Ohiocountrygal it has 307 on the side of it
it has 307 on the side of it
Here are the two relevant pages of the 1955 American Flyer catalog. It is the train on the top.
http://www.myflyertrains.org/AF_Catalogs/1955Catalog/AF_1955_catalog_page4.htm
http://www.myflyertrains.org/AF_Catalogs/1955Catalog/AF_1955_catalog_page5.htm
It looks like your boxcar is missing. Your Dad better double time it back to that garbage can before the weekly pickup.
Rich
Alton Junction
This collection is not going to be appearing on Antiques Roadshow. The trains you have were some of the most commonly manufactured. And therefore the least valuable from a collectors standpoint, I am sorry to say.
You asked about values. I consulted one of the standard refrence works for collectors (Doyle's) and these were the average prices that were listed:
The engine is a 4-4-2 "Atlantic", and there were many variations made of this locomotive. Some were quite plain with few accesories, others came with all the bells and whistles. (Sorry about that!) Locomotives are identifed by the engine number on the cab. I can't read the number in the photo, but it appears to be three digits long. Atlantics in this numbering class, range anywhere from $20 to $60 depending upon the specific model number, and the physical condition of the piece. To fetch $60 the model would have to be mint condition.
The Wabash coal hopper appears to be a 940 series; $10 to $20. Again $20 would be mint condition.
The caboose could be any of a dozen variants, but given the fact that it has knuckle couplers and brass handrails on the ends, it's probably a 904 or 934 -series. Low of $10, high of $50. The illuminated ones are more valuable.
The transformer is a common train-set model. You can get one for as little as $5, or $25 for mint condition. Even "mint condition" models should be carefully inspected before use. The type of wire insulation used 50 years ago gets very brittle and develops cracks over time. At the very least you should consider having the line cord replaced before attempting to use it. On the plus side these were very durably built toys. And yours appear to have been properly treated through the years, with little sign of abuse. I would not be surprised if you placed that engine on the track and applied power, it would take right off. With a little cleaning and lubrication you could have yourself a nice little vintage train set. You can't retire on the proceeds though.
I have figured out what is wrong with my brain! On the left side nothing works right, and on the right side there is nothing left!
Mid to late 60's starter set. The engines of this type (300 series 4-4-2 Atlantics) go for an average of 30 bucks and up on Ebay depending on condition and features. Besides engine and car numbers, the most common questions would be: Does it smoke? Metal or plastic boiler on the locomotive? Are all the little steps present on the loco and cars? Are the car bodies warped? Are all the little connecting pins present on the track? Does the transformer work?
But most important of all, do you want to keep it or sell it? If your dad is having fun playing with it, invest a little time and effort in cleaning it up and putting it to good use! Christmas is around the corner and if you celebrate it, under the Christmas tree is one of the best places of all to run a toy train!
Becky
P.S. Please tell me where your dad goes garbage picking, I'd love to join him sometime!
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
Some of the old American Flyer catalogs may feature it.
What is the number on the engine by the engineer's cabin?
ok. thanks for the info. i think this thing works my dad was playing with it like a little kid lol do you have any links to more detailed info on this train set?
It is probably junk, not worth much of anything.
The motors on these old engines can be restored to working order by someone who knows what he is doing by replacing non-working parts which are readily available.
The freight cars are very common American Flyer rolling stock, again not worth much of anything.
That old transformer was one of many produced by A.C. Gilbert back in the 1940s and 1950s. It may or may not work if you plugged it in to a wall outlet. Be careful of electric shocks with that thing.
The track could be cleaned up if you were inclined to keep the train and get it running.
You could always list it in eBay and get a couple of bucks for everything, but since your father found it in the garbage, it has no sentimental value to you.
Don't know what else to tell you.
My dad found this in the trash, can anyone give us any info about it. we dont know anything about model trains. were trying to find any info about it and if it is worth anything? can anyone help what i know is its made by American flyer, its electric has a metal track and there's a date of 1951 on one of the cars. please help. thank you
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