Buy/Make Anything Cool Lately (Tinplate Version)

Don McErlean posted:

Handyandy:  Caboose looks great.  The 7" tin cars always were pretty cool.  I don't know if you knew but Marx actually made the Nos 20110 through 20124 "Pacemaker" caboose in 8 wheel form using type D trucks, 1954-1958.  It also made a similar 8 wheel caboose, same shell, as numbered 1951, but lithographed AT&SF from 1951-53.  I also have the  AT&SF with Type G trucks, which were the "high" trucks made to match the type 21 Santa Fe lithographed F-3's.

STEAMWOLF :  Red CV looks really neat, but the tender is OUTSTANDING, looks factory fresh in both paint and lettering. Rick did one great job. 

By the way, you mentioned that you had cleaned your Marx motors - what method and cleaner did you use?  I plan to try the same thing on some of mine.  Thanks.

Don McErlean

 

 

Don,

Thanks.

I have not seen an 8 wheel NYC caboose before, but I have seen the AT&SF ones, usually in sets with the #21 "F" units.

handyandy posted:

Don McErlean posted:

Handyandy:  Caboose looks great.  The 7" tin cars always were pretty cool.  I don't know if you knew but Marx actually made the Nos 20110 through 20124 "Pacemaker" caboose in 8 wheel form using type D trucks, 1954-1958.  It also made a similar 8 wheel caboose, same shell, as numbered 1951, but lithographed AT&SF from 1951-53.  I also have the  AT&SF with Type G trucks, which were the "high" trucks made to match the type 21 Santa Fe lithographed F-3's.

STEAMWOLF :  Red CV looks really neat, but the tender is OUTSTANDING, looks factory fresh in both paint and lettering. Rick did one great job. 

By the way, you mentioned that you had cleaned your Marx motors - what method and cleaner did you use?  I plan to try the same thing on some of mine.  Thanks.

Don McErlean

 

 

Don,

Thanks.

I have not seen an 8 wheel NYC caboose before, but I have seen the AT&SF ones, usually in sets with the #21 "F" units.

 

At one time I had all the numbers of the NYC 7” caboose. Some had metal couplers, some plastic and a few troublesome short metal one.

Steve

Here’s the first item I’ll post today, got it Sunday night from my buddy Joe at the Antique Mall. expandable grade-crossing up to 1 Gauge. Looks like markings may have been on the bottom but I can’t make them out. Tried to put paper over the supposed “logos” and go over with pencil but no dice

Fence is light blue, all posts have their gold finials intact. The posts where the gates are hinges and rest are the same color blue. The gate is metal and just goes from red to white.

Corners clearly had grass at some point. Maybe some signs ? When I bought this guy, the one crossing was facing inward- i.e. the gate for the left side was at the edge instead of looking like a mirror.

With a Bing Combine car

Any help in identifying is greatly appreciated!!! The fence design seemed to match one Bing & one Marklin crossing I saw.

Now, some other cool gets:

Prewar 166 Whistle Controler. Able to get trains to go into F-N-R but cantget the horns to blow.

Thought this was a neat “toy train” history buy. Bag indeed has a magnetic knuckle coil coupled with shoe but sadly no directions

bought this for the same

reason I bought the above. 1957 Walthers O “Specialties” package that was blinds for windows. Looks like it went for $.25  63 years ago ha.

Finally, when I asked about this last one, she said “I’ll give it to you for $5”. I jumped. While it’s not really too tinplate, i thought it was an interesting enough Postwar transformer to post here.

Unfortunately, handle broken and power chord has been ripped off.

I’d like to get it repaired but depending on the cost I might pass. For $5 though I’m happy to have this unique looking and functioning Postwar transformer 

StevefromPA posted:

Any help in identifying is greatly appreciated!!! The fence design seemed to match one Bing & one Marklin crossing I saw.

