Flyer 310 locomotive

The 310 never had a smoke unit, hence the zero in the model number. IIRC, the Gilbert numbering system for steamers at that time loosely followed this pattern:

ends in 0=no smoke or choo-choo, ends in 1=choo-choo only, ends in 2=choo-choo and smoke. Variations include the 290 which had everything.

Some of the guys here need to invest in a reference book on Gilbert post war Flyer products.  It would make their coolecting Flyer easier in the long run.

Thanks for posting your question Russ. With Rich's answer to your question I learned something I did not know.

Thanks for the info.  I learned a lot too.  Never knew that about the numbering system.  Did it translate into the 5 digit system?

That numbering convention, introduced in 1946 did not stay intact long. For example there were no choo choo only postwar engines made, so a 321 had either nothing or smoke and choo choo. The 321 number was dropped, as was the 320 by 1948. The 300 continued in production. The 290 issued in 1949 should have been a 292 if the convention was followed. The last digit of 5 was then used in the link coupler era to denote a tender whistle in addition to smoke and choo choo, such as a 295 or 325AC. The last digit significance was changed/abandoned with the arrival of knuckle couplers. The 302 with a knuckle coupler became a 303.

AmFlyer posted:

That numbering convention, introduced in 1946 did not stay intact long. For example there were no choo choo only postwar engines made, 

The 301 Atlantic is a choo-choo only engine however.

Kelpieflyer posted:

Never knew that about the numbering system.  Did it translate into the 5 digit system?

The 5-digit numbering system is more complicated and was developed as more of an inventory and accounting tool. It is covered in chapter 2 of Greenberg's Guide Vol. II.

This engine is the1946 only version as it has the two small brass buttons on the chassis.

Runs very well.

Some '47 production also had the two buttons, the defining evidence is the coupler, if it's original. '46 production had the thin, rather fragile shank, '47 had the thicker shank.

The 46 tender said Pennsylvania and in 47 it was American Flyer Lines with the Pennsylvania Railroad  symbol in the top left corner. 

This tender says Pennsylvania on it.

Certainly gad I happened upon this thread - Thanks. I learned several things!

My first train at age 5 1/2 was a simple PRR 3 car freight set with the 310 K5.  It had the 'Pennsylvania' on the tender.  Some years ago I repainted it Brunswick green and it still runs well, albeit quietly. Always liked the Flyer smoke & choo choo but it was several years before I received another K5 that had them. It was a 312 I think...

Roundhouse Bill is generally correct, however the set I inherited from my nephews, although the original box was long gone, did have ALL the paperwork, including the packing inspections; early '47 production included "Pennsylvania" on the tender! The stuff is packed away, or I'd get it out, I think it was March of '47.

Remember these were toys and Gilbert often used left over parts for later trains.  The tender for 47 may have Pennsylvania, but does it have buttons on engine chassis?  If so the whole engine was made in 46.