Pre War American Flyer Pictures - An Invitation

[wrmcclellan]

Congrats Greg! On many fronts!

Sure enjoyed meeting you at York a few years back. Wish we could have spent more time!

I still think you and CTT should figure out how to make this thread a book!

[Northwoods Flyer]

Thanks Dave.

While your Flyer collection may be small I appreciate the creativity that you apply in rescuing tinplate one piece at a time.  I am glad that you have found this thread helpful.  Thanks for being a contributor.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[LL675]

congrats Greg! This is a great thread and has helped me with my small Flyer collection.

[Northwoods Flyer]

Happy Anniversary

 

January 22, 2008  -  January 22, 2020

 

Celebrating

12

 years

of

Pre War American Flyer Pictures

 

Holy Smoke! (a nod to steam engines)

Another year has passed and I find myself once again writing an anniversary greeting. This year has been one of change for me and my family; and at the same time there are some things that have remained constant.

 

Changes: We have a grandson. As the saying goes, if I knew how much fun having grandchildren was I would have had them first! He is being indoctrinated into the love of toy trains. At 11 months he sits on Grandpa’s lap with his hand on the throttle of a transformer. I am grateful for American Flyer’s #12B transformer with its two throttles.  As we run the Carpet Central he gets to move the throttle of lever A while I run the train with lever B.  I retired. After 3 years of planning and counting down the months, my last day of work was the end of August.  My wife followed me into retirement status shortly after. We moved to Duluth Minnesota.  This was a monumental change.  It required finding a dry basement with a livable house above it for a layout and museum/display area. It meant downsizing our possessions (still not completed) and packing up the Northwoods Flyer Collection. This task took far longer than I could have imagined.  You will notice that I did not mention downsizing the collection.  It was never in the plan.  The vast majority of the collection is in 2 different storage locations until we are done with settling in. Because of this move another change occurred.  The BlueBoard Central Division of American Flyer Lines no longer exists.  With a great deal of nostalgia I dismantled it and disposed of some of its components.  The plan for the next layout will be smaller and have dual gauge track so that I can run both Narrow and Wide Gauge trains.

 

Constants:  I am still collecting trains. I have managed to find some items to add to the collection, even though I haven’t had the time to take photographs and post them.  I still read the forums daily.  So if you post photos or ask questions I try to respond in a timely manner.  If you are a regular reader I am sure that you have noticed the gaps between posts.  I hope to be able to change that now that I am retired.  Once I start building the new layout I may post photos here or in a separate thread.  Another constant: Folks continue to read and contribute to this thread. It continues to amaze me the things that folks are finding. And some of the folks who were here at the beginning 12 years ago are still here and active. I continue to learn about American Flyer. I think that this is the most delightful part of this hobby for me as well as being able to build some great friendships. As I have said before I look forward with anticipation each time I check on the thread to see what has been posted and who has made a contribution.  It is a delight too when a new reader joins the conversation or “discovers” American Flyer trains for the first time.

 

I am grateful to Kalmbach Media for another year of providing a place to indulge in The World’s Greatest Hobby. I am grateful to a photo hosting website that has remained free to use during the past 12 years.  There are many folks who have contributed to this thread and helped to make it what it is today – 76 pages of delightful reading, a place to do research, and a meeting spot for like-minded collectors.  I could never give credit to all of them, however I want to acknowledge the contributions of Nation Wide Lines and mersenne6.  Their knowledge and experience and collections far exceed mine. I am most grateful for their friendship and support.

 

So, here we are at 12 years and counting. Now would be a good time to join the conversation, ask a question, or post a photo. Even if your item or set has been posted before I know I always enjoy seeing photos of American Flyer trains and equipment and how folks are enjoying their trains.  I particularly enjoy the stories associated with the trains.  So dig something American Flyer out of one of those boxes under your layout, or take something off the shelf, or take a photo of your layout and share it. Here is looking forward to another fabulous Flyer year.

 

And in keeping with the tradition.  The 12^th anniversary is represented by Flyer’s #12 clockwork engine.

 

 

 

And a doting Grandpa couldn’t resist posting 3 generations of “train guys”.

So lets get started on a new year of fun.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[Northwoods Flyer]

Penny,

The caboose is a good example of how Flyer used the same designs for their freight cars throughout their lines of trains; Wide Gauge, Narrow Gauge 9 1/2 inch and 6 1/2 inch.

