Wow! Me also! I would like to get one of the early Atlantics that is all die cast metal. There are many variations on theK-5, and one of the streamlined steamers as well.
After all these years, I have a new appreciation for their trains. Not too damaging to the pocketbook, either.....
Paul
They're beauties alright! I could also go for a stable full of Reading style atlantics! And red and green New Haven passenger sets....and....
Same me, different spelling!
So, this 312 is definitely a '47. My other 312 I'm guessing is a ' 48, near as I can tell. It is identical to the 312 ac of ' 49 to '51, but doesn't say " ac". No date stamp inside, however. I could easily see me collecting these K-5's. A few other things I'd like to get;
the GP7, the 0-8-0 switcher, and a chrome plated PA.
little by little......
Swiss-Colorado-Lines Old Charlie stole the handle and the train it won't stop oh no way to slow down -- Jethro Tull bought my first Marx wind up....https://locomotivebreath.Shutterfly.com/
Old Charlie stole the handle
and the train it won't stop
oh no way to slow down
-- Jethro Tull
bought my first Marx wind up....https://locomotivebreath.Shutterfly.com/
Incidentally, the 326 is a large motor version. Plenty of " get up and go" !
I have more trains and tracks, just trying to let them shine. Get them out of their boxes. I had a great time with Tyco trains in my early years. The Gp20 was the backbone of my operation on layout #2. It was a surprisingly smooth runner.My train room is like a model train museum!
Decisions decisions. Makes the hobby more fun doesn't it!
I have 2 Tyco Sant Fe GP20's, a shark nose, a Santa Fe Warbonnet and train, a Varney die cast sw7 switcher, and some Athearn rubber band drive( Hi-F). This loop would be for these, and separate from the main HO tracks which run brass and the better stuff. So, early and vintage low end stuff, but fascinating in it's own way. Just for historical sense....
Still contemplating.....
I want to add another Flyer S gauge loop. This will be 3 Flyer loops, and 3 0 gauge loops in the train room. But, I'm thinking.....
I've got a boat load of H0 AtlasSnap Track, and a very nice collection of Tyco train cars and a few engines. The question is, can I Also fit a Tyco loop? I'm sure there must be a way. I need to think on this some more........
Time to rotate engines, so as to not wear out my favorites. Been running the 312ac more than any, as it is my favorite, and best runner. I'll let it rest for awhile. The 290 and 282 are freshly serviced, and more than capable for the job at hand.....
the 290 is a speed demon, the 282 is a great smoker. It's their time to shine......
I've been measuring, and a new track to run American Flyer 30 inches above the Lionel loop seems to be the idea that is starting to stick. It would be an 8' by 8' square. This would leave the existing layout just as it is, and not cast too many shadows on my layout. I think it would also have a " wow factor" to it.
Back in the saddle again....
The new 312 is really running well now! 1/2 or 2/3 on the throttle is more than fast enough! What a sweet engine! An issue is developing with the 290: the electrical pickup wipers on the tender wheels. My next project.
As an observation, the Flyer engines are definitely much more difficult to fix than the Lionel. Although the motors are virtually identical in design, it's all the wiring and connections from the tender that require a much higher skill level. Many possibilities for a broken wire, or bad connection.
But, all the sweeter when it's running properly again!
Having a vintage train experience!!
This is exciting!
Here's an update on my Flyer 312 SIT:
the transformer works, green light comes on. When I turn the handle, the engine headlight comes on, but just buzzes. Needs a complete service!
Started with the SIT, bellows ok, cleaned and serviced smoke motor, it is still sluggish, need to keep at it to wake it up. Looks like Somebody put Lionel smoke pellets in the smoke unit.May need to clean it all out and rebuild it.
Haven't opened the engine up yet, but I can see from the bottom that the brushes are completely worn down to almost nothing. Don't know about the reverse unit yet, but I'm expecting a full rebuild.
The best thing about this train is there is no rust, and everything is complete, not missing anything. So, a great candidate to restore to operation.
Trying to find room for another loop of track in my congested train room is the next big challenge!
Hi Ellie,
this train is Tomix, which I believe is part of Tomy. It is a common N scale brand in Japan, not seen as much in the US. I bought it at the RomanceCar Museum in Ebina.It was 20% off for New Year's!
If you're not familiar with the RomanceCar:
it is an upgraded service on the Odakyu lines. Extra fare, reserved seating, limited stops. It blows through intermediate stations at speed without slowing down! Plush seats. Many of the models over the years have a bubble on top that the driver sits in. Some models in recent years went back to a conventional configuration, but the new GSE went back to the driver on top. It is possible for passengers to reserve the end seats at the front or rear.
What brand? Kato are very well known for their quality and smooth running drives, but I know Tomytec makes a lot of N scale stuff.I have a c. 1950s-1960s Japanese O gauge locomotive I need to get back to working on some time... it needs a full restoration unfortunately, but the price wasn't too bad. I also have some cars for it that need work.(auction picture)The reason it needs restoring is that there are parts that need to be soldered back to the body... which means heating the metal to the point that the paint starts burning. Have to make a few parts from sheet brass.I'm always a fan of electric multiple units, especially those of the former New Haven, but I find japanese electric trainsets are very cool too!-Ellie
Snow on the conifers will do that to you!
Thank you! My wife says these trees look like Christmas trees... so, every time I look at this scene.......
Having toy trains does it for me no matter what time of year it is! But a Hudson in the snow is always cool!
The S.P. Look in the days of steam was quite beautiful! They had shiny black steamers with a silvered face, and red highlights. Many from Baldwin, the Daylights from Lima.
I went to Railfair '91, and chased 2472 from South San Francisco to Niles junction. I have a photo of 2472 at Niles Junction around here somewhere.....At Railfair also was 4449. Went up into the cab, and there was an S.P. Herald emblazoned on the cab floor! In a similar vain, I got a cab ride on S.P. Diesels working L.A. harbor around 1987. There were S.P. Heralds embossed into the seat cushions in the cab!
Just a little piece of trivia....
Looks great! I gave an MTH Santa Fe 2-6-0 the SP look after watching a video about 2472.
Thank you! Those are my 2 favorite Flyer engines: the 326 Hudson and the 312. Really love the smoke effect on the Flyer steamers. I wanted to share these because I felt they were better pictures than what was shown previously.
That Flyer Hudson sure makes you stop and take notice!
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