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Pre War American Flyer Pictures - An Invitation

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Pre War American Flyer Pictures - An Invitation
Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:27 PM

My current passion in collecting trains is Pre War American Flyer.  I like the looks of Wide Gauge, Narrow Gauge, 3/16 O Gauge, accessories, or anything associated with Flyer.

I'd like to invite other Flyer fans to post pictures of the items they have in their collections or to ask questions.  I am not an expert, but I know that there are folks with a wealth of knowledge and experience that do read and post.  I enjoy seeing what others have gathered, and I never seem to get enough of seeing Flyer.  I run into pictures in a number of threads, but I thought it would be nice to have a thread that was devoted entirely to Flyer pictures.  I haven't found a thread that does this yet.

Let me start it out with an overview of some of the Flyer items I have collected.

I will post pictures of individual items as I take them.  I am just begining to learn how to use my digital camera too, so this will be a great way to practice.

I look forward to your responses.

 Greg

Update on Missing Photos

Edit: 07/06/2021

I have begun the task of trying to restore the missing photos from the thread from my photo archive.  This will be no small task, but what else do I have to do in my retirement. Wink Page 1 is done, only about  65 pages more to do.

mersenne 6 is working on reposting his missing entries and photos as current postings - look at the most recent postings

As many of you have probably noticed most of the photos from the early days of the thread are no longer visible.  I have been in contact with Shutterfly, who is my photo host, and so far they  have not been able to correct the issue.  If you have a specific photo that you would like to see and if it is one of mine I can try to post it again.  I hope that we have not lost all of those early photos from so many of our contributors.

And if this is your first visit to this thread please be aware that none of the Index listings are accurate.  Lots of things change in 13 years.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer 

Greg

 

Edit - 02-05-2011

This thread has grown to 44 pages since the first day that I posted here over three years ago.  I want to thank each person who has contributed or read any of the postings, or who has asked questions.  You will find some interesting stories here, as well as a multitude of photos.  This thread is obviously the work of many contributors.  Mersenne6 has been one of the most helpful in his postings of the photos in his collection and in sharing his knowledge of American Flyer Trains.  The Index was originally compiled by him and covered the first 27 pages.  I have added to his excellent work and brought the index up to date through page 43.  I hope that it helps some folks find what they might be looking for.  The world of American Flyer Pre War trains is fascinating.  I find myself going back and reading posts again and again. I hope that the index helps you enjoy your wanderings.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer - Greg

 

Index

 

Freight Cars 

Box Cars O gauge:

6 1/2 inch litho - pp. 8, Enamel - pp. 176 ½ inch #3015 Box car compared to Lionel #655 & # 605 Box car – pp. 30

9 1/2 inch Litho - pp. 10, Enamel - pp. 16

5 1/2 Morris Reefer - litho - pp. 12

Early box car - pp. 22

Boxcars - general comparison of different manufacturers - pp. 7

Boxcar - Standard Gauge - pp. 17

Caboose - pp. 24  long post - Cars: M1111/1111 Center and offset cupola,  #1114/1117, 1127

3004/3014/3017/232, 3201/3211/411, 536

6 ½ inch # 3017 Caboose compared to Lionel #657 & # 807 – pp. 31

Caboose - additional pictures and discussion #3017 - paint and truck variations, #232, #1127 - pp. 26 

Caboose - #3211, #411 – pp. 29Caboose - #3201 pp. 30Dump Car6 ½ inch  #3009, #3019, #230 – pp. 29

6 ½ inch # 3019  Dump car compared to Lionel #653 & #803 – pp.30

6 ½ inch Lionel #659 Dump car – pp. 319 ½ inch  #3219, #409 – pp. 29  Floodlight/Searchlight6 ½ inch Lionel # 620 Floodlight car – pp. 31

9 ½ inch #3213, #415

Gondola

6 1/2 inch lithoed for - American Flyer, NYC, PRR - orange, PRR - green, CB&Q - pp. 6,  Enamel - #3016 - green and orange pp. 6, 16, 19

9 1/2 inch litho - pp. 10,

9 1/2 Enamel - pp. 10,

     #3207 pp. 38   

5 1/2 inch litho - pp. 7

6 ½ inch #3016 sand car compared to Lionel # 652 gondola

Cattle Car O gauge and Standard - pp. 146 ½ inch Lionel # 656 cattle car – pp. 31

