This 1916 American Flyer clockwork set arrived in the mail yesterday.

I wanted the set for the baggage car, as I did not have this variation from 1916.

I have at least 1 or 2 of the coaches in other sets, but it is nice to get another.

I like these pre-1920 Flyer cars, as it seems there are more variations of the lithography than the post 1920 cars.

NWL

Well, I am going to follow NWL with MY "new" American Flyer set, but its from (about) 1924 so its 8 years after the beautiful set posted by NWL above. 

Here is the Type XI engine with "A.F.-16" under the cab with embossed lettering in the casting and highlighted in gold.  It is  without the raised panel hence dating it from 1923 at the earliest.  Despite being nearly 100 years old, the CW motor works perfectly and so does both the cab brake lever and the under the frame brake trip which works with a brake rail in the track (which came with the set).

Here is the entire train.  IAW Greenberg's AF Prewar O'Gauge the "new" 6 inch cars were introduced in 1923 or 1924.  He states that there is at least one verified set, just like this one, from 1924 so the book maintains that is the true introduction date of these new cars.  The Pullman is marked "Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul" over the windows and 1206 - Seattle-1206 under the windows.  The 3-window , 6 panel door, mail / baggage is marked American Flyer Lines and 1205 on the left side of the door and "United States Mail / Railway Post Office" in two lines on the lower right side of the door.  Both have (using Greenberg's nomenclature) Type lV trucks and Type V couplers (garter slot) .  The color scheme and lettering date them from about 1924

Here are the Pullman and Mail/Baggage car in close up. 

Here is the set in the "bottom" of the set box.  Alas I don't have the cover and I can't really prove this is the bottom of this set box.  However, this one is a robust well constructed box both glued and stapled.  the dividers are the right size for the pieces and are also robust and permanently fastened into the outer box, so this clearly was a train set box, I just can't prove that it was for this set. 

Although I am not as familiar with early AF CW track, these pieces appear to be genuine and of the same time period as the cars.  As delivered to me, the "set" only had straight track (which of course could not be its original configuration) so I don't know if the curved sleepers are canted or flat.  The condition of the track is excellent however and consistent with the condition of the trains.

Hope you enjoy the pictures, this set was a thrill for me to find and acquire.

Don

Don,

The curved Flyer track would have the same ties (being sloped from one side to the other) just like the straight sections.  Your track appears to be correct for that time period.  Also your estimate of dating to 1923-1924 is certainly in the ballpark.  It could be from 1925-26, but it is difficult to date some of these items when we are c. 100 years out from their production.  I noted the baggage car does not have the Milwaukee St. Paul herald, which makes me believe this could be a later set, but like I said, it is difficult to date some of these items.  

NWL

...OK, earlier AF passenger trains it is

@Robert S. Butler posted:

...OK, earlier AF passenger trains it is

 

Don't get me started!  How about just early yellow cars!

Or we could do larger, early cars

NWL

I bought a 211 flatcar with truck from EBay, it showed up this week. I am real happy with it, the doors open, and the hood comes off. Used, but looks new to me.

NwL thank you for the information. I agree some of these flyer items from 100 years ago are tough to date precisely. Even Greenberg’s book laments the confusion (LOL). Thanks again

Don

Some of my tinplate add vans on the new 0-45 loop. 

Today my Dutchy mate has offered up a package that I just couldn't say no to ...

A Clockwork rake that unfortunately doesnt seem to wind up ( hopefully just a broken spring , or detached from the axle cage ) and is also lacking drive rods and the front steam assemblies , but in a first for me ... its GAUGE I ... and its also a Heinrich Fischer ! which kinda blows my mind a little , because I never knew Fischer did Gauge I ? Always living and learning

I know I havent come across them before in my travels, but obviously they are out there but there is bugger all on the web that I could find to increase my knowledge about them ?

Fischer in general seems to be fairly undocumented ?

This set looks very much like a "Blown Up" version of their O Gauge locos that were in British liveries for export ... but it looks  HUUUGE lol ( its still in the netherlands )

Even comes with a few lengths of Fischer track

Gauge I is a rabbt hole I never thought I could go down ( due to the $$$'s) but I suppose I now have a foot in the door lol!

Any info from our knowledgeable Euro collecting guys muchly appreciated !

( @FRENCHTRAINS @Arne ...and come back @sncf231e we miss you! )

Hello @Fatman , That's a lovely piece.  I am sorry but I never saw one and do not know anything about it.... Maybe Arne will be better for that piece.  No info on History Toys ?

Very best, Daniel

Nope only the two O gauge sets @historytoys Daniel

https://www.historytoy.com/ind...k=16839&lang=eng

 Oh and didnt put in above post , but its definitely a Fischer

VEry cool- @Fatman . One gauge always intriguied me, as well, as does Fischer as a brand. That’s a neat set

Chris:  beautiful train.  However I was also really impressed with the hotel or station with the dome roof that was in the foreground of the video...who made that?  Oh and the 0-6-0 Tank, is that Hornby? 

  Fatman, what a find!  I have no Gauge 1 trains at all, likely because I could never afford them and they were not too popular in the US although they were made by Ives.  I even have had to give up my Standard Gauge trains at least in running, no space big enough. The color scheme on the Pullmans does seem reminiscent to my French Hornby Pullmans (shown below) although mine are from a much later era and much smaller of course.   Beautiful set Fatman thanks for posting.  Th

Craiginor - I have an original Lionel 211 flat car, its my only series 200 car.  It is so big I could almost ride on it!  It does nicely hold some cool trucks (like yours) though.  I have a picture of it with a Wyandotte Tow Truck that fits, thing is huge.

Great pictures and videos all.  Hope everyone has a great week.  Stay healthy

Don

@Fatman posted:

Today my Dutchy mate has offered up a package that I just couldn't say no to ...

A Clockwork rake that unfortunately doesnt seem to wind up ( hopefully just a broken spring , or detached from the axle cage ) and is also lacking drive rods and the front steam assemblies , but in a first for me ... its GAUGE I ... and its also a Heinrich Fischer ! which kinda blows my mind a little , because I never knew Fischer did Gauge I ? Always living and learning

I know I havent come across them before in my travels, but obviously they are out there but there is bugger all on the web that I could find to increase my knowledge about them ?

Fischer in general seems to be fairly undocumented ?

 

 

 

Fatman,

yes, Heinrich Fischer had made 1 gauge, but I think only this set. I have never seen a other.

I don´t collect 1 gauge, but I have the same in 0 gauge.

Arne

Arrived today. Kraus Fandor Sleeping coach 1111 and Dining coach 1110, made 1935-1937 with Bing tools.

Need a bit work, the colour of the roofs is not orginal and they has Marklin couplers.

In a fortuitous "Co-inkydink! " closed the sale on another Sakai B&O battery loco for spares

Its rather nice outside , but has had batteries left in at some stage so there is some corrosion one end of interior

looks OK this end internally ...

Other end ... Not so much ... who knows it might still run , but I'ma doubting ?

Depends on how much "BlackWire" has formed with the electrolysis ...TBD!

"Happytime No.1 many good fun" running gear tho

@Fatman posted:

In a fortuitous "Co-inkydink! " closed the sale on another Sakai B&O battery loco for spares

Its rather nice outside , but has had batteries left in at some stage so there is some corrosion one end of interior

 

That's really cool! - I have never seen one like it before.  Is this O gauge?  I am assuming Sakai is Japanese, is that correct?

@jhz563 I'll let you know when the boxed set gets here LOL !

They are marketed as "Standard Gauge " train sets , and seem to have a collaborative history behind the various versions with attributes to Sakai Dakin and even Alps thrown around as manufacturers .

The Sakai collectors guys are happy to call them Sakai tho ...they are def 0-ish in scale tho

All the sets came with various 2-rail track .. and I could be wrong but I "think" it is nominally smaller than O ... I think @Steve "Papa" Eastman

might be able to chime in ?

The full set is in my post a page or so back ..

 They take D size batteries tho .. so def of a good size !

Size comparison with a pug

Wow. I've been looking for a battery powered diesel. Will these run on Marx O-27 track or do they need their own track? Much Appreciation!

@Fatman posted:

@jhz563 I'll let you know when the boxed set gets here LOL !

They are marketed as "Standard Gauge " train sets , and seem to have a collaborative history behind the various versions with attributes to Sakai Dakin and even Alps thrown around as manufacturers .

The Sakai collectors guys are happy to call them Sakai tho ...they are def 0-ish in scale tho

All the sets came with various 2-rail track .. and I could be wrong but I "think" it is nominally smaller than O ... I think @Steve "Papa" Eastman

might be able to chime in ?

The full set is in my post a page or so back ..

 

 They take D size batteries tho .. so def of a good size !

More like S Gauge 

Steve

Yes. S gauge collectors have known about these for years.

 View from the blimp.

Scott Smith

WOW Scott - That looks great!  Glad to see you got back into the building.  Maybe by next year I can come see it in person.  Great job.

This week i had the pleasure to buy a very nice loco from EDOBAUD in great original condition which is rare as the paint was directly put on metal without any primer. It dates from 1932-35 and is a very good runner despite his weight. Edobaud trains are more gauge one size, even if they run on o gauge three rails, particularity is they take curent from the center and forward and bacward from the inside and outside rails so all wheels are isolated  and tracks had wood sleepers.

And here are some EDOBAUD trains and accessories in action at home,

Have a nice weekend,  Daniel

@FRENCHTRAINS posted:

This week i had the pleasure to buy a very nice loco from EDOBAUD in great original condition which is rare as the paint was directly put on metal without any primer. It dates from 1932-35 and is a very good runner despite his weight. Edobaud trains are more gauge one size, even if they run on o gauge three rails, particularity is they take curent from the center and forward and bacward from the inside and outside rails so all wheels are isolated  and tracks had wood sleepers.

 

And here are some EDOBAUD trains and accessories in action at home,

Have a nice weekend,  Daniel

Love that rug!

@scott.smith posted:

 View from the blimp.

Scott Smith

Nice and colorful, Scott, as it should be. Again, great job on the tunnel portals!

PD

FEF, passing by downtown Radiator Springs

Steve

Not tinplate, per se, but tinplate era, our Lionel 1668:

This one came in a 1941 set marked 1174W, with a 1630 and 1631 coach and observation. It's supposed to have a 2689W whistling tender, but this one is without a whistle (and has a latch-style coupler). Perhaps a replacement...

My father gave me this Marx bank. I think it would be perfect size for cargo on a standard gauge train. I like how they even gave it little wheels.

Well friends, like usual some really terrific trains.  Daniel, I admit I have never heard of EDOBAUD trains, but that is one beautiful engine and in fabulous shape.  Papa Eastman great Marx chrome fronts!  Pd a beautiful 1668.  I have had the same experience with tenders, some with some without whistles.  I believe at the time Lionel sold the engines both ways at slightly different prices and I am sure that they would have swapped out a tender (or swapped in one with a whistle) to hit a price point for one of their key customers.  I just got a pre-war 204 and according to what I could learn it came both ways, mine has a 2688 W or whistle tender but the same engine was offered in sets w/o a whistle.  See the TCA Lionel Trains book, 2nd eddition, 1989, under "Special and Unique Items".

Well a few weeks ago, Fatman offered a great engine that he described as having a bit of play wear.  My offering today is like that.  Its not that exotic, its a Hornby M3 LMS Tank Engine.  This one has had some play for sure but now that I cleaned it up it doesn't look too bad.  CW motor including manual reverse seems to work OK as well.  In the following pictures, I paired it up with some Hornby Type 1 LMS coaches and it looked pretty good.  This one came to me in its original box from a source in UK and the price was but GBP 10 or about $13 USD.  How could it pass it up!! 

