Prewar American Flyer O gauge Gear

Try Doug at Port Lines Hobbies.

Steve

So far I'm striking out.  I see now that they used this gear on several different models in the 1920's/30's, so I'm hoping somebody has a locomotive with this gear installed (the patent number should give it away easily).  An email to Northwest Short Lines is promising as they can probably make one, but need an accurate tooth count which I'm unable to get from the remnants of this gear.  Does anybody have one of these gears on a locomotive in their collection that they'd be willing to count the teeth on?  It'd be greatly appreciated.

Jake,

See picture. I counted 40 teeth. Very different loco (a Type VII, No. "915", circa 1932-34), but the same gear type, I believe. Sincerely hope that this helps.

Bob

Thank you very much Bob!  I also estimated 40 on this gear, but wasn't 100% sure.  That's extremely helpful in my quest for a new gear.

Yes, it's the same gear - same patent number.  The gear was also used on the Type XIX #614 sheet metal steam locomotive.

SantaFe158 posted:

Thank you very much Bob!  I also estimated 40 on this gear, but wasn't 100% sure.  That's extremely helpful in my quest for a new gear.

Jake,

Glad to be of help. Somehow, I have the feeling that I saw your friend's engine during Redford Theater night.   

What your friend appears to have there is a No. 629 Type XXI locomotive cataloged by AFMCo. in 1936. Don't go looking for pilot wheels because the loco actually is an 0-4-2. The nominal appearance of the unusual trailing truck is consistent with that of an original. It should also be partnered with a simple stamped steel matching black No. 1131 Type XII tender (Info from A. Schuweiler, "American Flyer Prewar O Gauge", Revised ed., 1996. Pages 64 and 95).

In 1937-38, this engine type XXI was cataloged as No. 729 and No. 1686 with a tender in gray and is a kissin' cousin of your friend's engine. This version (my sample) is a 2-4-4 and is shown below. Interestingly, the motor and spur gear arrangement and the drive rod arrangement are very different from your friend's No. 629.

Have fun!

Bob

Thanks guys!

Bob, having the model number is very helpful as I haven't been able to come up with a positive identification until now.  The rear trailing truck on this one looks like a replacement, so I had assumed that the original lead/trailing trucks had long ago disappeared.

I had never seen one of these before but within a week of having the first one on the workbench, I had somebody inquire at the Novi train show about repairing one of the later ones with the 4 wheel trailing truck.  Apparently there are more out there than I thought...

Here's the engine with a passenger and a freight set - cataloged in 1936

Catalog page

The 1710RT passenger set

SantaFe158 posted:

Thanks guys!

Bob, having the model number is very helpful as I haven't been able to come up with a positive identification until now.  The rear trailing truck on this one looks like a replacement, so I had assumed that the original lead/trailing trucks had long ago disappeared.

<snip>

Jake,

The unusual trailing truck is legit, as you can also observe in the picture and catalog pages that Robert posted. The train was definitely on the affordable end of the line and various features were highly cost-driven during the Great Depression. Welcome to the wonderful wacky world of prewar "Chicago" American Flyer.

Bob

Bob Bubeck posted:

SantaFe158 posted:

Thanks guys!

Bob, having the model number is very helpful as I haven't been able to come up with a positive identification until now.  The rear trailing truck on this one looks like a replacement, so I had assumed that the original lead/trailing trucks had long ago disappeared.

<snip>

Jake,

The unusual trailing truck is legit, as you can also observe in the picture and catalog pages that Robert posted. The train was definitely on the affordable end of the line and various features were highly cost-driven during the Great Depression. Welcome to the wonderful wacky world of prewar "Chicago" American Flyer.

Bob

Good to know Bob.  I still believe the trailing truck on this one is a modern replacement part, as the construction is a little odd to me, including what appears to be a spot weld or two.  This thing has definitely had some minor modifications made.

SantaFe158 posted:

Bob Bubeck posted:

SantaFe158 posted:

Thanks guys!

Bob, having the model number is very helpful as I haven't been able to come up with a positive identification until now.  The rear trailing truck on this one looks like a replacement, so I had assumed that the original lead/trailing trucks had long ago disappeared.

<snip>

Jake,

The unusual trailing truck is legit, as you can also observe in the picture and catalog pages that Robert posted. The train was definitely on the affordable end of the line and various features were highly cost-driven during the Great Depression. Welcome to the wonderful wacky world of prewar "Chicago" American Flyer.

Bob

Good to know Bob.  I still believe the trailing truck on this one is a modern replacement part, as the construction is a little odd to me, including what appears to be a spot weld or two.  This thing has definitely had some minor modifications made.

Hi Jake,

Ah! That particular (and unusual) trailing truck for the 0-4-2 definitely has been repro'd, including the nickel wheels, which is consistent your comment about it looking like a replacement. What I should have posted is that that style of trailing truck, as pictured, is consistent with the appearance of an original.  Sorry for my misunderstanding.

Have fun.

Bob

Thanks for the clarification Bob.  I figured you at least meant the two wheel trailing truck appearance was stock.  The catalog page posted by Robert and your information about the engine have been very helpful.

Is there anybody out there with a locomotive featuring the gear mentioned above that could measure the outer diameter with a pair of calipers or a micrometer for me?  I'm working with NWSL to get a replacement made, but I'm fearful that the one I have is swelled up too much to get a proper dimension.  I'd just like a confirmation before I make the order.

Thanks

I thought NWSL is going out of business?

Chuck Sartor posted:

I thought NWSL is going out of business?

I believe that's happening later this summer.  As of a couple weeks ago they were perfectly happy to make the gear for me once the dimensions were figured out.

If you are still looking, if this the gear you seek, drop me a line. The gear is in perfect shape, the shadows make it look some of the teeth worn. It can be used as is or copied.

Chuck Sartor posted:

If you are still looking, if this the gear you seek, drop me a line. The gear is in perfect shape, the shadows make it look some of the teeth worn. It can be used as is or copied.

I'm definitely still looking for the part.  Email sent!