In the latest issue of OGR magazine, Ed Boyle has done a nice job reviewing Gilbert American Flyer billboard whistles and diesel horns in Collector’s Gallery. Because collector articles are pretty weak without them, it is nice to see good color photos of the pieces accompanying well thought out text. Except for one variation, all of the examples are readily findable affordable fun. Good job, Ed!
There are two more No. 577 whistling billboard variations that can be mentioned to keep an eye out for. These are the prewar variations not covered in the article -- the Royal typewriter version from 1939 and a prewar Ringling Bros & Barnum Bailey variation from 1940 – 42. These prewar variations are similar in construction to the 1946 version and may be distinguished by their bases and whistle shrouds being painted in prewar Gilbert Flyer green which is more of a ‘pea’ green compared to the postwar Gilbert Flyer green.
The circus billboard has some additional cache because it is a nice complement to the ever popular and desirable No. 5002T Circus Train.
There is also a “Chicago Flyer” design double-sided billboard whistle from 1937 – 39 with a litho New York Central advert, the No. 2029, which is the grand daddy of the subsequent Gilbert AF versions covered in the article.
Have fun.
Bob
