American Flyer Pre-War 565

[Grizzly Adams]

Anyone familiar with this AF Locomotive?  Known problems and/or parts availability.

[AF53]

There are a few of us that have this locomotive. What's your question?

[Grizzly Adams]

Does this locomotive have any known problems in terms of reliability?  Common issue with it?  Are parts available for it?  I bought one of these in non-running condition, basically as something to learn about AF Pre war, and need to establish a base line before I begin tearing it apart!  Any help would be appreciated. :)

GA

[Grizzly Adams]

OK then......I thought someone on this site would have knowledge of these trains...

 

[Firelock76]

Be patient me lad, you have to wait for the right guy to come along and read your questions, everyone on this Forum doesn't know everything about everything.

I don't know anything about AF pre-war or I'd help you myself.  Heck, until a few years ago I didn't know AF did O gauge stuff at all!

[rrlineman]

545 K5 style loco. usual problems are , bad castings, wheels breaking down, worn axle holes on chassis, the usual e-unit problems. missing valve gear and worn armature face. can use some of the S Gauge parts for repairs. missing/broke pilot and trailing trucks.

if drive wheels are bad need to search for junkers with good wheels. E-unit can be swapped unless it is a early sideways one. if armature is bad, send out for a rewind since the brush end shaft is turned down really small. broken link couplers are no problems. worn slide shoes are a pain to replace as is the pickup plate if it is broken. Repro vale gear is UNADVAILABLE. For valve gear,the S Gauge pieces cannot be use due to difference in mfrg and bends. MEW  used to make a lot of stuff for prewar flyer  but the current owners are just doing some wheels for Chicago flyer and concentrating on Lionel prewar cause that is where the money is.

hope this helps.

[rrlineman]

ment to say Alantic style, not K5. but the problems I have listed applies to all the prewar 3/16's O gauge trains

[Grizzly Adams]

Thanks for the very informative response, rrlineman!  I do appreciate it.  

I have managed to get most of the problems worked out and have this one running again.  Fortunately, this one is entirely intact, and the parts seem to be in good serviceable condition.  Very interesting design!  Thanks again for your feedback.