I need help identifying a prewar AF O gauge engine

[dogwood]

Hi,

I need help identifying a prewar AF O guage engine. It is similiar to a 3308 or 3309 or 7715, but there are slight differences when compared to photos I've seen. Here are pictures that I've taken.

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Thanks in advance for any help! Dave

[Northwoods Flyer]

dogwood,

First of all let me say to the forum.  I'll take a stab at your engine.  The engine is known as a Type X Die Cast engine.  It was used for a variety of engine numbers in the years 1932-1933, 1934, and again in 1938-39.   From the looks of the stamped side rods and the abscence of a ringing bell I believe that what you have is an example of the engine cataloged in 1934.  Does it have a remote control reverse?  It comes with a Type V tender in 1934 (The tender with the winged decal is one variation of this tender which was available from 1931-1935.)  The combination of this type of engine and tender was given the catalog number of 3309.  According to Schuweiler the locomotive is numbered 7715 and the tender is 3189.

American Flyer has an odd and confusing way of numbering its locomotives and tenders when they come seperately or as a combination.

The passenger and observation cars that you show are the 3140 series of cars from 1930-32, the baggage was available 1932-33.  The cars appear to have decals on them.  Are these later additions?

This the best that I can do.  Someone else might be able to shed more light on your train.  Do you know anything of its history?

 

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

 

[dogwood]

Thanks ever so much for the quick reply. I purchased this train from a couple who inherited it and were getting rid of stuff, so I don't know the history. Although what you see in the pictures is the only O gauge that was included so I expect that they were all purchased at the same time originally. The engine is unresponsive and the rear wheels have rot, but it looks to be in pretty decent shape otherwise. I mostly collect Lionel Post War, but look forward to getting it running someday.

The engine does appear to have a reversing unit inside the cab, it won't move easily so I haven't forced it.

Those numbers are confusing but  your explanation is very helpful.

By the way, how do I get my photos to appear in my post?

Thanks again, Dave

[Otis B. Drinkwater]

I would guess by the decals on the cars that the set dates to 1933 or 1934 and I would lean toward 1933. 

[dogwood]

I have been lucky enough to come across another prewar engine. This one originally had a ringing bell installed and has 'WO 5091' stamped inside of the cab. Also the tender appears to have been altered to use a link coupler. Are there any currently published reference materials that will help in identification of these O scale pieces? The engine still runs like a top!

Dave