@paulp575 posted:In 2019 Lionel started producing American Freedom Train cars. I being a history buff decided to try to collect all of them.
Currently have 17(?) cars.
I never saw these on the Forum before Paul. 🤔 Certainly unique cars IMO .......and to have 17 of them is certainly something NICE 
Wow Paul those American freedom cars are really something special. i've not seen anything quite like them. Would love to see some of the others You have collected.
@RBB&BC - All the AFT rolling stock I have so far collected (I don't see any manufacturer doing the flatcars and other non-display cars). I don't have individual pics of many of the cars - sorry).
American Freedom Train 21" Passenger Car (4-Pack) (Lionel 6-83111) – Includes: Exhibit Car 101; Exhibit Car 102; Exhibit Car 103; Power Car 111 (with generator sounds):
American Freedom Train 21" Passenger Car (2-Pack) (6-83116) – Includes: Exhibit Car 104; Exhibit Car 105:
American Freedom Train 21" StationSounds Exhibit Car (Sleeper Car 201) (6-83119):
American Freedom Train #1 (2-Pack) (6-85389) – Includes: Exhibit Car 106; Exhibit Car 107:
American Freedom Train #2 (2-Pack) (6-83592) – Includes: Exhibit Car 108: Exhibit Car 109:
American Freedom Train Add-On #4 (2-Pack) (6-84226) – Includes: Exhibit Car 100; Exhibit Car 110:
American Freedom Train 18” Passenger Car 1 (2-Pack) (2027340) – Includes: AFT 202; (Diner); AFT 203 (Lounge Car):
American Freedom Train 18” Passenger Car 2 (2-Pack) (2027350) – Includes: AFT 204 (Parlor Car); AFT 205 (Observation Car):
I also have one of three locomotives that pulled the American Freedom Train.
American Freedom Train 4-8-4 GS-4 Northern Steam Engine (MTH 30-1776) (stock photo):
If you're looking for more info on the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train there's complete info here: https://www.freedomtrain.org/a...eedom-train-home.htm
thank you for sharing the pictures of your freedom train cars. Very unique and Adds a Significant historical Aspect to your collection. Those beautiful 21 inch cars must require at least 042 or larger curves. Added a bit of history to my layout too; I purchased some of the presidential and Bi- centenial series engines and cars. Also found a caboose listing the original 13 colonies. I think one of my favorites is the Joshua Lionel Cowen Anniversary series which Represents part of the toy railroading history we all enjoy.
Trainworld dropped this great looking LCL NYC Transit Gondala representing all five boroughs. It will look good next to the previous run of the five boroughs freight cars.
Paul
@Railrunnin posted:Trainworld dropped this great looking LCL NYC Transit Gondola representing all five boroughs. It will look good next to the previous run of the five boroughs freight cars.
Paul
Nice colors.
@RBB&BC posted:thank you for sharing the pictures of your freedom train cars. Very unique and Adds a Significant historical Aspect to your collection. Those beautiful 21 inch cars must require at least 042 or larger curves. Added a bit of history to my layout too; I purchased some of the presidential and Bi- centenial series engines and cars. Also found a caboose listing the original 13 colonies. I think one of my favorites is the Joshua Lionel Cowen Anniversary series which Represents part of the toy railroading history we all enjoy.
@RBB&BC - and others:
The 21" cars require an O-54 curves which I find rather strange since Lionel doesn't make a 54" curve - at least in FasTrack.
I also have the "Preamble Express" - a train that was used to preview the AFT route/stops in 1975. Some of the Preamble Express cars were used in the actual 1975-1976 AFT.
You can see all my AFT items here: http://dog-walker.org/trains-modern-AFT-1975.htm
And my ENTIRE train collection here (hasn't been updated for several months; about to update it now): http://dog-walker.org/trains-modern.htm
@RBB&BC posted:Wow Paul those American freedom cars are really something special. i've not seen anything quite like them. Would love to see some of the others You have collected.
@RBB&BC - Looks like I'm going to have to add one more loco to my AFT items: Just today the B&O Railroad Museum announced the restoration of AFT T-1 loco in honor of America's 250th anniversary in 2026.
American Flyer 556 Royal Blue Pacific and 3 matching passenger cars. Put it on the tracks and it ran with no issues except the usual cars coming apart due to play in the trucks. That I fix by cable tying the cars together.
Two new track cars.
Interesting that the red bug was a MTH car back in the day and the yellow one is a ETS car.
I believe the red bug was made by ETS back in the day.
I have a new found interest in the LIRR thanks to some NLOE special runs and some ballast cars from Nassau Hobby. Prior to this recent interest I had 2 RMT LIRR BEEPs and a K-Line F-unit, all purchased with the intent being of re-painted. One of the BEEPs is undergoing a transition to a USAF switcher but the other will pull my ballast train. Re-painting the F-Unit, sometime near20 years after I bought it didn't seem likely so I tracked down some of the K-Line Greenport Scoot cars. Next was a freight engine to pull a train of NLOE cars, many of which are TOFCs and a couple of box cars. I was hunting for an inexpensive diesel and settled on a K-Line MP15. I finally landed one. The price was reasonable until shipping and taxes were added but the only thing cheaper would have been an MPC era Lionel GP20 with a single growler, I mean motor. The MP15 needs some cleaning and some work. It looks to have a layer of dust on it, however the dust won't blow off or wipe off so it's gonna need a good cleaning. F-N-R seem to work as does the light, the horn needs some help. When I pull the shell to clean it I'll lube the works and take a look at the horn. It needs it's 3 chime horn and bell, which I have in my spare parts, and the rear coupler centering spring and armature are broken. The knuckle is kept closed by a wire tie. Trainz has the coupler arm without the knuckle, they also have a different model complete with knuckle which is about 1/16th inch shorter I'll have to choose which route I'd like to go. I believe I have a K-Line armature, if it fits and the knuckle works well I may forgo replacement due to the centering spring. I plan on doing some additional detailing, sand filler caps, handrails on either side of the door and I'd really like to add a fuel tank, I'm looking at what's available. I've got two other K-Line MP15s so whatever my fuel tank solution is, it will be times 3. And maybe some cab interior work.
The same vendor had another auction, I didn't really need another LIRR train but one or two of the cars in the lot caught my eye so I made a bid, not really intending to win but I did. 7 cars, bid price plus shipping and taxes brings the cost of each car to a whopping $10.50. The lot contains two, RMT depressed center flats, only one with it's tank and cradle, one K-line MOW flat car, weighted b K-Line, 2 K-Line gondolas, one of which has been weathered. I think, a K-Line searchlight car, needs an operator, and a K-line shorty bay window caboose. This is the second K-Line short bay windows I've acquired recently, the other came in a NYC Plymouth Switcher set. Although sold in O gauge catalog these short bay window cabooses are actually S-scale as were the two other cars in the Plymouth Switcher set. Both had missing rear handrails which are unavailable so I'll have to fabricate something.
@coach joe posted:I have a new found interest in the LIRR thanks to some NLOE special runs and some ballast cars from Nassau Hobby. Prior to this recent interest I had 2 RMT LIRR BEEPs and a K-Line F-unit, all purchased with the intent being of re-painted. One of the BEEPs is undergoing a transition to a USAF switcher but the other will pull my ballast train. Re-painting the F-Unit, sometime near20 years after I bought it didn't seem likely so I tracked down some of the K-Line Greenport Scoot cars. Next was a freight engine to pull a train of NLOE cars, many of which are TOFCs and a couple of box cars. I was hunting for an inexpensive diesel and settled on a K-Line MP15. I finally landed one. The price was reasonable until shipping and taxes were added but the only thing cheaper would have been an MPC era Lionel GP20 with a single growler, I mean motor. The MP15 needs some cleaning and some work. It looks to have a layer of dust on it, however the dust won't blow off or wipe off so it's gonna need a good cleaning. F-N-R seem to work as does the light, the horn needs some help. When I pull the shell to clean it I'll lube the works and take a look at the horn. It needs it's 3 chime horn and bell, which I have in my spare parts, and the rear coupler centering spring and armature are broken. The knuckle is kept closed by a wire tie. Trainz has the coupler arm without the knuckle, they also have a different model complete with knuckle which is about 1/16th inch shorter I'll have to choose which route I'd like to go. I believe I have a K-Line armature, if it fits and the knuckle works well I may forgo replacement due to the centering spring. I plan on doing some additional detailing, sand filler caps, handrails on either side of the door and I'd really like to add a fuel tank, I'm looking at what's available. I've got two other K-Line MP15s so whatever my fuel tank solution is, it will be times 3. And maybe some cab interior work.
