American Flyer PRR K5 / Midgage 1947

Thanks, for the info, insight, photo, and video (Leonard's vids are terrific).  I was not aware of such a kit.  And at nearly 2.5x the cost of an AF K5, no smoke, and a louder motor one would have really wanted scale accoutrements to justify its price.  But that's the great thing about this hobby, the best way to enjoy it is entirely up to you.    

Carey, I was shocked to see this article and engine design. For 7 years I have been working on an S Gauge upgrade project that enhances features thru 3D Printing and Internet Maker Products. I have a new Fan Driven Smoke Assembly, Flickering FireBox, DC Field Conversion, All Wheel Pick Up Trucks, LED & Fiber Optic Lighting, Digital Reverse, Wireless Sounds, and now 3D Printed Chassis that match Flyer Factory and some that are open spec so makers can take a complete Chassis and create their engine body designs. I have tender Chassis and have just completed a Vandy Style Tender Body. Without Details. I wanted to keep it all cost effective so Hobbyist could get what they need using Basic Flyer components with my kits to build a new engine of their custom design.

I had no idea this company existed. I knew I wanted a Engine Chassis with ball bearing axles, linkage hangers, strong motor options and smooth quiet operation. We just completed out first modification to the older Flyer Smoke in Boiler Pacific Chassis. It needs a lot of work but it proved we can do it. I had somehow ended up with 8 or 9 K5 engine bodies. So my goal was to create Chassis for this engine with a Vandy Tender. This has evolved into all the other stuff I had to do the get to this point. It is not done or ready to release but I am funding my work by selling the upgrade parts I have now that fit on the Flyer Steam engine models.

If you would like to see my work i show my in process amateur Videos on You Tube under Frankentrain Laboratories. We are close to complete key new development. Just 2 days ago I completed a 3D model of the Northern Chassis Frame. Now I can add to that a new design Tender Body with all wheel pickup 3 axle trucks, Motor Control, Power Distribution, Accessory Power and Digital Sound with Fan driven smoke, Synchronized Puff & Chuff, Flickering FireBox, DC Fields Conversion to the Flyer AC Motor, and some other stuff.

I have added Smoke and DC Fields to a Flyer O gauge Steam engine in less than an hour. Video on You Tube.

We want to build a Snow Piercer Engine to show how to build custom engines and theme trains. We think this may be a way to expand the hobby.

Thank You for Sharing the MidGage info Great design model.

Dennis

@Sgaugian posted:

Thanks, for the info, insight, photo, and video (Leonard's vids are terrific).  I was not aware of such a kit.  And at nearly 2.5x the cost of an AF K5, no smoke, and a louder motor one would have really wanted scale accoutrements to justify its price.  But that's the great thing about this hobby, the best way to enjoy it is entirely up to you.    

The up grade was to replace the open frame motor with a can motor, back in the early 80;s

Congratulations Carey on yet another terrific find! Saw this on your YouTube channel...🙂

Mark in Oregon

PS: Here's a photo of the parts available from the Nimco 1952 catalog...

@Strummer posted:🙂

Mark in Oregon

PS: Here's a photo of the parts available from the Nimco 1952 catalog...

I also assumed the drivers and pilot wheels were Mid-Gage because the person I got it from worked at Mid-Gage in the late '40s and early '50s.   But maybe the drivers are Nimco?

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

Beautiful Tom. Looks like it has the "original" Flyer valve gear...(?)

Mark in Oregon

Hello all

Tom ..nice model ...looks to be a Nimco conversion...

Midgage ...only retain  the Flyer shell

Note ...you cut the valve gear hangers off the Flyer shell

Nimco ....replace Flyer drivers , pilot and trailing trucks ....balance still Flyer ...

Cheers Carey

...and all this time I just assumed that the two conversions (Midgage and Nimco) were one and the same; my mistake for posting that picture of the wrong brand!  😐

In any case, both are/were nice offerings.  🙂

Mark in Oregon