Help with American Flyer, new to S guage.

Well, your question is rather broadly posed. There are many postwar AF Gilbert S gauge engines and pieces rolling stock out there. If I may suggest, a place among others to learn of Gilbert production and of price ranges of vintage Gilbert trains, sets, and Lionel-AF is to be found in this very affordable guide:

http://www.tmbv.com/American-F.../productinfo/AFPG12/

Hope this is a start, John.

Bob

It's impossible to tell you what you need to know in a post on this forum. Steam loco's can run from $35 to $500. One cannot suggest an Atlantic for example because one variation of the same number can double the price.

With that said, if he intends to run them I would stick with knuckle coupler equipment. Generally in steam you can choose a pacific style loco with a plastic boiler number 283, which has knuckle couplers, light, auto reverse, pul mor, smoke and chop chop for around $75. Then decide on passenger or freight cars. Passenger cars are more expensive and a little harder to find in decent shape. Classical heavyweight cars will run around $100 each. If you choose freights, you can put together a larger roster as there are many inexpensive, common cars you can purchase. A 930 caboose which is handsome and lighted can be found in Tuscan brown for around $35. Common box cars such as the 933 B&O or the 922 GAEX can be had for around $25 each. Tank cars have a thinner selection, but a 925 in nice shape can be had for around $15. Gondola's such as the 931 T&P or 805 PRR can be had for $8 or less.

Just be patient and look for nice clean items with no damage or missing parts and you'll be fine.

Track is not too difficult to find either. Curves are very common, and can be found for 50 cents a section. Clean straights are a little tougher but can be found for $1 a section. Remote switches can be picked up in clean shape with controllers for around $40 a pair. Be sure to get the 722A version instead of the 722 as they have the lockout feature and a better mechanism.

If your just starting out you can look for about an 8B transformer. These have enough power to run a good loco with a big train, a few switches, and a few accessories.

There is a wide variety of accessories available too. Whistle billboards for $35 on up to Coal Loaders for $200. Various stations are also available.

My booth which is described in my signature has some nice AF listed, and I may have a few other items available if you contact me off boards. All of the items on my site are listed on the Buy Sell Boards here just search for posts by me.

Hope this helps some.

Gandy

Although one might try to (more or less) stay away from recommending particular dealers, another source one may suggest that has a reasonable listing of affordable Gilbert Flyer for your consideration is Port Lines Hobbies. Doug's web site is: http://www.portlines.com/ . Use the link and select "Used American Flyer" on the menu on the left side of the home page.

Hope this helps, as well.

Bob

As I mentioned all of the items on my web page are also listed here on the buy sell board if its easier for you. There is absolutely nothing wrong with informing you of trains available for sale via these boards. When I was first starting out and didn't know where to go to find old trains, tips from others was the best help I could get.

With that said, local shows and flea markets are more good places to find bargains, but you need to do your research first and know what to look for regarding the numbers your interested in buying, as well as a fair value for same on the forum, on the street, or anywhere else. For example if you like the 283 Pacific what should you look for when buying one. Broken pilot steps, broken pop valves, cracked motor mount posts, missing bell etc., are all things to watch for on those style loco's. Ask lots of questions until your confident with what you know. Many sellers will negotiate at shows so don't be afraid to ask for a few bucks off. Doug has a good selection as do other vendors you can find by doing a Google search. No matter who you buy from, do your homework first so you know what your buying and if the asking price was fair. I would avoid buying anything on line that does not have several clear well lit pictures of the actual item for sale. That, unfortunately, will eliminate many vendors you will find with a Google search. A price guide is essential as well, although with today's economy the values listed are a little outdated and a little higher on average than prices being realized.

Gandy

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate the help.  I found an engine on the "For Sale" page here, I hope my wife's uncle likes it.

Take care,
John.