"Video"Anyone know where I can find a "Wide gauge" American Flyer mail catcher?

Chris,

I finally located a boxed mail bag catcher complete with the instructions on Ebay. They do turn up from time to time. Could be something to search for at York?

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA 

Thanks Eric. I did a search but nothing. I may have to hunt for one at York.

Chris, they cycle on and off on ebay.  I am watching too.  Bring your wallet...they usually don't go cheap.

I suspect that these wonderful little action accessories are responsible for the number of litho baggage cars that you find in both Narrow and Wide Gauge that are scratched around the sliding door.  I'm not sure that this was actually made in a Narrow Gauge size.  If Flyer followed its usual numbering system the Wide Gauge number is 4122, and the Narrow Gauge Number would be 2122, but I don't recall running across that number in any listings.  In the video it looks large enough to be a 4122.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They do show up on ebay from time to time, and I agree with Rob - they can be pretty pricey.

Hi Greg. Thanks for the photo's that gives me a better view of how it works. I'll see how much I want to pay if I find one.I would put some foam tape on the bracket or something to prevent scratches on the car or just pick up another car to put it on.

Looks pretty simple. You could probably fab something up yourself Chris.

This accessory is one of my favorites.  Most people don't know what I'm talking about, but running standard gauge trains just would not be the same without it.  My dad had one with his mostly Ives trains from the 1920's, which we played with when I was growing up.  I always have my eyes open for them and have picked up a couple on eBay to have for spare parts.

There are repros of the little bag, because they are easily lost.  I am not aware of anyone making reproductions of the entire apparatus, just the bags.

I think you will just have to be patient and keep watching.  They certainly are out there and do come up for sale.  One of the problems with eBay is knowing where and how to search for them.  Often, the seller has no idea what this contraption is, and it will be listed in an odd category.   But I have bought a couple in the last 2 years and passed up a couple more, they are certainly there if you know what to look for.

Going after some of these more obscure original items is a different kind of collecting than being able to go out and buy a repro any time you want.  

They do look simple, but I would say deceptively so.  In operation, they are actually quite finicky to get them set up just right so they work well.  Looks simple, but without that particular exact bend, or off a small amount, and it will not work.  Flyer developed this thing with a lot of trial and error, don't underestimate it.

This was a wide (standard) gauge accessory. ("No.2 Gauge" in the instructions).  It can be rigged to work for some O gauge, but it is intended for wide gauge cars and track.

click on this to enlarge it to read:

I had been thinking the same thing but I'll see what one will cost me first and take it from there.

Chris

Did you have any luck finding this. I just picked up a Flyer wide gauge set with the baggage car, and would like to get a mail catcher also.

Also, any ideas for a source for replacement handles for the baggage car doors?

Thanks

Yes and no!  I bid on one on E-Bay but it only came with the box and the track piece no piece for the door or mail bags. I got out bid which is OK because I want a complete set.  Try this out for AF parts.

http://store03.prostores.com/s...can-Flyer/Categories

Thanks Chris