American Flyer 4694 Iron Monarch & Lionel 340E Coal Train Reproductions

Your link to video is bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u-0O48LM98

should work.

I'm interested to know, what are the issues with it? I understand the old Realtrax had issues too.

I watched the video, the steamer is certainly an abundant smoker!

Nice video (as always) Steve!

 

I am curious about your track, mine has been fine, so far.  I have run the 500 series cars on it that came with the Coal Train, a 400E, and the 428 series passenger cars with no problems.

 

I wonder what's up with the track, my friend?

Thanks for the video Steve, looks great. John.

Steve, similar taste in trains! I have a modern Iron Monarch as well. Did you know the set has an optional diner car?

I have been hawking the coal train as well. Alas, soon...

Meanwhile, here's a short clip of my Iron Monarch set with the diner car, shortly after I picked it up last year.
I live in Kansas City, so you can imagine my surprise when I heard the conductor's voice when he says "Welcome to Kansas City!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1tOhsIh_qU

As for the track, try it on a more level surface. I noticed issues with my classic standard gauge track flexing up and down and from side to side because of unevenness in the visually level hardwood floor. Table top or carpet made the issue go away. Granted, different track.
Best,
Chris

Here are some pictures. The rail alignment is off quite a bit causing wheels to jump the track. On the straights, it's more of a extra noise issue, but on the curves the wheels are coming off the track.

If I were laying the track permanently, no big deal, just tweak it a little or put a pin in it. I wanted something to throw down quick and easy at meets etc. without having to fuss with it. Guess I have to take a bunch of track pins with me also.

 

Steve

That track looks like it was stepped on. Wonder if you can match the bent rails to see if it was shoddy packaging.

11-40024 Product locator says Trains are fun and Sidetrack Hobbies have it.

Hey Steve, Jim C is correct.

Though, both plates on my diner car do say Observation 4243.
Must have been a Monday morning or late Friday build because the plates are cast or inset with that name and number.
Wonder if those plates came from The Warrior set...
Never bothered to investigate with MTH. Makes it a conversation piece.
Unless you squint to look, you'd never notice from two feet back or more.

Color match between the diner and the three cars in the set are spot on.

Chris

Thanks guys. I did not find a web site for Trains R Fun, but did send them an e-mail requesting availability & price. Sidetrack does show it on their site so I can compare prices.

 

Steve

 

Trains R Fun does not have a website. Charlie the owner is a good guy to deal with. Like Sidetrack hobbies they carry are large tinplate inventory.

Steve,
If/when you pick up the diner car would you please post a couple pics. I'd like to compare it to mine to see if there is any differences.

Thank you,

Chris

Here is a photo of my 4343 Diner. The nameplate says observation also.

The color match on mine is good, but the 4343 is slightly lighter. It will be vary hard to tell in most lighting.

 

Steve

 

This is accurate Steve, all the 14" diner cars with plates had 4343 plates on them. 

 

For whatever reason it appears that Flyer never made diner plates for these cars.

Hey everyone!
Steve, interesting info from MTH. Thank you for reaching out to them to inquire about the diner car plates.
Rob, any reason or research on why Flyer opted to have two cars in the consist with the same name? I realize many sets have duplicate plates for "Pullman". Puzzled because the diner and true observation cars are distinctively different in purpose and design.

Yeah! One question answered, more curiosity unfolds.

Steve, glad to see you were able to pick up the diner car for the set!

Chris

Most likely because the plates fit in the holes. Some will say they were selling toys and it did not matter. Too me this lack of attention to detail is just another milepost along there road to bankruptcy.

Thanks for giving me the heads up on the Diner's existence and places to get one.

 

Steve

 

Jim C hit on it.  It was not a premier set of the times, and Flyer was heading to the end of Wide Gauge production.  Soon, they would do away with plates altogether and use decals, to save money... and then quit WG production entirely a year or so later.  

 

It is interesting that all the 14" diners I have ever seen (hundreds!) have had this observation plate.

 

There are numerous examples of "repurposing" plates as they saw fit...This is why you can see O gauge plates on Wide Gauge items as well... From a collecting standpoint, I do not think there is enhanced value in plate variations...

Interesting. Makes complete sense given the era.

Small things do add up.

 

Thanks guys,

Chris