Tank Car

6 1/2 inch litho - pp. 8, Enamel - pp. 86 ½ inch   #3018 tank car compared to Lionel #654 tank car -  pp. 309 1/2 inch litho - pp. 10, Enamel - pp. 10, #3210 – pp. 30

     #3210 – pp. 30,

     #3212, #412 – Bordens Milk Tank Car pp. 38 & 39

 

 

 

Standard Gauge tank  - pp. 10

Crane Cars - two posts - pp. 21

Hopper cars - pp. 22

Log/Machinery/Flat Cars - pp. 24 - Four different posts:  Cars - #241/M241, #1106/1146, #3006/3046, #3206/3216, #406

6 ½ inch #3046  compared to Lionel #651 – pp. 30Operating Cars - 3/16 inch - Hopper, Baggage, Armored Car - pp.21  Wide Gauge Freight CarsChristmas Wish List 1933 – pp. 32     #4010 Tank Car     #4018 Automobile/Box Car     #4020 Stock Car     #4021 Caboose     #4022 Machinery Car    

 

Passenger Cars

Ambassador Cars - pp.22

O gauge passenger cars - series of posts I, II, III - pp.17, 18

O gauge passenger cars - series of posts IV, V pp.20

O gauge passenger cars - last of post series VI - pp.21Pullman #1206  Lightening Bolt – pp.30

Pullman #1306 - pp.19

#1200 passenger car series - pp. 18

#1621 Delux streamlined passenger cars - pp. 20#1641, #1642 Hiawatha streamline passenger cars – pp. 31

Enamel passenger cars

     #3171 Pullman, # 3172 Observation  pp. 41

Wide Gauge Passenger cars Post I, II pp. 15

 

 

Steam Engines

S Gauge

#21004/21005 - pp.26

O Gauge

Series of posts on Cast Iron Superstructure Steam Engines part I -  Engines #1219, #1094- pp. 10

Continuation of the Series parts II, III IV, V - Engines #3195, #3197, #3195X, #3198, #3190, #3180, #1084 - pp. 11part VI - Engine #915 and a summary of the end of cast iron steam - pp. 12

Clockwork engine Greenberg type XVII - pp.12    

     #10 Steamer  pp.39 & 40

Hiawatha - pp. 15, # 1683 Type XIII – pp. 31Royal Blue – repaint – pp. 31

Sheet Metal Steam Engines - pp. 13

Sheet Metal Type XX (2-4-4 and 2-4-0) versions from 1934-40 - pp.7, 14

     Type XXIV - Hiawatha

#614 Sheet Metal Steam engine details - pp. 13#429 Scale 0-6-0 - pp. 15

#420 Die Cast Nickel Trim - 4 posts including pictures of engine, engine in set, and engine as part of delux Erector Set pp. 27

#425 - pp. 20, 1938 - # 425pp. 35#3180 pp.28#3190 pp. 28#3195X - pp.18, 41  #3185 and tender pp.29#3196 and tender pp. 29#3315 -  detailed pictures of consist and locomotive electric motor - pp. 1, pp. 28#3326  -  Christmas Wish List 1932 - pp. 32

#1681 Hudson pp.38

 

#4615 - pp. 19

#4622-6 – Type XV Pacific – pp. 31

General information about O gauge steam engines - pp. 16

 

 

 

Electric Outline Engines O Gauge

Steeple Cabs two long posts - Engines #1201, #1217, #1218, #1218 - Yellow, #1270, #3103, #3110 - pp. 12

Steeple Cab #1270 - pp.13,  #1218 - Yellow - pp.22, 1218 – pp.28, #1310 - pp. 22, 3110 – pp. 28

Steeple Cab 1211 pp. 39

Box Cab #3107 detal photos - pp. 26, 27#3015 – Large Box Cab -  pp. 35# 3020 – Large Box Cab – pp. 35

 

Electric Outline Engines Standard (Wide) Gauge

First set from 1925 - pp. 5

Eagle I, II - pp.12

New Haven style I, II - pp. 12

NYC style - pp. 12

St. Paul style - pp. 13

Presidential Special - pp. 19

4000 - pp. 43

4692 Wide Gauge – Ives Casting – pp. 42

 

Sets O GaugeNo. 2 Freight Set – Christmas Wish List 1938 – pp. 33No. 10 Northern Pacific Freight Set – pp. 33, 36Ambassador - pp.17The Ambassador Set (passenger – Victory Red)  – Christmas Wish List 1930 – pp.32B&O Passenger Train (streamline) 4322-6 Steam engine and green streamlined cars – Christmas Wish List – 1940 – pp. 33

Bluebird litho - pp. 5, enameled - pp. 7

Bluebird set from 1929 - pictures and catalog cuts - pp. 25

Boxcab lithoed passenger set (brown) - pp. 5

The Brigadier Freight Set – Christmas Wish List 1935 – pp. 32

Broadway Limited (passenger) – Christmas Wish List 1927 – pp. 32, 43

Burlington Zephyr – 9900 (streamlined passenger) Christmas Wish List -1934                  – pp. 32, 35

City of Denver set from 1936 - pp.20

Clipper set from 1930: Consist - Engine #3103 red enameled steeple cab, #3103 litho gondola, #3012 litho Box car, litho caboose #3014 - pp. 25

Clockwork Sets: Hummer, Empire Express - pp.14

Clockwork Sets - pp. 15

Clockwork set #16 from1925 - pp.6

Comet from 1935 - pp. 4

Comet (picture of real train set) - pp. 9

Doubleheader - pp. 15, 33

Dual Clockwork train set M20 from 1914  - pp. 10

Explorer Set – pp. 34

Frontenac - enameled boxcab and cars - pp.2

Green Diamond from 1935 - pp. 4

Hiawatha Streamlined Passenger Set – Christmas Wish List 1937 – pp. 33Highlander set from 1933: Consist - Die cast steam engine #3301, green enameled baggage, pullman, and observation brass trim and decal - pp.25Iron Horse Set 1931-1932  - pp. 29

Jeffersonian Set of 1927: Consist - all green enamel and litho: Engine #3015, Illini Cars baggage, pullman, observation - pp.24

M1X Clockwork set from 1915: Engine M1, passenger car #1107 wood sheathed litho pullman - Pennsylvania - pp. 25

Man-O-War passenger set - #3280 passenger cars - pp. 21, 27 Ambassador Cars)The Merchant Set (freight) – Christmas Wish List 1928 – pp. 32Mountain Red Ball Set (Double Header Set) – Christmas Wish List 1939 – pp. 33

New Jeffersonian Set from 1928-1931: Consist - two tone blue enamel: Engine #3115, #3280 club car (baggage), #3281 pullman, #3282 observation - pp.24

Oriental Limited - orange litho box cab electric and cars - pp. 3,5

Oriental Limited set from 1927: Consist - orange litho with red window litho trim - Engine #3012 - pp.26, 43

The Pennsylvania Passenger Set (Low Wide cars) Christmas Wish List 1936 – pp. 32, 34

The Potomac - #3180 passenger car series - pp. 21

The Potomac set of 1928 - tan and green enamel: Consist- Engine #3146, #3180 passenger car series - pp. 25

Prairie State set of 1929 - clockwork - red passenger set - pp. 6

Royal Blue Freight and Passenger sets – Christmas Wish List 1941 – pp. 33, 38

#1301T Sheet metal steam - Consist #617 sheet metal steam engine and freight cars-pp. 7

Steel Mogul - pp. 11

Streamlined Steam sets - pp. 8

Zephyr cast aluminum set of 1934 - pp. 3, 14, 15

Zephyr - tinplate of 1935 - pp. 3, 11

Union Pacific streamlined passenger set  1684 power car, 1631 coach, 1632 observation – pp. 34

#1 Passenger Set of 1938 - Consist #4603 2-4-4 sheet metal steam engine - gunmetal gray with copper trim.  Passenger cars - red enamel #1214 baggage, #1213 pullman (two) and #1217 observation - pp. 25

#2 Freight Set of 1938 - Consist #4603 2-4-4 sheet metal steam engine - gunmetal gray with copper trim, #3019 dump, #3015 box car, #3018 oil car, #3017 caboose - pp. 24

#15 Freight Set of 1918

#1201 Passenger set of 1925: Consist #1218 black enamel steeple cab, #1104 baggage and #1103 passenger cars dark litho green - baggage has GN goat logo and passenger car has "Oriental Limited" above the windows - pp. 25

#1220 set from 1926 - Consist all red enamel and litho: Engine #1218, #1205 baggage, #1306 pullman, #1207 observation - pp. 24

#4002 set from 1940

Uncataloged passenger set - Consist #617 sheet metal steam - unmarked green litho passenger cars with orange enameled roof and gray trucks.  Car numbers are #1226, 1227, 1228 - baggage, pullman, observation respectively - pp. 26

 

Sets – Standard (Wide) Gauge

All-American Limited set from 1926 - Consist - maroon enamel and litho: Engine #4019, #4040 baggage, pullman - American, Observation - Pleasant View - pp. 25

The Brigadier (passenger set) – Christmas Wish List 1931 – pp. 32

The Commander (passenger set) orange enameled 4653, 4141 pullman 4142 Observation

The Hamiltonian set from 1928 - Consist - red enamel: Engine #4687, baggage pullman, observation - pp. 25

The Pathfinder Set – Christmas Wish List 1929 – pp. 32

Presidents Special (Rookie Tan version) – Christmas Wish List 1926  -   pp. 32The

Trail Blazer Set ( freight) – Christmas Wish List 1931- pp. 32 

 

Accessories

S Gauge

#594 Track Gang,  #23780 Gabe,  #785 Coal Tower,  #770 Loader & #734 Op Box car,  #583A Magnetic Crane,  #23796 Saw Mill,  #752 Seaboard Coaler,  #718 Mail Car,  #772 Bubbling Tower,  #23568 Whistling Billboard,  #23791 Cow on Track,  #759 and  #760 Flashers,  #758A Sam the Semaphore Man,  #774 Rotating Beacon,  #766 Animated Station,  #779 Drum Loader,  #755 Talking Station,  #789 Baggage Smasher,  #596 Water Tower,  #771 Stockyard,  #767 Bradford Diner  - pp.1

Hand cars  - pp. 8, 10 

#579 Single die cast street lamp – pp. 36#580 Double die cast street lamp – pp. 36#593 Signal Tower,  #748 Footbridge,  #594 Track Gang,  #793 Union Station,  #769A Water Tower,  #750 Trestle,  #768 Oil Supply Depot - pp. 25#718 Mail pick-up car - pp. 31

 #755 Talking Station – pp.37  with link to video and audio of the station in action

O Gauge 

Block Signal - pp. 15Block Signal #2218 – pp. 34Crossing Gate #2042/4042 – pp. 30Crossing Gate # 2222a, #2222b – pp. 30

Manual Reverse - track clip accessory - pp. 26

Street Lights #2109/2110/2209/2210  - pp.12, 16

Switches - #405/408 - pp.27Triangle Light #2005 - 31

Tunnels - pp. 6

Water Tank - pp. 8Wide GaugeMail Bag set #4122 – pp. 31 

 

Stations

Freight Stations - general comparison with other manufacturers- AF, Bing, Fandor, Hornby - pp. 6

97 Long Base - pictures and variation descriptions - pp. 4

Suburban station #93, #234 - pp. 10  , #93 - pp. 25,  additional #234 - pp. 25

#234 station variations - pp. 25

#235 Large accessory - pp.10

#236 - pp. 11

Watchman Tower - pp. 11,  #92 - pp. 25

American Flyer Prewar Stations - multiple posts I, II, III, IV - pp. 13, 14  Stations described/pictured - #96, #104,  Passenger Platforms - #91, #586,  Freight Sheds - #M93,  #93,  #95,  #97,  #97/98 Long Base, Medium Sized Stations  #97,  #98,  #99,  #101,  #102,  #105,  #107,  #110 

#214 station variations - pp. 14

#90 passenger station - pp.14, 25

#96, #105 additonal pictures - pp. 2ArticlesBackyard Railroad Contest   - pp. 292nd Anniversary – 1936 Catalog Cover – Streamliners – pp. 34 3/16 O gauge3/16 O passenger cars  #496, #497, #521, #524Several entries regarding history and items available – pp. 34

3/16 O gauge

3/16 O passenger cars  #496, #497, #521, #524

Several entries regarding history and items available – pp. 34

 

 

Page 37 contains several excellent entries by Mersenne6 describing the Gilbert 3/16  O gauge line, with pictures and catalog illustrations

Passenger cars pp.38

      521 Club

      524 Pullman

      495 New Haven Pullman

      490 Whistling Baggage

      492 Mail Pick up

      492B  pp.39     

Lionel Flyer Comparison 

9 ½ “ freight cars  - pp. 39-41

American Flyer/Lionel/Ives Transition Cars  -  pp. 42

     20-192 Tank, 191 Cock Car, 20-192 Merchandise, 20-193 Livestock Transportation, 20-194/20-193  sand or gravel, 20-195 Caboose, 194 Hopper, 196 Flatcar 

          

 

 

 

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

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American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

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Posted by choochin3 on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:35 PM

Nice collection you have there!

I only have one prewar Flyer piece,a green 4 wheel gondola.(oops I mean sand car)in O gauge.

I want to get more,but I'm looking for stuff on the cheap.

Guess I'll have to look harder.Big Smile [:D]

 

Carl T.

I'm out Choochin!
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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:54 PM

Greg

As a total American Flyer nut, I'll start with pictures of my accesories

Repro 594 Animated Track Gang

Repro Gabe the lamp lighter 23780

785 Coaler

770 Loader and 734 operating boxcar

583A Electromagnetic crane

23796 Sawmill

752 Seaboard coaler

718 Mail Car

772 Bubbling Tower and 23568 Whistle

23791 Cow on the track

760 & 759 Flashers

758A Sam the Semafore MAn

774 Rotating beacon

766 Animated Station

779 Drum loader

755 Talking Station and 789 Baggage Smasher

596 Water Tower

771 Stockyard

767 Brandford Diner

Layout so far

 

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Posted by 37fleetwood on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:43 PM

I posted them elsewhere but here is my Flyer again! any experts willing feel free to tell me more about my train.

Scott 

 

 

  

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:50 PM
 choochin3 wrote:

Nice collection you have there!

I only have one prewar Flyer piece,a green 4 wheel gondola.(oops I mean sand car)in O gauge.

I want to get more,but I'm looking for stuff on the cheap.

Guess I'll have to look harder.Big Smile [:D]

 

Carl T.

Carl,

I don't know how to tell you this, but this is the way collecting Flyer starts.  One small piece of equipment comes into your posession from family or by a purchase and before you know it, your're hooked!  No one can own just one.

Good luck with your hunting.  I've found that there really is a lot of Flyer out there to be had.  Not as much as Lionel, but then the folks competing for it are smaller in number, except for the pieces that I want that I find on eBay.  It seems like everyone wants those.

Greg

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

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American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:13 AM
 37fleetwood wrote:

I posted them elsewhere but here is my Flyer again! any experts willing feel free to tell me more about my train.

Scott 

 

 

  

Scott,

Thanks for posting your pics here again. From what I can see you have:

3315 2-4-2 cataloged 1932-1935 and again in 1937  this should have a ringing bell in it

3199 tender  (the one behind the engine in the photo) Is the other tender in the background the same?

3025 wrecker (crane) 1936-1938.  It looks like yours might be from '36 or '37

2-3207 sand cars(gondola) 1928-1938  these had a long run in the line

3208 box car 1928-1938  because of the trucks I am guessing its from later in its catalog life,the second one with the black roof is most likely a repainted roof

3216 log car  1930-1938  it originally had 4 wire tie downs that held the wood block in place

3211 caboose 1928-1938  but most likely 1935

3019 dump car 1934-1935   Flyer made a line of freight cars that were 9-1/2 inches long and then a smaller line that is about 6" long.

 

I think I got them all. Nice start to your Flyer collection

Greg

 

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:21 AM

Sturgeon-Phish

Jim,

Who would have guessed that you were the heir to the A.C. Gilbert family properties!  What a nice collection of accessories, and its great to see them on an operating layout.  How long have you been working at collecting?  Most of my S gauge Gilbert production is packed away for now.  Your pictures make me want to go rummaging around in the boxes.

Thanks,

Greg

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

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American Flyer Trains

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Posted by 37fleetwood on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:28 AM

Hi, thanx. the front row was a set that came with the transformer. the back row has misc. cars I have picked up along the way. from what you said I'm guessing that is the way it came. the tender is from the other engine I have. it is very similar except for the reverse unit. the one in the set has an "E" unit the other has a nut on the front of the boiler that you pull out. both engines have the bell. the orange box car has a repainted roof and also has the later couplers. so in your opinion the set looks to be around 1935 give or take a bit? here are a few photos of the other engine:

Scott 

 

 

 

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:41 AM

Scott,

My best guess is that the set in the front is from 1935 or 1937.  I don't have those catalogs yet so I can't look up the set number or what was offered those years.  The engine was offered in 1935 and 1937, and the trucks that are on the set were only used up until 1937.  Maybe someone who has the catalogs can look it up.  Most of the sets had names too.