I agree that the Wide Gauge Couplers are not the best looking, nor the easiest to use; however I have never had one uncouple while a train is running.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[Penny Trains]

I've always had a soft spot for those cabooses.    The couplers?  Eeeehhh...

[Northwoods Flyer]

JonEddy,

Thanks for posting the photos of your Wide Gauge trains.  You are fortunate to have trains that have been passed down through your family.  And thanks for sharing the stories that accompany them.  I always appreciate when someone has trains restored to their original luster.

Your photos inspired me to go looking for some of my Wide Gauge equipment, and I found it.

Wide Gauge 

4021 Caboose

The 4021 was first cataloged in 1928 and was an American Flyer design. Previous to that time Flyer used a Lionel #17 Standard Gauge caboose body rebranded as #4011 for their freight car line.

Enjoying The World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[JonEddy]

Here are the rest of my cars. All of these were my dad's except the 4010 which I found on eBay. 

[JonEddy]

[JonEddy]

Thank you for the greeting. I will try to post some pics in the next few days. The story behind my dad's trains is a little different than most kids first train stories. My grandpa had my dad when he was 40 years old in 1945. The engines and cars were actually saved by my grandpa from being thrown away by his employer whom had bought them new for his son back in the late 1920's to early 30's. From what I have been told over the years the set(s) originally had the steam engine 4694 and tender, 2 stock cars(4020), a machine car (4022) in orange with green sides, lumber car(4023) with the stenciled AF logo instead of the AF plates and it only has 3 side post on each side instead of the 5 that the 4022 has, 2 sand gondolas(4017) green, 4021 Red Caboose, 4011 yellow and tan caboose. An electric engine #4743 was also with them too but long before he gave me the trains it was smashed really bad in a box that someone carelessly set a much heavier box on top of. I still have the frame and engine parts but the top is gone and the sides are in bad shape. I believe he also had a box car(4008) but it disappeared before I was given the sets along with one of the stock cars. When he gave them too me in 1995 they were in really bad shape and I had them restored professionally while I was stationed in Southern California. Like I said I will try and post pics later in the week.

[Northwoods Flyer]

JonEddy,

to the Forums.  Thanks for the kind words.  I hope you have been enjoying your time on the thread.  I don't know of any specific site that has parts diagrams of Wide Gauge, however if you have some specific questions ask them here and someone will probably be able to answer them.

My reference books are currently packed in boxes.  This will give me a reason to go hunting for them.  If my memeory is correct the 4694 is actually the Wide Gauge steamer that American Flyer got from Ives in the bancruptcy.  What cars did you receive from your dad?  Please do post some photos.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[JonEddy]

Love your collection. I just came across it and have been looking at it for info on American Flyer standard gauge engines and trains.

[JonEddy]

Hello I just recently came across your page and have been trying to read through it about the standard gauge engines and car combos. I have a standard gauge prewar American Flyer steam engine #4694 and several other cars my dad gave me from when he was a kid. I will try and post some pics in the next few days. Do you know of any online resources for illustrated parts breakdown?

[Northwoods Flyer]

We have a 10 month old grandson (our first grandchild) who will be experiencing his first Christmas this year.  If I can find the boxes this is the train that will be circling the Christmas tree.  The Christmas Express.

Its nice to have enough items in the collection to be able to assemble a Christmas train.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[LL675]

Greg if I had that kind of space to start over with my trains and layout, the only time I would be seen was going to or coming from the lumber yard or train shows.

[Penny Trains]

Looks like a great space!  Congrats on the new train room.....er....uh....I mean house! 

[fifedog]

Northwoods - Huge congrats on the new abode.  Future train room looks inviting.  Do the lights first.  Looking forward to your planning and progress.

[Northwoods Flyer]

Greetings Friends,

It has been almost 3 months since the last post to this thread.  I know that there have been loyal readers and probably some new ones during that time.  To all of you who have been reading I say thank you.  In those 3 months we have packed up our possessions, put them in storage, sold the excess, hunted for a train room with an attached house and closed on it yesterday.  One of the most stressful and time consuming activities was packing up the Northwoods Flyer Collection.  I vastly underestimated what I had and how long it would take to pack.  It is currently waiting in storage to inhabit its new home.  The Blueboard Central Division of American Fyer Lines no longer exists.  The new layout will have a new name.  Once we have moved into the new house I can start on the Train Room/Museum and office.

So stay tuned.