The same vendor had another auction, I didn't really need another LIRR train but one or two of the cars in the lot caught my eye so I made a bid, not really intending to win but I did. 7 cars, bid price plus shipping and taxes brings the cost of each car to a whopping $10.50. The lot contains two, RMT depressed center flats, only one with it's tank and cradle, one K-line MOW flat car, weighted b K-Line, 2 K-Line gondolas, one of which has been weathered. I think, a K-Line searchlight car, needs an operator, and a K-line shorty bay window caboose. This is the second K-Line short bay windows I've acquired recently, the other came in a NYC Plymouth Switcher set. Although sold in O gauge catalog these short bay window cabooses are actually S-scale as were the two other cars in the Plymouth Switcher set. Both had missing rear handrails which are unavailable so I'll have to fabricate something.
You are on a mission; a fun mission.
My latest acquisition is New Haven Railroad Alco RS-1 #0660, an MTH Railking model (30-21275-1) that looks like a Premier product. The paint, lettering and assembly quality are outstanding and it runs slowly and smoothly under conventional control. It also has the realistic motor sounds heard on other MTH models of Alco diesel locomotives. The walkway tread detail is very sharp and the grab irons are added-on. I’m absolutely satisfied with this purchase.
MELGAR
I just picked up the newest Atlas O release of Metra from forum sponsor Berwyns Toys and Trains. I really like the new loco paint scheme, but the cars are excellent too with the simulated fluting and all of the modern signage. They even numbered one of the cars 765 which I ride on my commutes on a regular basis!
Most Excellent
@MELGAR posted:My latest acquisition is New Haven Railroad Alco RS-1 #0660, an MTH Railking model (30-21275-1) that looks like a Premier product. The paint, lettering and assembly quality are outstanding and it runs slowly and smoothly under conventional control. It also has the realistic motor sounds heard on other MTH models of Alco diesel locomotives. The walkway tread detail is very sharp and the grab irons are added-on. I’m absolutely satisfied with this purchase.
MELGAR
OK I'm going to get myself in Trouble here, One for a couple of decades now, I have only found one, maybe two sound systems that don't sound like something amplified through a tin can, My "sound system" is usually a band on the sterio playing jazz, including stuff like the Wabash Cannon Ball. On the Atchinson Topica and Santa Fe, and Chattanooga Choo Choo, and music of that era. On the other hand bright colors don't say to me prototype. even though bright colors with no graffiti is all I run. the only weathering on my rolling stock is natural dust. Which reminds me at one time, in my HO days, the dust was so deep, when I wenttode dust I found a sixtyn 0ne chevy convertable I forgot that I had.
Bigtruckpete, those are some fine looking Metra passenger cars and engine. I used to ride the Chicago Northwestern commuter train, and I always loved the upper deck. I can picture myself riding on the upper deck of your Metra Car pitying the drivers stuck in traffic on the Kennedy Expressway. Fond memories.
A few things followed me home from the Chicago O scale show yesterday..
well a few other things came as well I guess.
@Dennis Holler posted:A few things followed me home from the Chicago O scale show yesterday..
well a few other things came as well I guess.
@Dennis Holler posted:A few things followed me home from the Chicago O scale show yesterday..
well a few other things came as well I guess.
What kind of treats are you carrying around and in what neighbor hood, I'd love to have that 440 follow me home
A new Lionel Santa FE and light.
wow, Dennis, got some real beauties there. Very impressive and I really like all the brass gearing. Thanks for sharing.
@RBB&BC posted:wow, Dennis, got some real beauties there. Very impressive and I really like all the brass gearing. Thanks for sharing.
I agree. That stuff is amazing. I gotta get to a 2rail meet someday.
@Dennis Holler Dennis, What's going on? Were you recently adopted by Carey Williams? 
Tom
@Dennis Holler Dennis, What's going on? Were you recently adopted by Carey Williams?
Tom
Well Tom, as it happens, I just might have been at Carey’s open house last night as well lol Carey allowed Mathew, George and I to run these layouts while he was upstairs running the Voltamp and other rumblers. It was a great time even with not getting home till about 2:30AM lol
Beautiful! But somehow seems unfair to the rest of us who weren't there! 
