the reverse mechanism trip.  In order to find one you would have to find someone who repairs AF pre-war and has a junker.  The other option is to wire around the reverse mechanism, so that the engine only goes in one direction.   I can also tell by the photos that the wheels on your set are beginning to expand and deteriorate.  Reproduction wheels can be found, as this is a very common issue with Flyer prewar engines.  The replacement headlight holders are similarly available.

 

As, for the repairs, send me an email and we can discuss.  I repair my own engines that have similar issues.

 

NWL

[AFPotomac]

Thanks for the information, 

I spent some time over the holiday break working on the train. 

The biggest problem was that the wheels were tight. The motor wanted to turn, but just did not have enough power.  

I cleaned and lubricated the axles, but it still had trouble turning. 

It turns out that one set of wheels was pinching the frame.  Once I spread them apart a bit, it was pretty smooth, even with the swelling. 

Also, it took me a few tries to figure out how to bypass the reversing mechanism.  I may try to fix that later, but for now, I just got the unit cleaned up and running.  

Here is a video:

watch?feature=playerdetailpage&v=ONpWSquYKZo

[AF53]

AFPotomac - Happy New Year and thanks for the video.

Congrats on getting it running! A very nice family heirloom.

[Northwoods Flyer]

Nice video AFPotomac. 

Thanks for sharing it with us.  I echo AF53's sentiments.  It always warms my heart when someone shares the story of a train that travels through the family. I have many trains in my collection and sometimes I just sit and imagine what the stories are that go along with the engines and cars that I have assembled.  I know they all started out in the factory in Chicago and traveled to different locations across the country.  They must have brought joy to many boys and girls (and I bet mom's and dad's too). I consider it a priviledge to bring them together again after 70 or 80 years, but I do wonder what stories they would tell if they could. 

It's fun to see it running as it was meant to run. I hope this starts you on a collecting phase of the hobby. 

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer