3 Rail American Flyer O Gauge

This is 1938-39 vintage O gauge flyer made just after AC Gilbert took over the company. The trucks and "curly Q" couplers give it away. All very interesting items. The 447 "Hudson" is desirable. This is before Gilbert's move to the 3/16" O gauge trains in 1939. Many steam locomotives of this year had cast zinc lead and trailing trucks and often have metal fatigue issues. Replacements are available.  

Here's a pair of them running.

Steve

https://youtu.be/6hEQISb7s6c

Prior to WWII, AF made two types of 3 rail track:  O-31 and O-40.  They made manual and electric switches for both.  I have bought quite a lot of O-40 track and switches.  I have a lot of Lionel O-31 and O-72 track and switches.  The AF O-40 is a good compromise on curve radius vs. size required.  It is also available cheap.  The first AF curved track I bought for 50 cents.  I bought 15 electric switches at a train show for $25.  Cheap, cheap, cheap.  I have converted some of the switches to fixed voltage and non-derailing.  They work pretty well.  These switches will also work with Marx engines with fat wheels.  For a loco as big as the Hudson, I think you need O-40 curves or larger.  If you buy curved track on eBay, make sure it is O-40 and not O-31.  

For his 1st Christmas,my dad received the 1936 version of the AF Hudson #1681,the 1936 version had a whistle tender that received power from four! rail O gauge track. It was proudly displayed in our den while growing up. He still has the set and the other AF O gauge trains from that era.Over the years, I've purchased lots of interesting 1934-37 Pre Gilbert era AF for him including the  IC green diamond set,the Hiawatha,the Zephyr,the UP streamliner and others. All run and have held up remarkably well. They can really generate some ozone!

AF 3-rail O-gauge - under-appreciated, sometimes a bargain. Now everyone will know! 

I want to thank everyone for their replies!

As is true in nephrology, one can always learn something new and interesting....

Peter

What a cool set. I 'd love to have something like that. With what others have said about replacement parts being available it looks like it has potential to be a real attention getter.  I especially like the Christmas tree bulb for a firebox glow!

I have some AF 4 rail track I would like to sell if anyone is interested.

jhz563 posted:

What a cool set. I 'd love to have something like that. With what others have said about replacement parts being available it looks like it has potential to be a real attention getter.  I especially like the Christmas tree bulb for a firebox glow!

You bet!

Peter