Tom
Dennis, fantastic! Really enjoyed checking out your layout and never realized there was so much cool 2 rail stuff out there.
One of the Pat's Trains Blackbonnets! This is the recently released (as in last Friday) Imperial Pacifics Pat's done, but for my first Black Bonnet it has made a great impression. I now need to track down some coaches to go with it.
Great; that engine and tender are real standouts! Hope you find the coaches to complete the set.
Some new items I’ve acquired over the past several months for The Penn American Railroad.
Rail Car Department
SouthEastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority 40’ Box Car (RMT-96418)
I bought this car from the SEPTA Online Store. It was listed as a “Trainline” brand. When I received it the box read that it’s made by ready Made Toys. It has really nice graphics and seems to run great. I was thinking about getting another since RMT makes each road number different but the website didn’t mention this so I didn’t want another with the same car number.
Train Collectors Association Pennsylvania Railroad 36’ Woodside Reefers (MTH 20-94701, 20-94702, 20-94703, 20-94704, 20-94705, 20-94706)
Two sets of three cars by the TCA Museum Store and the TCA Fort Pitt Division depicting some fantasy beer brands from the Pennsylvania Brewing Company. I’m not usually into fantasy paint schemes but these cars are absolutely gorgeous. And a limited run. Somehow I didn't take a picture of the "Allentown Ale" car.
Train Collectors Association Pennsylvania Railroad 36’ Woodside Reefer (MTH 20-94739)
This is an add on car to the set announced after the above set to kind of join the East and West Pa. beers with one from Central Pa.
Sunoco 33,000 Gallon Tank Cars (MTH 20-96819, 20-96820)
A MTH custom run for Brady’s Train Outlet and The Train Loft. Its unique silver sheen will look cool mixed in my growing Sunoco tank unit train.
Apparel Department
Philadelphia 76ers 2023-2024 City Edition Jersey (Fanatics.com)
What does a NBA basketball jersey have to do with model trains you might ask? Besides being my home town team, the uniform draws inspiration from Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market and Philadelphia’s historic public market, home to 80-plus family-owned small businesses in the heart of the City of Brotherly Love of the former Reading Railroad. It showcases unique and stylistic features centered around Reading Terminal Market, including:
* The City of Brotherly Love wordmark across the jersey’s chest, reinterpreted as the iconic neon signage that has adorned the Market’s outer façade since the 1940s.
* The accenting colors, red and white, along with an in-line stroke within the letters and numbers also nods to the Market’s neon signage.
* The jersey’s right side features two downward-facing arrows, symbolizing the original arrows used to direct people from the train station terminal to the eclectic and bustling market below.
* The 13 Circle of Stars red logo is centered on the front of the waistband, symbolizing the original 13 colonies that formed our nation in 1776.
* The historic Liberty Bell appears on the right side with additional red and white strokes.
* The 76ers wordmark lives within a diamond enclosure that celebrates Reading Terminal Market’s logo utilized throughout the past century at the bottom of the jersey.
Perfect for shooting some hoops and running my patriotic train consists!
Library Historical Archives Department
The Wreck of the Penn Central (Joseph Dauphin and Peter Binzen)
The Men Who Loved Trains - The Story of Men Who Battled Greed to Save an Ailing Industry (Rush Loving)
A couple of soft cover books I’ve been wanting to read on relaxing days at the beach or by the pool or on a frosty night. For a while I’ve wanted to read The Wreck of the Penn Central story to learn how the PRR and NYC merger was screwed up. The Men Who Loved Trains is a well received companion book.
Railroad Novelty Department
Shark Head Salt or Pepper Shaker (Cracker Barrel Restaurant Store)
The O gauge swimmers will get a surprise when they dive into the water!! This big guy will be poking his head from the deep looking for a snack at the beach. I only bought one, so the cashier questioned me, asking if I wanted the matching one. Her confused look was priceless when I explained my motive.
More soon to come!
Picked up this MTH Railking snowplow in B&M livery at the Greenberg show in Wilmington, Mass this past weekend.
Has simulated concrete loads with integral lift hooks in the gondola and a working headlight at the business end. Ran it in front of my MTH B&M BL-2 diesel with a matching consist and, although fairly low in the plow front, made it around the layout with no issues.
