I acquired a 751 that was partially disassembled and would like to get it going. Unfortunately neither of my two AF repair manuals has an exploded diagram of it, so I'm not sure where everything goes, how to rig the string, or if I'm missing anything. Any ideas?
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Nobody has one?
I acquired a 751 that was partially disassembled and would like to get it going. Unfortunately neither of my two AF repair manuals has an exploded diagram of it, so I'm not sure where everything goes, how to rig the string, or if I'm missing anything. Any ideas?
Hi John, I have two of them but I too have been trying to find an exploded view to accompany this note but I have been unsuccessful. I know the string must attach to the large wheel and through the eyelet in the metal frame, through the pulley and back to the front of the carriage that carries the log. You say it is partially disassembled could you describe? Have you hooked up the wires to see if the motor runs? Please answer these questions and describe your unit you have an I will try to help you more.
Thank You
Don
Just found this from an issue of S Gaugian, hope it helps
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@Don: the motor runs. there is a solenoid coil underneath the top assembly that appears to be missing the plunger.
@DRGWno1: thanks for trying but that is a different accessory.
Thanks John, another of my senior momemts.
Try this link, it's for the 787 but does have an exploded view:
http://www.trainweb.org/americanflyerlines/maint.html
Roger
@Don: the motor runs. there is a solenoid coil underneath the top assembly that appears to be missing the plunger.
@DRGWno1: thanks for trying but that is a different accessory.
Hi John
That is good that the motor works. both of mine have the plunger solenoid under the base. The plunger is the center of the solenoid and has a rod connected to it. The other end of the rod is hooked to the bracket below the base to raise the log to the carriage above to catch the log to run to the end of the tracks and drop the log into the awaiting car. Now I will try to send some pictures along with this so you can see what one looks like.
I hope this works out for you but if not ask me again about anything I missed.
ps: notice the hook mid way on the line to pull the carriage up the tracks.
Yours Truly
Don
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Well, it looks like without the solenoid plunger/rod I am out of luck getting this to run. I checked with Portlines (parts dealer) and they said to look for a junk one. I guess that's what I already have at the moment. Thanks for the help though!
Well, it looks like without the solenoid plunger/rod I am out of luck getting this to run. I checked with Portlines (parts dealer) and they said to look for a junk one. I guess that's what I already have at the moment. Thanks for the help though!
Hi John,
How are you at making something with dimensions? I will try to measure the link up from mine. Now are you sure you have the loader with the solenoid under the base? That is the only one I have? Notice the first picture I sent you with the yellow base. The solenoid and rod is at the rear and above the base and the rod goes through the base to the lift mechanism. Possibly this is the same rod and core of the solenoid that was placed under the base but I am not sure. That model is from pre-war American Flyer or better known as Chicago Flyer.
I hope this might give you a glimmer of hope. If not maybe I could make you one. Take care until we speak again.
Yours Truly
Don
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Well, it looks like without the solenoid plunger/rod I am out of luck getting this to run. I checked with Portlines (parts dealer) and they said to look for a junk one. I guess that's what I already have at the moment. Thanks for the help though!
Hi John,
While I was waiting for your response I looked for a view of the 751 from below and I found one finally. I also was asking myself how many other parts were missing from you 751. Please respond if you wish to repair yours. Thanks for listening.
Take Care
Don
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That is interesting! I didn't know that there were two different locations for the solenoid. Mine is mounted up above, under the top section. The only other things that I'm missing are the windows and the hook & pulley, and Doug at Portlines has those in stock.
So, the plunger & rod are what I will need. If I can get some measurments and pics I may be able to fabricate one. Is yours the high mounted solenoid? That is what I have. I take it that the picture of the bottom is from a different log loader Than yours?
That is interesting! I didn't know that there were two different locations for the solenoid. Mine is mounted up above, under the top section. The only other things that I'm missing are the windows and the hook & pulley, and Doug at Portlines has those in stock.
So, the plunger & rod are what I will need. If I can get some measurments and pics I may be able to fabricate one. Is yours the high mounted solenoid? That is what I have. I take it that the picture of the bottom is from a different log loader Than yours?
Hi John,
I have two of the later versions of the 751 Log Loader / with the solenoid below the base. as soon as I find my dial calipers I will take measurements, make a drawing and send it to you. I hope you will have success with this method.
Good Luck and Happy railroading.
Yours Truly
Don
Apparently mine is the earlier version as the solenoid is mounted up high, above the carriage assembly. The rod drops down from it, and I assume it goes into the base through that slot.
