Restoring American Flyer Diesel Engines

[FullerJ]

I acquired a AF 474/475 and 812 at an auction.  I worked on O gauge before but not S.  I don't have a AF transformer - just Lionel (1033).  Wondering if anyone has any tips for testing and repairing an AF engine, speaker unit, etc.

Thanks,

John

[cwburfle]

You don't need an American Flyer transformer. The 1033 will do fine.

[FullerJ]

Great.  Any idea's how to test the speaker?

[stebbycentral]

FullerJ

Great.  Any idea's how to test the speaker?

 

The speaker requires a Flyer Air Chime Whistle sending unit, it won't work off of the Lionel whistle controls.  You can find them on eBay.  These devices are difficult to trouble shoot and even when working the sound will be dissapointing at best.  If you really want to get into it though I would suggest looking for a book called "Gilbert American Flyer S Gauge Operating and Repair Guide"  by Thomas B. Barker.  It goes into Flyer engine service in detail.     

 

[FullerJ]

Too bad there isn't a resource like Olsen's for AF.  They are invaluable as I learn what to do with O gauge.

[irontooth]

I have worked on some of the AF diesels and agree that the AF controller is the most difficult part to repair or find in working order and they all vary in how the diesel horn sounds.

As to the speaker and how to check it.

If the speaker is the paper type metal bottom, carboard sides , paper cone , check to see if the paper cone is whole no tears and is it still glued to the cardboard sides. If it looks good you can check to see if the speaker coil is good. Hook up a multimeter to the speaker wires and see if you have a reading. then the speaker is ok. the capacitor in the circut is the problem they work or not, check with meter. the capacitor is 100 MFD. The ones I have repaired it is capacitor that is usally bad. The speakers are usually good if they are not damaged. Good Luck

Irontooth

[stebbycentral]

FullerJ

Too bad there isn't a resource like Olsen's for AF.  They are invaluable as I learn what to do with O gauge.

 

Of course there is!  Port Lines Hobby Supply is the go-to for all things Flyer. They even have on-line tutorials for common repairs - www.portlines.com

[cwburfle]

In my experience, there are far less resources available for repairing postwar American Flyer trains, including parts. And some of the reproduction parts I've purchased for them were poor (Although reproduction Lionel parts are going down hill too).
My favorite Lionel parts dealer, The Train Tender, carries a limited selection of American Flyer parts, and I buy from Port Lines.
It would be great to have the contact information for any other reliable American Flyer parts dealers.