Mystery Post war Flyer Set

Russ:

Check www.myflyertrains.org he has the AF catalogs listed.  Check 1955, I believe has the train set you have referenced.  5530TBH.

Roger

Robert Tuft's "The Almost Complete Guide to American Flyer S Gauge Sets" lists a 12SP(?) set sold in 1954 by the May Co., Los Angeles but it contains a 474, 962, 962, 963 and 799. I'm not sure why he put a question mark next to the set number. Perhaps yours is a variation of that set?

I agree about not solving the mystery without the set box.The confusing part was that the TM Book list the exact contents of I have with a set # under uncataloged sets.Then the Greenberg book lists that set # as cataloged but with similiar but different contents...No worse for the wear it is a very nice set and runs great which is all that matters....

FlyerRich posted:

Robert Tuft's "The Almost Complete Guide to American Flyer S Gauge Sets" lists a 12SP(?) set sold in 1954 by the May Co., Los Angeles but it contains a 474, 962, 962, 963 and 799. I'm not sure why he put a question mark next to the set number. Perhaps yours is a variation of that set?

To hopefully clarify things a bit ...

The 12SP(?) set is a single unit chrome Silver Rocket set sold in 1954 as stated on page 15 of Tuft's book. While the 5535TBH is the cataloged satin Silver Comet passenger set for 1955, the 5535TBHA is an uncataloged special set from 1955 containing the satin Silver Rocket green stripe equivalents with the Rocket PA with two motors. Russ' trains match the contents of the 5535TBHA set which is to be found in the TM guide. The proper stamped set box could conceivably be worth more than the trains themselves. 

Although I encourage Flyer enthusiasts to get a hold of a copy of Greenberg Vol. 3 for its pictures and general production values, please realize that it is not close to being complete in that cataloged AF sets from Gilbert and from Lionel are emphasized up to its date of issue. By the way, there is a more recent edition of the TM guide from 2012 (below) by yours truly with more info than the one from 2000.

Have fun.

Bob

Somehow I knew Bob would have the definitive answer.

Bob thanks so much for the additional information as it does  clarify my original thought as this being an actual set and not one missing its original contents.I will definitely have to purchase the TM 2012 version as I tell all my Flyer friends to seek the 2000 TM guide as an invaluable reference guide. I am sure there are many other "lost sets" out there coming out to light as the hobby changes generationally....