So the early one with the yellow base is not yours? I think that I can see the coil (red in color) up there in that picture - on the right side.
Here's pics of mine.
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Don, if the yellow base 751 is yours could you measure the length of the rod part and the length & diameter of the plunger? Also a photo or 2 of the rod so I can see where to bend it. I ordered the pulley & hook and the windows from Portline.
Thanks!!!
PS: I love watching these run with the spinning wheel. I hope I can get this one going!
Don, if the yellow base 751 is yours could you measure the length of the rod part and the length & diameter of the plunger? Also a photo or 2 of the rod so I can see where to bend it. I ordered the pulley & hook and the windows from Portline.
Thanks!!!
PS: I love watching these run with the spinning wheel. I hope I can get this one going!
Hi John,
Yes John, Your Lo Loader is the #751 manufactured between 1946-1950. My Log Loaders are both #751A versions and manufactured between 1952-1953. I will only be able to give you dimensions from mine. I think they are both the same except for the overall length. I can give you those dimensions now but I haven't made a drawing to send with this post.
My solenoid is 1.25" long that is 1 1/4" Long. Now since I can't disassemble mine or it will lose its value I was not able to arrive at an actual length of the core length so I will give you a range and you might have to try and error to arrive at the finished length. so the dimensions are as follows:
The dimension for the core cold roll steel: 0.233" Diameter x 1.750"- 2.125
the end of the core at the rod should be reduced to 0.160" Dia. with a hole drilled in the end of drill #43 for 1/2" deep or 0.500 deep. This is to press fit the rod in the end 1/2".
The rod is 0.090" Diameter x 4" long this will give you 1/2" to press into the core and bend the last 1/2" 90 Degrees. this end will go into the lever below the base to activate the riser plate to lift the log into the carrier above the base. So when completed installed into the core. The rod length from the end of the core to the centerline of the bend should be 2 15/16" or 2.9375 exposed.
Now this should get you in the ball park and you might have to pay with some of the dimensions I have given you. If you have trouble understanding what I am saying use the picture I sent you of the under base of the 751A.
ps: You might have to put a keeper on the end of the rod so it stays in the bracket to lift the riser tray under the base.
I will try to sent the drawing for the rod soon.
Yours truly
Don
Thanks very much Don!!! I sure appreciate the help. Is the core turned down to the .160 dia? I have a friend with a full complement of machine tools.
Thanks very much Don!!! I sure appreciate the help. Is the core turned down to the .160 dia? I have a friend with a full complement of machine tools.
Hi John.
No the diameter of the core is 0.233" just the end where the Rod is installed is turned down to 0.160 diameter for 1/8 or 0.125" the rest of the core is 0,233" diameter. I am sending the drawing I created but do not scale build the core and the rod to the dimensions please.
The dimensions are as follows:
The core is 0.233 Dia. except one end where the Rod is installed to be turned to 0.160 Dia. for a distance of 1/8" or 0.125 Thousandths" There should be a hole drilled into this end #43 Drill bit for a depth of 1/2" or 0.500 thousandth" Deep. this is to press fit the rod into the core. Gilbert used a crimp method to secure the rod into the core. That is the reason to reduce the core fir app. 1/8" to 0.160 Dia.
The rod should be 0.090 Dia. and straight should be 4" long. 1/2" will be incerted into the Core and 1/2" will be bent 90 Degrees this will give you a 3" long rod with a 90 degree bend in the end to be inserted into the bracket to activate the log lifter plate.
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Wow!!! Don, this is really something! Thanks very much for all the work that you put into this. I'll take this to my machinist friend. I think that I'll need to lengthen the rod to fit my unit. I'll measure that. Thanks again, you saved the day!
Wow!!! Don, this is really something! Thanks very much for all the work that you put into this. I'll take this to my machinist friend. I think that I'll need to lengthen the rod to fit my unit. I'll measure that. Thanks again, you saved the day!
Hi John,
You are very welcome just drop me a line when you have it working. That will make me happy that someone else has brought back to life another of Gilbert American Flyer Trains.
Take care and enjoy your loader.
Yours Truly
Don
I have it back together and it's running perfectly. Thanks for the help!!!
I have it back together and it's running perfectly. Thanks for the help!!!
I am so glad that I could help you with your Loader. If you have anything else that you need help with I would be glad to help if I can. Thank You for the results, it tickles me that you have restored another Gilbert item to running condition rather the parting it out.
Merry Christmas and Happy Railroading
Don