American flyer need help

You may have better luck posting this on the S gauge forum.

What is the engine number. Need to confirm if it is S or O gauge.

 

Steve

If they are, in fact, 40-year-old American Flyer trains, they are not O gauge.

 

The loco could probably do with a good overhaul, including cleaning , degreasing, and lubricating the motor. Put it on the track and turn up the power to get an idea if it runs at all. Your local train hobby shop could help checking out and overhauling the loco if need be. What number is on the loco? Steam or diesel?

 

Larry

The engine/tender is a Hudson 4-6-4 K325 like this one:
http://p2.la-img.com/227/1385/584031_1_l.jpg

I made an assumption (and we all know what that does) as to the age. Any ideas?

The K325 was made in 1952 and came in one of the first two sets equipped with Gilbert's new knuckle couplers. Properly tuned up, it should run like a champ.

The engine and tender in that photo have the reverse or E unit in the tender, that explains the wire harness from the tender to the engine. It might have a smoke unit in the front of the engine, like my 295 A.F. engine has.

Important is to have proper brush and spring tension on the older A.F. engines as they may not work right if the springs are weak.

 

Lee Fritz

Here is an exploded view diagram for your locomotive.

 

Larry

The problems I see with American Flyer most often are:

reversing unit - dirty contacts / won't cycle

broken wires in the tether between the engine and tender

siezed lubricants

dirty wheels prevent running

loose outer part of the wheel

 

I have not looked too closely, I beleive that Port lines has repair instructions for many of there problems (and more) on their site. They also sell American Flyer parts.

If you need it done by someone, Mike at Charles Ro is the resident expert to do the job.