Steve,

Was made by Karl Bub before 1927, here a picture from the later version. The single is No 83/1 and the double is 83/2

Greetings

Arne

StevefromPA Yup the old TW is a real trooper.  Got mine as a Christmas present many moons ago...and it's still going strong.

I received a few items.

Five #60 telegraph poles. Three have insulators, two do not.

I got three LGB light poles.

I got a Lionel Irvington Factory with no sign and missing a chimney cap.

George

Nice additions, George.

Tom

Cool finds Steve!

As to the transformer, it looks like the control shaft is broken. If that is the case, repairing that and replacing the line cord make it not worth the cost of repair. You should be able to quadruple your $5 and make other owners happy by putting its handles and light cover up for sale on the appropriate OGR forum section.

This 1917 American Flyer set arrived in the mail today.  It is an interesting set, as it contains a c. 1912-1914 style 328 tender with butterfly couplers and long frame (which is a documented 1917 throwback variation), and 2 1107 cars.  

In particular, I wanted the blue coach with winged engine herald and red lettering.  Did not have that variation for 1917 in the collection.  

Set came with its original box (not pictured).

NWL

Nothing nearly as glamorous as the rest of you but I picked up a few things for my Christmas layout at the Allentown Spring Thaw meet. A 253 in peacock, a bungalow, a 54 streetlamp and a Z transformer. BTW, that Z has a pretty loud buzz. Is that normal?

Will posted:

Nothing nearly as glamorous as the rest of you but I picked up a few things for my Christmas layout at the Allentown Spring Thaw meet. A 253 in peacock, a bungalow, a 54 streetlamp and a Z transformer. BTW, that Z has a pretty loud buzz. Is that normal?

Excellent start Will!

Joe Gozzo

George S posted:

I received a few items.

Five #60 telegraph poles. Three have insulators, two do not.

I got three LGB light poles.

I got a Lionel Irvington Factory with no sign and missing a chimney cap.

George

Mth has insulators. Give Midge a call

Joe Gozzo

@George S very nice additions! Big fan of the factory- especially. Definitely one of those buildings that you can make as a center piece on a portion of a layout whether just as scenery or with some sidings

@Arne thanks for the feedback regarding the KBN crossing! Much appreciated- you’re the man!

@Lionelski thanks! I like the little stuff like that. The shop I bought them from is outside a big toy train exhibit( see http://modeltrainexhibit.com ). A friend of mine started it in the mid-90s. After a dispute another gentleman took it over,and he and I became friends in the first 8 months or so after I got back into collecting. Sadly, he passed away going on 2 years this year. He forgot more about trains than I’ll probably ever know. And @Robert S. Butler I really like he look of the TW but if what Lionelski said is the case, might end up getting rid of it. I just think it’s really unique and has a really cool look

@Nation Wide Lines very nice pre-1920s Flyer! Condition looks pristine! And in the box, no less, that’s awesome!

@Will great pick-ups at the ATMA! Due to some health issues wasn’t able to go Saturday but did go on Sunday. Love the 253 in peacock- looks to be in great shape. I very much wanted to get a Prewar Boxcab like yours and saw some 248s etc...but wasn’t to be....for this show. Regarding the type Z, I have a refurbished one so naturally little noise. Before I had my dad’s type V(very similar, at least appearance wise) fixed twice, it had a slight buzz to it. Wrapped some electric tape around it and it filled the buzzing somewhat. The only transformers I have that buzzed to a level of annoyance were: 

my dad’s MPC era Spirit of 76 and Coca Cola sets- basically the same transformer but one is blue and the other red, respectively

my dad’s type V before being fixed

My grandfather’s 1033 from his 1476WS Postwar set. Slight buzz only. The tape trick worked with that one

Some older 45 watt and under transformers. American Flyer 1b and 4b that I used to use for accessories. A Lionel and a Marx with the red handle and only 2 binding posts(734?)

