Merry Christmas Tinplaters!
Thank you all for sharing the joy!
George
Last week I got the custom painted engine to match from Steve Latta. It is an older 8 and runs well considering the age. The graphics are amazing. Steve is putting the finishing touches on the caboose and a tank car. Here are some pics and a quick video.
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Gentlemen,
Merry Tin Plate Christmas to you all!
RGD/Dave
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Robert S. Butler posted:Mark, you asked about the catalog illustration of your set - here it is
As you can see the illustration does not match what you have. This is because Flyer used the illustration from the 1930 catalog. However, you will note that the red text above the illustration does say the trains are "Heavy gauge metals, lustrous enamels, ..." the key phrase being "lustrous enamels.
A check of the 1931 train set composition list states
1321 - Old Dominion
Composition
3192 Locomotive (3195-3196)
3046 Log Car
3016 Sand Car - Green
3015 Auto - Orange - sliding doors
3017 Caboose - Red
Features: This 44" long four car freight train is equipped with 8 wheel double trucks and complete brass detail. Composition identically the same as shown in 1930 catalog page 5. At $11.50. A bigger value than in 1930.
Note: The composition list did not specify a color for the log car.
Robert, Thank you so much for taking the time to scan and post that for me, that makes it all that much more interesting for me! I didn't realize it was as late as 1930/31. That explains alot also, so many trains I just naturally take to seem to come from about 1928-1932. Thanks so much again, Merry Christmas!
Rhode Island Lobsterman posted:
That sure is a gorgeous tree and perfect setting for the trains!
The Lionel shall lie down wth the lamb!
Mitch
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Mark, you're welcome. Since you seem to be interested in the AF electric trains with the cast iron superstructures - here's a brief rundown of what you still might want to search for.
The "second generation" AF cast iron suprstructure engines had a very short life span (1930-1931) with one lone bottom of the line (622) which lingered on for a few years.
3195/3197 - same engine but 3197 had reverse
3195X
Comparison of the differences between the 3195/3195X castings
Both 3195/3197 and 3195X came with brass number plates under the cab window which either had a cab number or the notation "American Flyer Lines" 3195X also was sold with number plates 3185.
3198 - early version - cast pedestal for mounting bell. The later versions have the cast pedestal replaced with a sheet metal headlight visor/bell bracket assembly.
3190 - came in a variety of configurations - manual reverse, remote control reverse, and an 0-4-0 wheel arrangement with the ID number 3180 rubber stamped on the underside of the cowcatcher.
1084 - uncatalogued engine
622 -inside gearing - this engine and its outside gear companion was offered in a number of low cost sets in the 1930's
622 outside gearing
This is just a basic rogue's gallery. As with any toy there are a number of variations with respect to changes in castings and inclusion of things like sheet metal headlight visors and there is the interesting issue of leftover parts of the 3190 shell offered with later valve gear and motors from 1932 as well as 1932 style tenders.
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My Grandmother got this new for Christmas at 16. Later it was forgotten about in a dirt floor carriage house, and literally got buried in dirt and dust for 30+ years before I unearthed its box with a rake while leveling the floor.
A few cars, the track, and the transformer were toast, crumbling under my touch. But a few hours later the Commodore was pulling the remaining cars and has continued for 30 years after that. The Engine got a repaint a few years ago, but careful curing in the freezer gave it an aged, haizy, penita thats a near perfect match for the tender and though sprayed, appears dipped.
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Robert S. Butler posted:Mark, you're welcome. Since you seem to be interested in the AF electric trains with the cast iron superstructures - here's a brief rundown of what you still might want to search for.
The "second generation" AF cast iron suprstructure engines had a very short life span (1930-1931) with one lone bottom of the line (622) which lingered on for a few years.
3195/3197 - same engine but 3197 had reverse
3195X
Comparison of the differences between the 3195/3195X castings
Both 3195/3197 and 3195X came with brass number plates under the cab window which either had a cab number or the notation "American Flyer Lines" 3195X also was sold with number plates 3185.
3198 - early version - cast pedestal for mounting bell. The later versions have the cast pedestal replaced with a sheet metal headlight visor/bell bracket assembly.
3190 - came in a variety of configurations - manual reverse, remote control reverse, and an 0-4-0 wheel arrangement with the ID number 3180 rubber stamped on the underside of the cowcatcher.
1084 - uncatalogued engine
622 -inside gearing - this engine and its outside gear companion was offered in a number of low cost sets in the 1930's
622 outside gearing
This is just a basic rogue's gallery. As with any toy there are a number of variations with respect to changes in castings and inclusion of things like sheet metal headlight visors and there is the interesting issue of leftover parts of the 3190 shell offered with later valve gear and motors from 1932 as well as 1932 style tenders.
Robert,
Above and beyond...and fantastic! Thank you for all the info...I've always kept an eye on the trains, sometimes purchasing the odd set here and there, displaying some, and tucking some away for when the day comes I have more time. Slow but sure I'm finding that time. Although I love all tinplate, these little Flyer engines/sets probably fascinate me more than anything. I have a few sets that contain the 3195, and other than snap a few pictures lately I haven't dug into the details. It's always interesting though to find out more about them. In all the photo's you posted, that little 1084 sure stands out to me. Have plenty of questions but will have to wait awhile on those...Thanks again for the gorgeous pictures!
Trainlover160 posted:Chris Lonero posted:Hi everyone. All your Christmas shopping done?
"Me neither"
This week I have a short video with my tinplate Polar Express and a new flat car I just finished up with the Polar Express elves and Santa. Merry Christmas everyone!!
Now let's see your tinplate!
Nice Chris!
they made the Polar Express in tinplate?? O-scale or Standard Gauge- are the cars tinplate too??
Chris L. can you post the link from the color video you posted looong ago with the little AF blue bird train and the Duke Ellington music- I cannot find it on you tube...
Carey TeaRose posted:Trainlover160 posted:Chris Lonero posted:Hi everyone. All your Christmas shopping done?
Nice Chris!
they made the Polar Express in tinplate?? O-scale or Standard Gauge- are the cars tinplate too??
"They" didn't but I did! 
Carey TeaRose posted:Chris L. can you post the link from the color video you posted looong ago with the little AF blue bird train and the Duke Ellington music- I cannot find it on you tube...
Sorry Carey but that wasn't mine. 
Chris Lonero posted:Carey TeaRose posted:Chris L. can you post the link from the color video you posted looong ago with the little AF blue bird train and the Duke Ellington music- I cannot find it on you tube...
Sorry Carey but that wasn't mine.
oops! sorry, did find it though...
