Early American Flyer/how do you know how old it is?

[jonbearman]

My mother has a train set we would like to get up and running.It is an american flyer with all kinds of switch towers,engine(looks like a steam engine,pullman cars,caboose,bridges,and other cars all marked nyc &nrr or hrr,cant remember. The condition looks like light use at best,lots of track and extra ties?. We did get the transformer out and the plug was made out of porcelin with twisted fabric covered wire. Number one,can it be made to operate safely with the original transformer and if the transformer doesnt work,can it be repaired. The last question is what is this thing worth as I dont want to destroy anything that is this old by running it. Thanks in advance to any of the myriad of questions I have asked.I am new and would like to say Hi to all the forum members.    Jon

[richhotrain]

How about more info and some photos?

What is the cab number on the engine?

Any model number printed on the transformer?

We need more info to help you.

Rich

[Otis B. Drinkwater]

I guess some big questions are:

1)  are the cars plastic or tin?

2) Assuming it is an electric train, as you mentioned the transformer, does it run on 2 rail or 3 rail track?

3) as the previous post asked, what are the engine and car numbers?

Some basic answers to the questions above, if the electric train runs on 3 rail track, it is pre-WWII, if the electric train runs on 2 rail track it is post-WWII.

If the cars are plastic, then it would definitely be post WWII

As for the transformer, if it does not work, throw it away and buy another (there are ample transformers available on ebay, with many sellers guaranteeing their operation).  They are cheap and unless it is a problem with the cord, it is not worth the labor of trying to troubleshoot and repair it.  The transformer, based on the description of the cord, sounds like it is a pre-WWII transformer.  I know that I have operated older transformers and have not generally had problems, just don't forget to unplug them after use.

As far as the value of the set, that is why people are asking for pictures and numbers of the cars/engine.  There are lots of different variations of items out there and the condition can vary significantly.  What one person may judge as good condition could be judged in poor condition by another.  Since the values of items typically depend on rarity and condition, the numbers of the cars/engine and photos of the item are important for others to be able to make an assessment of value.