The Type Z, IMO, is an awesome transformer when used correctly(I.e. no more than 2 consists with large loads, 1 consist & a trolley and accessories, etc...) Did you get any info on the history/if it’s been restored? I bought mine at Hamburg meet 

pictures i promised from my last post and from the Spring Thaw to come! Sorry for not posting sooner, head injury has been a pain and associated medical, work and worker’s comp logistics have been an added headache(no pun intended)

great stuff all around!

steve

StevefromPA posted:@Will great pick-ups at the ATMA! Due to some health issues wasn’t able to go Saturday but did go on Sunday. Love the 253 in peacock- looks to be in great shape. I very much wanted to get a Prewar Boxcab like yours and saw some 248s etc...but wasn’t to be....for this show. Regarding the type Z, I have a refurbished one so naturally little noise. Before I had my dad’s type V(very similar, at least appearance wise) fixed twice, it had a slight buzz to it. Wrapped some electric tape around it and it filled the buzzing somewhat. The only transformers I have that buzzed to a level of annoyance were: 

my dad’s MPC era Spirit of 76 and Coca Cola sets- basically the same transformer but one is blue and the other red, respectively

my dad’s type V before being fixed

My grandfather’s 1033 from his 1476WS Postwar set. Slight buzz only. The tape trick worked with that one

Some older 45 watt and under transformers. American Flyer 1b and 4b that I used to use for accessories. A Lionel and a Marx with the red handle and only 2 binding posts(734?)

The Type Z, IMO, is an awesome transformer when used correctly(I.e. no more than 2 consists with large loads, 1 consist & a trolley and accessories, etc...) Did you get any info on the history/if it’s been restored? I bought mine at Hamburg meet 

 

great stuff all around!

steve

Steve, I bought it from the vendor at the show who exclusively sells tranformers. He has tables full of them and is there every show, but I don't know his name. New cord and according to the tag, new roller.

The 253 is the exact one I was looking for and it was rewheeled and rewired, so it was a good find.

Sothought of splitting this into 2 posts(pre-Allentown tin and post Allentown Tin) but I’m just going to put it all here. Up first, variety of different Tin I got last week:

First up- AMT Santa Fe Burma Vista Obs dome. Less than pleased with this due to the windows and fixed couplers but it’s in good shape electrically. 

One Railway Post car away from completion!

 @Greg J. Turinetti , never got a chance to thank you for showing the Ives/Lionel transition era pieces in last week’s “weekend” thread- I’ve added the 1717 Gondola as you can see. I just can’t believe how big the 1700 series freight transition freights are!  Could’ve completed the collection at the meet but other things caught my eye

Closer shot of the 1717

Inherited a love of Borden’s rolling stock from my dad. Have always wanted this one- really stands out

Ives #65 Live Stock car. Missing the knobs on the doors. Ives Society website shows all orange litho’d stock cars w/ the doors filled in- aka solid without the slots. The closest matching would be the earlier yellow stock cars. Are there any orange 65 stock cars with open paneled doors or did someone do this on their own?

Speaking of 60 series Ives freight cars, not counting the ten million variations, I’m a lumber and box car away from completing the 60 series freight!

Part 2: Spring Thaw buys. my father and I went on Sunday. Really enjoyed the meet- felt a lot different than the 2018 First Frost & 20019 Spring Thaw in a good way:

First Up, my first Prewar American Flyer loco of any kind! A 1218 in working condition. Great deal on it. Paint might be chipping but the motor is in great shape and I’m happy to have one of these Steeple cabs with a big ole’ recessed headlight!

another first- Jep rolling stock. As you can see has some scratches but the litho on the bottom is in nice shape- as is the car overall. Brass handrails and window bars all intact..

Last but not least, My first purchase at this year’s Spring Thaw- 4 wheel Kuhl-awagen. was on the table right when you walked in. I assumed this was either Bub or Distler judging by the trucks, couplers and size. While it’s much smaller than the Milch-Wagen I bought a few weeks ago(pictured below) and the JeP, I’m happy to add this guy to my 4 wheel tinplate Euro freight.

Theres some other pictures below showing the other items I bought- a stand out was a Rivarossi 2 Rail O scale V216 DB that I bought for a great deal. Now it’s time to. Really try and focus on getting my gosh darn layout back up! Thanks for looking and if you can help with any of my questions it’d be greatly appreciated!

Will posted:

StevefromPA posted:@Will great pick-ups at the ATMA! Due to some health issues wasn’t able to go Saturday but did go on Sunday. Love the 253 in peacock- looks to be in great shape. I very much wanted to get a Prewar Boxcab like yours and saw some 248s etc...but wasn’t to be....for this show. Regarding the type Z, I have a refurbished one so naturally little noise. Before I had my dad’s type V(very similar, at least appearance wise) fixed twice, it had a slight buzz to it. Wrapped some electric tape around it and it filled the buzzing somewhat. The only transformers I have that buzzed to a level of annoyance were: 

my dad’s MPC era Spirit of 76 and Coca Cola sets- basically the same transformer but one is blue and the other red, respectively

my dad’s type V before being fixed

My grandfather’s 1033 from his 1476WS Postwar set. Slight buzz only. The tape trick worked with that one

Some older 45 watt and under transformers. American Flyer 1b and 4b that I used to use for accessories. A Lionel and a Marx with the red handle and only 2 binding posts(734?)

The Type Z, IMO, is an awesome transformer when used correctly(I.e. no more than 2 consists with large loads, 1 consist & a trolley and accessories, etc...) Did you get any info on the history/if it’s been restored? I bought mine at Hamburg meet 

 

great stuff all around!

steve

Steve, I bought it from the vendor at the show who exclusively sells tranformers. He has tables full of them and is there every show, but I don't know his name. New cord and according to the tag, new roller.

The 253 is the exact one I was looking for and it was rewheeled and rewired, so it was a good find.

Did he offer a two year guarantee and give you his card? If so then it's the same person who I bought mine from and I'd give him a ring.

SteamWolf posted:

Don McErlean posted:

Steamwolf :  I agree the Marx 21 Santa Fe Warbonnets are really cool.  I have set 45225 from the Allied Toy Distributors, New York, catalog of 1951-52 and I am enclosing pictures of both the engines and the consist.  This set came with track and a 50 watt transformer plus a lock on and wire.  The same set was also featured in the 1952 Marx "catalog".  My set actually shows that the box had originally been marked 45200 then over stamped 45225, the difference is that the 45225 set came with the tank car. Why over stamp the box?  - well Marx was famous for saving money, so why waste a perfectly good box

As you can see, these are the so called 3/16 " Scale cars but they ride on special "high" trucks designed to accommodate the higher coupler position of the 21 lithographed diesel.   Like most Marx I find, this one runs like a champ!

Regards, Don

Don, that looks absolutely AMAZING. What a fantastic consist. I'm going to have to scour the-bay and local train shows for that stuff. Thank you very very much for sharing. Could you pm more pictures please? I took the drive truck on the power unit all apart today and cleaned it up really really well, and with a little Trainmaster 4050 transformer at barely off 0, it flies. Literally. I had to catch it before it fell off the table.  Clean Marx motors are pretty amazing. Very cool story about the box too - like Hafner and their recycling.

Steamwolf:  Late on my promise to post more pictures I am afraid, for many reasons...but I am attaching some close ups of the consist you were commenting on on 2/12 that was being pulled by the Marx litho #21 Santa Fe F units.  If you chose to fill out your consist for your #21's remember you have to find the cars with the "high" trucks, as these are the only ones that will line up correctly with those on the 21. The trucks on my set are all metal, including the "pickle fork" coupling.  I have seen them with plastic "pickle forks" likely on cars made somewhat later.   I also included a picture of the transformer that was included in the set.  The cars and transformer comprise the complete set except for track.  Good hunting, hope you are successful.

Don

Don and Steamwolf - this is just FYI and doesn't count as a buy/make anything lately.  There's a metal/plastic version of the Santa Fe set. The engines are the lithoed tin and the cars are all plastic.

The head end power

The freight consist

Robert: WOW thanks for your input. It makes sense that Marx always a leader in creating value would not create a set with but one possible group of cars. Yours are clearly “deluxe” 8 wheel plastic cars so using them with the 21 is logical and cool. Do you know the set number for your set?  I would just like to keep track of the variation. Again thanks , NEW knowledge with Marx it is a never ending surprise. 

Regards  Don McErlean

StevefromPA posted:

 @Greg J. Turinetti , never got a chance to thank you for showing the Ives/Lionel transition era pieces in last week’s “weekend” thread- I’ve added the 1717 Gondola as you can see. I just can’t believe how big the 1700 series freight transition freights are!  Could’ve completed the collection at the meet but other things caught my eye

Closer shot of the 1717

You are most welcome.   I'm glad that you could use the information. 

One of my favorite parts of this hobby is sharing information.

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

StevefromPA :  Not sure if you are aware but your Dad's taste in Milk Cars was first rate.  IAW the new Kalmbach Media Book, "Milk Trains and Traffic" by Jeff Wilson, 2019  Bordens began rebuilding their wood body tank cars in 1936 and the result was 35 of the most unique bulk Milk cars.  Two 3000 gal tanks contained in a streamlined hood-style superstructure that covered the tanks.  The cars were nicknamed "Butter dish" cars for their appearance.  Originally they even had a stylish "fin" on both ends like Buck Rogers spaceships, but these were lost to an Aluminum scrap drive to support WWII.  Prototype picture appears in the Kalmbach book pg 59.  AF made the car you pictured and its close to the real thing, although the lettering is different.  To my knowledge, the original Lionel Co never made a butter dish Milk car either pre or post war.  However the Lionel LLC did make at least one, the # 26614 Tupelo Dairy Farms milk car, from 2010-2011.  It has die cast metal trucks, individual sprung truck frames, sheet metal butter dish and add on hand rails.  It even has the "fin" from the original Borden's design.  The Lionel car is a BN car almost made as if the tank were an add on flat car load.  The original Bordens car was a unique car with standalone reporting marks.  The Borden's cars remained in service until the late 1950's finally wearing an aluminum paint scheme and working in the chemical hauling trade.  Some pictures below.

Regards, Don McErlean

M=

Don,

  Very nice. If you are interested in the dairy business and railroading, you may also like this book, one of my favorites:

Tom 

Don, no I'm afraid I don't - I bought that set out of a residence and the box was long gone.

StevefromPA posted:

Will posted:

StevefromPA posted:@Will great pick-ups at the ATMA! Due to some health issues wasn’t able to go Saturday but did go on Sunday. Love the 253 in peacock- looks to be in great shape. I very much wanted to get a Prewar Boxcab like yours and saw some 248s etc...but wasn’t to be....for this show. Regarding the type Z, I have a refurbished one so naturally little noise. Before I had my dad’s type V(very similar, at least appearance wise) fixed twice, it had a slight buzz to it. Wrapped some electric tape around it and it filled the buzzing somewhat. The only transformers I have that buzzed to a level of annoyance were: 

my dad’s MPC era Spirit of 76 and Coca Cola sets- basically the same transformer but one is blue and the other red, respectively

my dad’s type V before being fixed

My grandfather’s 1033 from his 1476WS Postwar set. Slight buzz only. The tape trick worked with that one

Some older 45 watt and under transformers. American Flyer 1b and 4b that I used to use for accessories. A Lionel and a Marx with the red handle and only 2 binding posts(734?)

The Type Z, IMO, is an awesome transformer when used correctly(I.e. no more than 2 consists with large loads, 1 consist & a trolley and accessories, etc...) Did you get any info on the history/if it’s been restored? I bought mine at Hamburg meet 

 

great stuff all around!

steve

Steve, I bought it from the vendor at the show who exclusively sells tranformers. He has tables full of them and is there every show, but I don't know his name. New cord and according to the tag, new roller.

The 253 is the exact one I was looking for and it was rewheeled and rewired, so it was a good find.

Did he offer a two year guarantee and give you his card? If so then it's the same person who I bought mine from and I'd give him a ring.

No but I gave him a credit card, and the name on it is Henry Lutz. Is that the same guy and if so, so you have his #? Anyway, some research seems to indicate this is fairly common and not a problem. Although it is somewhat annoying. 

MNCW. Thanks for the lead on the book. The Kalmbach book really raised my interest. 

Robert thanks for the pictures of the set even if we don’t have the set number. I will do some research and if I find it I will post it. 

Don

 

Steamwolf:  Late on my promise to post more pictures I am afraid, for many reasons...but I am attaching some close ups of the consist you were commenting on on 2/12 that was being pulled by the Marx litho #21 Santa Fe F units.  If you chose to fill out your consist for your #21's remember you have to find the cars with the "high" trucks, as these are the only ones that will line up correctly with those on the 21. The trucks on my set are all metal, including the "pickle fork" coupling.  I have seen them with plastic "pickle forks" likely on cars made somewhat later.   I also included a picture of the transformer that was included in the set.  The cars and transformer comprise the complete set except for track.  Good hunting, hope you are successful.

Don

Don! Thank you very much for posting pictures of these. I've managed to find a few of them so far, including both variations of the green boxcar and a NYC Pacemaker boxcar on the same trucks. The Shell tanker is still elusive as the only ones I've come across so far have either had messed up couplers or trucks or both. Still watching though! Attached is a screenshot from an auction where unfortunately the seller didn't want to ship to Canada - shows the two different boxcars and gondolas... And even a wood car. Neat stuff. 

Will posted:

StevefromPA posted:

Will posted:

StevefromPA posted:@Will great pick-ups at the ATMA! Due to some health issues wasn’t able to go Saturday but did go on Sunday. Love the 253 in peacock- looks to be in great shape. I very much wanted to get a Prewar Boxcab like yours and saw some 248s etc...but wasn’t to be....for this show. Regarding the type Z, I have a refurbished one so naturally little noise. Before I had my dad’s type V(very similar, at least appearance wise) fixed twice, it had a slight buzz to it. Wrapped some electric tape around it and it filled the buzzing somewhat. The only transformers I have that buzzed to a level of annoyance were: 

my dad’s MPC era Spirit of 76 and Coca Cola sets- basically the same transformer but one is blue and the other red, respectively

my dad’s type V before being fixed

My grandfather’s 1033 from his 1476WS Postwar set. Slight buzz only. The tape trick worked with that one

Some older 45 watt and under transformers. American Flyer 1b and 4b that I used to use for accessories. A Lionel and a Marx with the red handle and only 2 binding posts(734?)

The Type Z, IMO, is an awesome transformer when used correctly(I.e. no more than 2 consists with large loads, 1 consist & a trolley and accessories, etc...) Did you get any info on the history/if it’s been restored? I bought mine at Hamburg meet 

 

great stuff all around!

steve

Steve, I bought it from the vendor at the show who exclusively sells tranformers. He has tables full of them and is there every show, but I don't know his name. New cord and according to the tag, new roller.

The 253 is the exact one I was looking for and it was rewheeled and rewired, so it was a good find.

Did he offer a two year guarantee and give you his card? If so then it's the same person who I bought mine from and I'd give him a ring.

No but I gave him a credit card, and the name on it is Henry Lutz. Is that the same guy and if so, so you have his #? Anyway, some research seems to indicate this is fairly common and not a problem. Although it is somewhat annoying. 

Will, check your email, just sent one.

It is a common problem but if you buy something that’s been repaired well and a guarantee of 2 years it shouldn’t be a noticeable problem. Just my take, though.

Hi Everyone, its Saturday morning here in Texas and I am at the table contemplating a late acquisition - and I need your expertise!  While wandering at a flea market/community garage sale I spotted two obviously prewar coaches.  The price for the reasonably complete one was $1.00 and he threw in the one without wheels if I agreed to take it away.  NOW, you all know us toy train collectors, I thought about that deal for about one nano second and stuffed them in my bag for later review. 

Candidly I thought at first look that they were Prewar American Flyer as they looked like some 1107 coaches I have but that turned not to be easily confirmed for several reasons .  First, the lithography (according to the '97 Greenberg book) was not listed or shown, Second over the windows was not "American Flyer" but "Overland Flyer", the coaches had a railroad logo under the windows and finally the couplers just did not fit any description I had of AF prewar tab/slot couplers.  After considerable paging through Greenberg I did discover on pg 12 pictures of a Hafner coach that had similar markings although a different road name under the windows.   This book, written by Alan Schuweiler, states that Hafner left the AF company in 1913 just before Flyer brought out its "new line" which included the 1107 coaches.  He pointed out the absolute similarity of the AF coaches as shown in the 1914 catalog and the Hafner coaches in that same year implying that Hafner took his designs with him and used them to open up his new company.  Who knows...but I would really like some help to ID these things, not for their absolute value but just to satisfy my curiosity.

So ...Nation Wide Lines, StevefromPA, and Greg J. Turinetti and other prewar AF experts...WHAT SAY YOU?  Are these things AF but not shown in Greenberg (Highly unlikely) or are they Hafner or...??? 

Here is the side view...the Greenberg book, pg 12, shows a similar car that he states is Hafner but the road name is Erie.  However the placement and style of the logo is very similar to these.  Note that over the windows is "Overland Flyer" not American Flyer as it appears on the 1107 and there are no numbers on either car.

End view, no writing on the ends at all not even a "made in the US"

A view of the coupler, note the very circular round hole for a "slot".  I could not find any American Flyer couplers that matched this description.  Both cars have these couplers and there is no evidence that they have ever been changed.

Now another piece of advice sought...I have one car with wheels and only 1 coupler and one car with 2 couplers and no wheels.  Should I "K-ball" them to create one complete car or leave as is?

Thank you for your help and advice

Don McErlean

Don McErlean posted:

 

Don McErlean

Good morning, Don, happy Saturday. 

You are correct, that is exactly what they are, prewar post AF Hafner coaches. They came in all sorts of road names under that headline "Overland Flyer" with the exception of the CP one which was under "Canadian Flyer".

As for your dilemma - It's your train, do what you please with it. I've come across lots of these on thEbay for reasonable prices. You may be able to find some junkers for a decent price to grab some parts off of. 

SteamWolf posted:

Don McErlean posted:

 

Don McErlean

Good morning, Don, happy Saturday. 

You are correct, that is exactly what they are, prewar post AF Hafner coaches. They came in all sorts of road names under that headline "Overland Flyer" with the exception of the CP one which was under "Canadian Flyer".

As for your dilemma - It's your train, do what you please with it. I've come across lots of these on thEbay for reasonable prices. You may be able to find some junkers for a decent price to grab some parts off of. 

Overland Flyer is one of the brands for Hafner trains. William Hafner left American Flyer to form Hafner, which is why the trains are so similar. The Greenberg book "Early American Toy Trains" covers Hafner, but not in as much detail as the AF books cover AF. Paul Doyle wrote the Hafner section.

I would not cannibalize the trains. You should look for some parts to get them both operational. I would think AF parts would work. The couplers should be compatible, but clearly not identical. You could look for a basket case on eBay for parts, but your two cars are in too nice of condition to junk either.