@RBB&BC posted:Bigtruckpete, those are some fine looking Metra passenger cars and engine. I used to ride the Chicago Northwestern commuter train, and I always loved the upper deck. I can picture myself riding on the upper deck of your Metra Car pitying the drivers stuck in traffic on the Kennedy Expressway. Fond memories.
Thanks!
Upper deck all the way!! Single seat, great view. Great memories and story. I too am always amazed at those who want to sit in that traffic when the train is a very viable option.
My commute comes in on the south concourse so I always ride upper level east facing to get a great view of the Amtrak yard. You never know what nice varnish maybe there!
it's nice to share those memories. Another I Have vague memories of was the bar car on the C&NW During the 60s and 70s. As I recall, there were a few fellas who arrived home in relatively rough shape. I found an interesting link regarding the "club" car.
Darn I was hoping to drink to that
@RBB&BC posted:it's nice to share those memories. Another I Have vague memories of was the bar car on the C&NW During the 60s and 70s. As I recall, there were a few fellas who arrived home in relatively rough shape. I found an interesting link regarding the "club" car.
The bar cars on the LIRR from the 60's on were the the stuff of legend. I rode them in the early 80's and nothing had changed....🤣🤣🤣
@paulp575 posted:@RBB&BC - and others:
The 21" cars require an O-54 curves which I find rather strange since Lionel doesn't make a 54" curve - at least in FasTrack.
I also have the "Preamble Express" - a train that was used to preview the AFT route/stops in 1975. Some of the Preamble Express cars were used in the actual 1975-1976 AFT.
You can see all my AFT items here: http://dog-walker.org/trains-modern-AFT-1975.htm
And my ENTIRE train collection here (hasn't been updated for several months; about to update it now): http://dog-walker.org/trains-modern.htm
You have shared with us a most AMAZING web site; a true labor of love. I will enjoy visiting again and again; fascinating - there is so much to take in. You have provided us something truly special; such complete and detailed information! Thank you.
I just received this MTH RailKing ALCo RS-1 in the NYS&W (Susquehanna) Bicentennial paint scheme…a custom run from Forum sponsor @E-Z Catch Train Shop
Thank you, Pat, for doing this unique and colorful locomotive! I know you logged a lot of hours researching the prototype and making sure MTH got it right!
Glamour shot…
Gotta love the ALCo sounds and smoke!
Not trains but for the layout.
An ERTL Snap-On tools 1/43 bank and a Lionel NLOE Northrup-Grumman T/T. I've got a Weaver Snap-On tools set headed up by an FA so this truck will look good on the layout when that set is running. The Lionel and the NLOE have produced a number of Long Island themed TOFCs among them a NY Islanders T/T, A Grumman F14 T/T and this Northrup Grumman T/T. I have the Islanders and the Tomcat and thought I had this one but I guess I never pulled the trigger. Prices of the TOFC are out of my range so when I saw the T/T for separate sale on eBay I pulled the trigger figuring I had some flats I could use. After I bought the T/T I came across a Long Island flat car sans trailer. The box label says NLOE 99 on it. Not sure if it's the correct flat but for a combined $45 before tax and shipping the Long Island fleet just got bigger. I'll post the flat car once it arrives.
A 3D puzzle of the Chrysler Building
to go along with my Empire State Building.
@coach joe posted:Not trains but for the layout.
An ERTL Snap-On tools 1/43 bank and a Lionel NLOE Northrup-Grumman T/T. I've got a Weaver Snap-On tools set headed up by an FA so this truck will look good on the layout when that set is running. The Lionel and the NLOE have produced a number of Long Island themed TOFCs among them a NY Islanders T/T, A Grumman F14 T/T and this Northrup Grumman T/T. I have the Islanders and the Tomcat and thought I had this one but I guess I never pulled the trigger. Prices of the TOFC are out of my range so when I saw the T/T for separate sale on eBay I pulled the trigger figuring I had some flats I could use. After I bought the T/T I came across a Long Island flat car sans trailer. The box label says NLOE 99 on it. Not sure if it's the correct flat but for a combined $45 before tax and shipping the Long Island fleet just got bigger. I'll post the flat car once it arrives.
A 3D puzzle of the Chrysler Building
to go along with my Empire State Building.
Nice trucks Joe and wonderful job on the Empire state building! Is it and the Chrysler building going to be on the layout?
An xTool S1 Laser. I want to start cutting my own buildings. 3D print and CNC Router to follow.
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