Greg

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 3:06 AM
 Northwoods Flyer wrote:

Sturgeon-Phish

Jim,

Who would have guessed that you were the heir to the A.C. Gilbert family properties!  What a nice collection of accessories, and its great to see them on an operating layout.  How long have you been working at collecting?  Most of my S gauge Gilbert production is packed away for now.  Your pictures make me want to go rummaging around in the boxes.

Thanks,

Greg

Greg,

I started collecting about 10 years ago.  My addiction started when a friend of mine wanted to build a layout and asked me to build a table for him.  That led to me getting a 300 loco and frieght set set, and I've not looked back! 

Jim

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Posted by envfocus on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 5:42 AM

I'm not a AF nut, but I am a prewar one.  Anyway, here are two pictures I had from an auction a few years ago.  The first is the Potomoc set pulled by a 3116 electric cab.  Great tinplate colors. 

The second is very interesting.  It's a celebration piece made in 1927 and given out to dealers and others to celebrate AF's 20 years of business.

Take Care......RJ (TCA 07-61869)
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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:27 AM

envfocus,

Thanks for the pictures.  I really enjoy the variety of colors that the train manufacturers used in the Pre War era. The Potomac set has great colors, it has been one of my favorites. Flyer made a Wide Gauge train in the same colors named The Pocahontas with 14 inch cars and one set with 19 inch cars.  That is one of the Flying Colonel sets if I remember correctly.  Flyer called the tan color Rookie Tan.

I have only seen pictures of the anniversary clock.  One of my collecting goals is to own one of them some day.

Its nice to see another Wisconsin person.  Stay warm!

Greg

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Posted by fifedog on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:06 AM
Greg, are you in the TCA?  If not, you may want to join.  Lots of members with your special "affliction"...Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]
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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 12:24 PM

fifedog,

Joining TCA has always been one of those things on my "to do" list, but I never seem to get around to it. Wow lots of people with Flyer Pox, scary thought.  I will have to go visit the website.

I have this posted on another thread but it illustrates how colorful Flyer was in their Wide Gauge line.  The second set from the top has the cars from the Pocahontas set I mentioned earlier.  It is actually "The Warrior" set I think.  I will have to check the box lable.

Greg

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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 6:48 PM

I have "forced" myself to stay with AF "S".  I really love the look of the pre-war, and been tempted many times, but I will stay focused.  I will stay focused.  I will stay focused.

JIm

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:42 PM

Jim,

Are you absolutely sure that you can't be tempted by some beauties like this?

I took this photo at Train Fest in Milwaukee in November (edit: this was November of 2007).  This is the largest amount of Standard and Wide Gauge trains that I have seen running in one place.  It was a real inspiration.  The only problem would be to find a place large enough to set something like this up permanently.

I never thought I would be tempted away from  AF "S" either.  But it happens.

Greg

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

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Posted by 37fleetwood on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:14 PM

I would love to find an o gauge electric engine and passenger set. the problem I see is with the wheels. the two engines I have have crumbling wheels.

Scott 

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Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 11:24 PM

Scott,

Crumbling wheels seems to be a very common problem for pre war Flyer. Most of my recent purchases have come from eBay and I have been careful not to purchase something with that kind of a known problem.  Because Flyer was mass produced, there are numerous examples available.  I have never attempted to do any replacement of the wheels, I guess that will be one of those things that I learn to do in retirement. Hopefully the rest of the wheels on my engines won't deteriorate by the time a get around to them.

Greg

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    November 2015
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Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:04 AM
 Northwoods Flyer wrote:

Jim,

Are you absolutely sure that you can't be tempted by some beauties like this?

I took this photo at Train Fest in Milwaukee in November.  This the largest amount of Standard and Wide Gauge trains that I have seen running in one place.  It was a real inspiration.  The only problem would be to find a place large enough to set something like this up permanently.

I never thought I would be tempted away from  AF "S" either.  But it happens.

Greg

I will stay focused 

I will stay focused

I will stay focused

I will stay focused

I will stay focused

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Duluth, Minnesota
  • 1,967 posts
Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:35 AM

Jim,

Somehow I think its a losing battle.  How can you resist? Come to the Pre War side, you know you want to.

Think of the sound of heavy metal wheels beating against metal track.  The rumble of metal cars careening behind a throbbing locomotive.  Or the sound of a bell chiming along as an engine like this pulls a consist of Victory Red passenger cars, shining with brass windows and a warm flickering electric light inside each coach, into a lithographed station.  Now imagine the lights in the room tuned down low and the glow of the engine headlight shinining along the polished track.  The engine rounds a curve and comes directly at you. You are drawn to the light like a moth to the flame.