George

As Steamwolf has said - they are Hafner.  Below are some images to give you a reference - The Flyer and Hafner Erie cars, The Hafner Canadian Flyer and the Hafner New York Flyer

Flyer

Hafner

Hafner Canadian Flyer

Hafner New York Flyer

Steamwolf - thanks for the input that the cars are Hafner appreciate the data

George S. - same, thanks for confirmation on Hafner

Robert S. Butler- WOW no wonder I was confused between Hafner and AF, they really are very close. Your pictures especially of the Erie car make them almost identical.

Everybody sort of agreed that cannibalizing my cars was not so good an idea, since parts would likely be available and since I only need wheels and couplers, even junkers would probably yield what I need.  I intend to take your advice, thank you for your thoughts.  By the way, George S felt that AF couplers would likely work...he is right, I tried it with some of the 1107 cars I have with AF tab and slot couplers and they would work. 

thanks again everyone

Don McErlean

I built a Bilt EZ factory / loft style building to go next to my Irvington factory. I also made a chimney cap for the Irvington factory smokestack. 

I’d like to add the GE Electric sign to the building, but I am worried it is too small. 

George

not tinplate, but it will be pulling tinplate. Got some work done on my 2-8-2. Got the fourth axle added and some test runs made. 

Steamer posted:

not tinplate, but it will be pulling tinplate. Got some work done on my 2-8-2. Got the fourth axle added and some test runs made. 

VERY interesting! Did you add the 4th wheel? Or did somebody else start this project? Safe to assume the 4th axle is NOT powered? Will a 2020 drive rod fit on that thing? I totally love projects like this! 

Yes it will be powered. The pic was before I added the second spur gear. I did start this project. I cut the end off a parts motor frame, and had my Pastor mig it together for me. He has his own classic car restoration shop, and he comes in very handy for things like this. No a 2020 road won't fit. I'll make my own like I did when I made my 4-8-4.

I have been engaged in trying to make room in my trainroom to move around.  The boxes, etc had begun to take over all the free space. So last weekend I started going through my "storage cabinets" and removing items I think I can sell through my wife's antique booth (mostly non-collectable train sets).  In this process, I have "discovered" a number of sets that I had forgotten I had purchased and so I now have an up to date inventory, as well as some room to move around and work the layout.

One of the sets that I re-discovered today was a Hornby set that IAW the note inside I purchased from a train store in Dayton, Oh.  Which takes me back to the mid-80's!!  So here it is...the set has loco (101 Tank ), cars, track, and the little box is "track connectors". My Hornby book dates this set from 1947-1954.  It was made prior to '47 but the red tank dates it from that date on as it changed from grey to a red shell in '47.

The box lid , which of course does  not in anyway reflect the contents!

The end label giving the set number and the fact that it is the LMS version.

Paperwork from inside the set, one is instructions on how to set up the track and the other is the guarantee.

Hope everyone has a good week.  Regards

Don

The only thing I’m making is a mess. I’m removing the lower display shelf and then I will move all 3 lines of track 4”. This will give me the height and space along the back wall I need to add a long series of Bilt-E-Z tin high rises.

Steve

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

The only thing I’m making is a mess. I’m removing the lower display shelf and then I will move all 3 lines of track 4”. This will give me the height and space along the back wall I need to add a long series of Bilt-E-Z tin high rises.

Steve

 

Will be cool to see. Mixing in the tin Town Marx should give you more color. I think I have a few Marx pieces that got mixed into my Bilt EZ sets.

George

George S posted:

Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

The only thing I’m making is a mess. I’m removing the lower display shelf and then I will move all 3 lines of track 4”. This will give me the height and space along the back wall I need to add a long series of Bilt-E-Z tin high rises.

Steve

 

Will be cool to see. Mixing in the tin Town Marx should give you more color. I think I have a few Marx pieces that got mixed into my Bilt EZ sets.

George

This is what is being transferred to my layout. I also got three unbuilt Marx sets I can add if I want. My buddy Bob passed about a year ago and the club is tearing it down and selling his train stuff for the family.

Steve