What was:

What is:

 

What is to come:   

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

[bearestir]

Here's a picture of a 1464 set:

[Northwoods Flyer]

Thanks bearestir for posting.  I know that someone has posted photos of this set before, but it is worth seeing again. I haven't taken the time to find the original posting here on the thread. I am not sure where I got the photo below but I have it stored in my shutterfly account.

These are from the Toy Train Treasury Vol. 2

I hope to be able to add this set to the collection some day.

Enjoying the Worl's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

Edit:

bearestir,

It appears the postings that I was thinking of were made by you!  I found them back on page 68. Thanks again for posting these.  I have seen one set in person.  Now if I can only find those photos.

[bearestir]

Photos of an Empire Express set - I have the coach but I don't know why I didn't photograph the coach (which is in similar shape to the observation car) when I took the pictures.  (Edited to add:  The set is on my display shelves so I'll take a pic of the Knickerbocker coach.)

[Northwoods Flyer]

American Flyer Station #104

Recently mersenne6 pointed out to me that there was an American Flyer #104 station up for sale on ebay. He identified it as the earliest version of the station.  I located it, put in a bid on it and held my breath.  I was very surprised when I won it for the princely sum of $17.37!

This is what Schuweiler says in the Guide to Wide Gauge about the 96/104 Stations. (page 98)

"In the 3 Million catalog" the 96 Passenger station was offered.  In the 1925 catalog, a lighted version, No. 104 Passenger Station, was offered in addition to the 96.  The mere addition of the light more than doubled the price from $1.15 for the 96 to $2.35 for the 104 in the 1927 catalog.  The 96 unlighted version remained cataloged until 1935.  In 1928 American Flyer named it "Flossmoor"."

Notice the the lithographed identification that says American Flyer Station No 96.

The lithography on the back differs from the lithography on the front.

And the lithograpy on the ends also differs.

 

Thanks for the heads up mersenne. Its nice to have knowlegable friends who can point out variations.  What else can you tell us about this variation?

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

 

 

 

[Northwoods Flyer]

Penny,

Thanks for posting the video.  Its fun to watch, and your work is inspirational.  I think congratulations are appropriate as well.  I don't think anyone else has ever posted a video to the thread.   A tip of the old fedora to you...

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[LL675]

very nice Penny!

[Penny Trains]

I let my 3195 stretch her legs a bit yesterday while my 310 did the honors on the S gauge loop:

She's pulling a flyer 1115 Automobile car, a Dorfan gondola and an Ives 63 gon and 567 caboose (4 wheel version of the 67).

[Northwoods Flyer]

1938  Set No. 10

Northern Pacific Freight

Here is another beauty from 1938. These transition years produced some beautiful blends of production from the Coleman era and the Gilbert era.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[LL675]

beautiful set Greg

[Northwoods Flyer]

Back on Page #72 (08/30/2018) I posted some information on Set No5.  Northwestern Passenger from 1938:

Northwoods Flyer

1938   Set No. 5

Northwestern Passenger

Now that I have the boxes for the set I thought I would post an update with some additional photos.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[Northwoods Flyer]

Accessories

American Flyer #4032 Crossing Gate

version A

For those of you who are familiar with Lionel Standard Gauge you are probably saying to youself  "Hey! That is a Lionel #77 Standard Gauge Crossing Gate"

And you would be right except for one tiny detail.

On the underside of the base there is a small scrap of a paper label.

 

When you take a close look you can see what this really is.

This is Model No. 4032, which is the designation that American Flyer used for this crossing gate when they carried it in their catalog.  Apparently 1926 -1929 Lionel sold these to American Flyer to sell through their catalog.  In the early years there are several examples of Flyer maketing items made by other manufacturers and even competetors.

For being 90+ years old it looks pretty good, and it still works.

Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby

Northwoods Flyer

[strainst]

Northwoods Flyer    The Red Roofed Set (Part 3 Passenger Cars)

The passenger cars have red roofs, the baggage car has a red roof and doors, and the observation car has a red roof and an orange rear and canopy.  The orange roofed cars and red roofed cars both have Type VIII(a) trucks, however the red roofed cars have Type V T-hook (garter belt) couplers instead of the Type VII(b)/(c) couplers.

Baggage Car

Passenger Car 1

Passenger Car 2

and Observation Car

I notice both passenger cars have a pale green area above the windows where “AMERICAN FLYER LINES” is printed.  The other sets shown in these posting do not; the area above the windows have the same background color as the rest of the cars.  Is this unique?

strainst