Hi everyone,
I bought a prewar American Flyer minnehaha set that needs drive wheels and the intermediate gear on the loco. Where can I buy these wheels? Would someone at York have them?
Here's a picture from one of Papa's posts.
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Do you know if the motor is operable? I've heard that motors were not a strong point on prewar Flyer items, so you might be better off to graft a different known-good motor into it. I imagine it's not easy to find a good original motor.
I was gifted an old Minnehaha train a few years ago (without motor) and recently made it operable with a modified Marx double-reduction motor. I had to fabricate a hanger bracket and cut down the E-unit housing so the motor could swivel adequately inside the narrow carbody. Runs great, and it's a really cool little train! But I'm still debating whether to try to drill and tap the Marx drivers to attach connecting rods.
Good point.
I will have to test the motor soon.
I've powered many locos with Marx motors, including the tinplate sheet metal AF Zephyr.
Another point about old motors: I've had some that seem to run well after servicing, but after a short period of operation they start squealing because the bearings are badly worn. You can oil them up and they they are good for a while ... but maybe only a little while. Something to watch out for when buying a used motor.
Marx motors are relatively cheap and common, a good possibility for re-powering projects.
As of a couple of years ago, George Tebolt had the intermediate gear in stock and possibly the wheels too and he can be reached at:
georgetebolt@aol.com
I was able to resurrect an A.F. Comet with a similar motor and it runs fine now.
Eric Hofberg
TCA, LCCA
georgetebolt on the internet as well.
I've got the old ones in my backpack and will bring them to York. Maybe looking for these will distract me from buying a trunk full of scale locos and cars at bargain prices.
RoyBoy,
I strongly recommend that you contact George Tebolt asap and request that he bring the needed parts to York with him. George doesn't always bring his entire inventory with him and this way you can be sure that he'll have your parts order ready for pick-up. He'll be in the Orange hall.
Eric Hofberg
TCA, LCCA
Just sent him an email. Thanks for the suggestion.
Bad news. George doesn't have them. 
