Mersenne,
I know you mentioned the late litho as an un-lighted 96 station and I honestly have never came across one (not that I have been looking). Could you post more details about it? and photos of the inside and outside of the building/base. I am curious to see it.
I have seen very few variations in the late 104 stations, which is why I went to the local auction and bought the green base one (as I knew it was at the auction and previewed it prior to the auction). The orange base and green base are the only variations of this station that I have observed. I also have a very late 104 station in a Gilbert box, with a Gilbert label on the base.
NWL
Between the Flyer catalog cuts and my observations over time I think the plan was to put various shades of green roofs on the #96 stations and maroon or red roofs on the #104. I also think this pattern was adhered to as long as there were ample supplies of both on the assembly line...and when there wasn't they would use whatever color was available. This is why I was asking about the 104 with the green base. If it had been a #96 with the later clapboard litho treatment it would have increased my count of those stations by 100% since I've only seen one other #96 with the later litho sides.
my early 104 with tan base is a slight variation from yours. It has a red roof on it.
Thanks for posting the variations of the early stations. I do have one with a tan base that is an early station. Have not found a nice one with a blue base, but I was aware of that variation.
As for the green base/green roof late version, it does have an interior light and came with a box indicating it was a 104 station with interior light.
Here's two more additions to the unusual 96/104 station base colors
Blue
...and yellow
In addition to the yellow base 104 I have a tan base #96. NWL- Question - is the green base green roof a 104 (internal light) or is it a #96 (no light)?
Nationwidelines The other item that Flyer numbered 92, was the Billboard, cataloged in 1923 and 1924. NWL
The other item that Flyer numbered 92, was the Billboard, cataloged in 1923 and 1924.
I thought I would let someone else take a few guesses. I didn't have a photo to post either. Your 92 billboard is in great shape.
Greenberg lists another item numbered 92. Its a turntable that was made in Germany but sold by American Flyer. Its circa 1910 - 1917. Its also called the M92. I've never seen one but there is a sketch of an example in the book.
Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
The Northwoods Flyer Collection
of
American Flyer Trains
"The Toy For the Boy"
Nationwidelines OK that is a 92 Watchman's Tower. Too lazy to look up when it was cataloged, my guess is 1928-1931, with it becoming the 214 New Lighted Watchman's Tower in 1932, but that is a guess.
OK that is a 92 Watchman's Tower. Too lazy to look up when it was cataloged, my guess is 1928-1931, with it becoming the 214 New Lighted Watchman's Tower in 1932, but that is a guess.
Nationwidelines,
You are right. The bell is on one of my #92 Watchman's Tower.
The #92 was cataloged from 1929 thru 1933.
The #214 was cataloged from 1934 thru 1938. The #214 was illuminated.
Since nobody answered my question,
Here are some variations.
Northwoods, a Question for you (and others). What other accessory was also numbered 92 and what years was it cataloged?
NWL,
Nice auction find. The dark green combination is a very attractive looking piece. I am going to have to start watching for one. That is one variation I don't have....yet.
Trivia Quiz #15
Where will you find this? What is the number of the item where you will find it? Extra credit: What year(s) will you find it in the catalog(s)?
104 Station Variations
Ok another 104 station variation. Specifically, late 104 stations.
This is the most common variation
Note it has a gray base, which is very common.
The 1st variation, which I have previously posted here, has an orange base on top, which has been overpainted at the factory, as evidenced by a gray underside on the base.
Yet another variation came up, this time at a local auction. I picked this station up this morning. It came with its original box. The base is the same color both on the underside and on the top, with only one coat of paint that is somewhat light in places on the bottom.
The green base and roof is most unusual on the 104. I have seen both on variations of the late freight station set, as shown below.
The prototypes I have seen, are a mix of Flyer parts off the line and hand-made components, whether machined or otherwise hand-made. There was no observed cannibalization of Lionel parts on the prototypes I have seen.
A factory employee making/modifying items for his own use, does not mean they are prototypes.
The cars that are offered are certainly modified to use the 6 wheel trucks and have some Lionel parts on at least the searchlight car, but rather poorly modified and not reflective of prototypes, in my opinion.
I may believe a factory employee story, but not any prototypes. The era would of course be the mid thirties.
I'd have to agree with Nationwidelines. I haven't seen the cars in person but from the standpoint of concept/prototype cars that I have seen from other manufacturers they don't make a lot of sense. I would want a clear trail of provenance before considering them to be prototypes.
I have seen those cars in person and I do not put much weight into the story or asking price. They have been for sale at that price for well over a year and are very unlikely to sell for that price.
More oddballs to add to the list:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Group-of-7-American-Flyer-O-Gauge-Experimental-Freight-Cars-Borden-Cannon-etc-/301668416304?hash=item463cd6bb30:g:CT4AAOSwKrhVXj9s
Northwoods Flyer Hint: He appears on one version of this accessory and the Milwaukee Road herald appears on the other version. Enjoying the World's Greatest Hobby Northwoods Flyer
Hint:
He appears on one version of this accessory and the Milwaukee Road herald appears on the other version.
Northwoods guessed it, a flyer bridge, as the other variation does have the Milwaukee Road logo.
Think Accessory!
Nationwidelines tinplatacis On a box, early 1920's. Probably a large one, such as the one for the Illini set Close but no cigar. It is lithographed metal.
tinplatacis On a box, early 1920's. Probably a large one, such as the one for the Illini set
On a box, early 1920's. Probably a large one, such as the one for the Illini set
Close but no cigar. It is lithographed metal.
Service Station sign?
Quiz 14
Where does this guy appear?
Well, I thought that this one might take a little longer to figure out. You are spot on NationWideLines. It is an American Flyer Two Tone Train Whistle.
It is fairly clearly marked
I have only seen two of these, both on eBay. I now own one of them. And fortunately it was still in its original envelope.
Anyone know who bought this set? I am curious, as I almost had it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141948835608?ssPageName=STRK:MEDWX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1435.l2649
Since this one is a fairly obscure item, I will chime in. It appears to be an American Flyer two-tone whistle.
I am not sure of the exact date when these were produced, as I have never seen them in any sort of advertising and they were not marketed as separate sale items to my knowledge. My best guess is they were produced about 1935-1936 and were included with some sets.
I received one with a 1936 Comet streamline set.
Trivia Quiz #13
This is part of the whole and there is a hole in part.
What is it?
OK, the answer to the last clue was my avatar, which is an advertising globe that was sold to the dealers c. 1929-1930 as part of a display. The displays were comprised of a layout and shelving unit for dealers and were featured in the Dealer Catalogs from that era (I don't recall the exact dates off the top of my head).
Sadly, only a few of the globes seem to have survived. I have never heard of or seen an entire display.
Wow.
Did you key into it being from my avatar? ie. staring you in the face?
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