You will stray in your focus

You will stray in your focus

You will stray in your focus

You will stray in your focus

 Stick out tongue Welcome to the land of Flyer compulsion

Greg

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

of

American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Lancaster, Ca.
  • 102 posts
Posted by 37fleetwood on Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:31 AM

you know I'm tempted by the MTH standard gauge B&O #384 Tin Plate Traditions set even if it is modeled after a Lionel set. it has protosounds 2.0 protosmoke very cool. the best of both worlds.

 

they even offer tin buildings!

Scott 

  • Member since
    November 2015
  • 3,584 posts
Posted by Sturgeon-Phish on Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:59 AM

Soooo tempting, soooooooooo pretty,

No Stay focused!!!!

Maybe just oneBig Smile [:D]  Yea , right

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Duluth, Minnesota
  • 1,967 posts
Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Thursday, January 24, 2008 7:17 AM

37fleetwood

I would love to find an o gauge electric engine and passenger set. the problem I see is with the wheels. the two engines I have have crumbling wheels.

Scott 

 Scott,

Here is a nice little passenger set. It was listed for several years in the Flyer catalogs and was called "The Frontenac".  It actually has one more car, a matching baggage, which I am still looking for.

EDIT:  7/2021     I can't find the original photo to repost here, but when I do I will post it.

Found it!

Jim, stop looking!  Where is your self control.  You do know that every time you look at Pre War you become more susceptible.

Greg

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

of

American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Lancaster, Ca.
  • 102 posts
Posted by 37fleetwood on Thursday, January 24, 2008 8:19 AM

thats exactly what I was thinking about. I'll get one eventually!

Scott 

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Duluth, Minnesota
  • 1,967 posts
Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:12 PM

If you have Pre War Flyer Trains, you really ought to have Flyer and accessories to go with them.  There is a certain charm to the litho and painted buildings.

I have almost as much fun collecting them and their variations as I do the trains themselves.

 Greg

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

of

American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Duluth, Minnesota
  • 1,967 posts
Posted by Northwoods Flyer on Friday, January 25, 2008 6:32 PM

American Flyer produced a wide variety of trackside buildings. You can imagine a small, medium or large community for your passenger trains to stop at.

I can hear the whistle of the 5:52 now!

Greg

The Northwoods Flyer Collection

of

American Flyer Trains

"The Toy For the Boy"

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Western Pennsylvania
  • 687 posts
Posted by prewardude on Friday, January 25, 2008 6:47 PM
 37fleetwood wrote:

you know I'm tempted by the MTH standard gauge B&O #384 Tin Plate Traditions set even if it is modeled after a Lionel set. it has protosounds 2.0 protosmoke very cool. the best of both worlds.

 

they even offer tin buildings!

Scott 

Just as a point of clarification, that is a 400E in the photo, NOT a 384E!

With that out of the way, let me just thank all the contributors to this thread. It has been thoroughly enjoyable seeing all of these great trains and accessories. Great job, guys! Smile [:)]

 - Clint 

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • 1,634 posts
Posted by pbjwilson on Friday, January 25, 2008 7:15 PM

 Some of my Am. Flyer

  • Member since
    January 2004
  • 1,634 posts
Posted by pbjwilson on Friday, January 25, 2008 7:43 PM
 Northwoods Flyer wrote:
 37fleetwood wrote:

I would love to find an o gauge electric engine and passenger set. the problem I see is with the wheels. the two engines I have have crumbling wheels.

Scott 

 Scott,

Here is a nice little passenger set. It was listed for several years in the Flyer catalogs and was called "The Frontenac".  It actually has one more car, a matching baggage, which I am still looking for.

Jim, stop looking!  Where is your self control.  You do know that every time you look at Pre War you become more susceptible.

Greg

I gotta get one of those. The bride and I honeymooned at the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec. Bon Jour!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: Willoughby, Ohio
  • 5,231 posts
Posted by spankybird on Friday, January 25, 2008 7:54 PM

This belongs to one of our Museum members who was giving it a test run at the Museum.

 

I am a person with a very active inner child. This is why my wife loves me so. Willoughby, Ohio - the home of the CP & E RR. OTTS Founder www.spankybird.shutterfly.com 

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