Allow me to introduce myself...

[Andrew Falconer]

Have someone take digital photos of the American Flyer train sets in great light. Then upload those photos to a computer, to be uploaded to a photo posting or hosting website. From that website there will be a link that can be used to post images here on the forum. We can see the problem of the missing parts. You can also take a photo to make an avatar image.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Welcome WabashCB!  When I was much younger I used to ride the Wabash home from college for the outstanding price of $5.00.  

[LL675]

welcome! sounds like you have some great trains. My Lionel Lines 675 was the first steamer i bought myself after Dad passed his trains to me.

[wmwalker]

Welcome aboard WabashCB. You have found a great place to be. Great people here and can help you with answers to your questions. 

[cheapclassics]

Good evening all,

Welcome WabashCB.  I like the moniker as I have a 1970 Lionel Wabash Cannonball set, which ironically features a Nickel Plate steamer and caboose.  There are a lot of good people here and they are more than willing to answer any questions you might have.   Drop by the Coffeepot as well.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

[ChiefEagles]

As 8N said it. 

[8ntruck]

Welcome. There is a good bunch of folks here on the forum. Don't be a stranger.

[rtraincollector]

Welcome I just recently bought ( piece by piece mind you) my first set that was a hand me down also but it had missing parts which my remake has all the parts. My set is the lionel super O B&M set number 2571 You will find out a lot has changed since you left the hobby. I personally have post war and modern ( most of my modern has the TMCC system in it)

Again welcome to the forum and come join us in the coffee pot.

[Penny Trains]

Aboard!

Becky

[RockIsland52]

Welcome to the forum Wabash CB.........jump in, the water is fine!!!  You have a good start in my opinion.  I have the same AA Alcos as your Erie, except one AA pair is the 2031 Rock Island (1952) and the other the Union Pacific 2023 50th Anniversary (1950).  I think Lionel released the Erie Alco engines in 1953. 

I think you are on the right track with bringing your collection back into operating condition.......what many of us did after a hiatus from the hobby.  If you have not already done so, you may want to look up www.postwarlionel.com for some interesting background information on your pieces as well as others from the Postwar genre.

Again, Wabash, welcome to the forum!

Jack

[Hudson#685]

Hey Wabash CB, Welcome to the Forum. I go by Hudson 685, after my first engine that I got for Christmas, 1953 and I still have. Most guys refer to me as Hudson John. I am mostly into Post War Lionel but I also have Midern Lionel, MTH, K line, Atlas O, RMT and Williams. Stop by the Coffee Pot to say Hi. A lot of characters there. John

[Demay]

Hi WabashCB,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for the introduction.  It appears you are entering back in to the hobby after some time off.  You'll find plenty of information here.  I am a fan of passenger trains as well and I have decided to focus my collecting efforts on items from PRR, Reading, and Lehigh Valley.

Joe

[WabashCB]

Howdy, my handle here is Wabash CB, (Wabash Cannonball) it was my favorite 78 RPM record my Grandparents had when I was a little boy. When I was about 4, I received a hand me down Postwar Lionel Alco AA Erie train set, which has survived in remarkable condition, I took good care of it, I recently got it out, at least the transformer and locos, and they will go to a fellow named "Electric Norman" in Reedsport Oregon, just up the coast from me for cleaning, inspection, a new cord, and general check up. With this set I received the operating milk car, operating cattle car, operating side dump gondola, illuminated caboose, tank car and flat car with the orange wire reels. It also has the metal tunnel, a station and the control tower with the man who runs down the stairs. Also the crossing sign with wig wag. I recently purchased a postwar 224 steamer, completely refurbished, and am in the process of getting a 2466 WX tender for it to match, which will be marked WABASH, and am waiting for delivery of my Williams 60' Wabash Bluebird passenger car set. I plan on getting Tomar's Bluebird Cannonball drum head for it as well. A few years ago we had my Dad's Prewar American Flyer 545 loco, tender, and two passenger cars (494 and 495) restored by Steve Latta in San Diego. It is missing the left side eccentric link. (help?) I like all types of trains, but if I have to have a favorite, it is passenger trains. Or mayber log trains...