Here is a front 1/4 view.  Note that the M3 was made from 1931-1941 BUT the addition of side rods and steam chests occurred with a re-design in 1936 which was the first time the M3 had cylinders / rods. This has the pre-war 8 red spoke cast drive wheels  I believe this to be the "matt" finish which further dates this engine from 1939 -1941  The trademark on the back of the bunker is most defiantly the pre-war style.  The M3 "sort of" emerged after the war in '47-48 as the 101.

Here is a  side view, showing off her "LMS" livery, handrails, and chrome steam dome.

Here is a picture with two of my Type 1 Hornby LMS coaches.

The full train ready to depart .

Have a great weekend everyone.

Don

Nice little HORNBY Don, I always enjoy to look at one running, they have a really special appeal, so British....

If you want to know more on Edobaud, the TCA has a very good history of that small manufacturer.

Very Best, Daniel

Lovely Hornby rake there @Don McErlean and an absolute bargain on the Loco !

And  terrific EDOBAUD .. Frenchy never disappoints

Don ...Here is one in my collection thats a little more minty ( Strange for me LOL! )

I had a couple of wins this week ... first coming from the UK  is a post-war Hornby LMS  wagon .. which has been fitted with a nice ( reproduction?) canvas cover ...its not a true covered wagon as they had a rail to hold up the tarp , this one has a card insert fitted to hold the tarp in shape .. still a lovely looker tho !

And coming from France via the Netherlands is an exercise in co-operative buying lol .. My Dutch friend graciously accepted to bid on my behalf for it , and have it shipped to him to combine with the next  parcel I have coming from him loaded with European goodness. A nice addition and a even nicer reduction in postal costs as NL post only has two brackets up to 2 kg and 2-5 kg .So as I have over 2kg coming , post of this is pretty much free to me as I will have to pay the 5kg rate anyway ! So I saved nearly 20Euro on post this way on this CR ... He is a goooood friend lol !

A Charles Rossignol CR-60 locomotive and tender which is I think from the early 50's ?

Hey guys, happy weekend! I hope you're all well. I ran some Marx last night and took a few vids - totally mundane compared to the beauties posted here!

Edit-as an aside, all the switches and planning is frustrating me. I think also confining myself to 4x8 hasn't helped either. I'm considering tearing down the 4x8 and doing around the wall like I planned on before. Any advice from fellow tinscale modelers? 

Fatman thanks for your comment AND the picture of what my loco looked like when it was “young” !!  The Rossignol is really cool, I had only seen advertising pictures before now to see one IRL is great. 

Steamwolf- you have the great debate. Width vs length. The advantage of the 4x8 format is the width unlikely in an around the wall setup. The around the wall gives you running length but normally is not near as wide (note some of our forum members have both and of course that is ideal.) My layout is 40” x17 ft and while it gives me some long straights I miss enough width for scenery or accessories.  Also unless you can go 360 deg  you still have to turn back unless you choose point to point. 

I think its really personal choice  I favor a “toy train” type layout kind of circa 1950’s   And I like to watch the trains “go round”  However we have in the forum others who use the around the wall idea with much more prototypical operation and beautiful “against the wall” scenery.  Currently I wish I had your 4 ft of width (room limitation) but others do a super job with more slender and longer elements. 

One last thing.  In I were going to go slender I would definitely do 360 deg as once you have to turn back you need width to make the loop which takes up a lot of floor space even at 0-31radii

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

<SNIP>

Hey Don, thanks for the valued input. I think I'll try to make the best of both worlds. It just hasn't worked out no matter what I try with the 4x8, I'm just not all the way happy with what's coming out of SCARM. My original plan called for point to point with reversing loops. I think I'll just stick to simple and do that.

Got this cool new bridge.   Now I have to rearrange the tracks to use it properly.  What I shame that I will have to play with the tracks!

New this week.

Bing 10/594 prototype, made around 1929-30, soldered and hand painted

Together with a regular 10/594

Bing 10/597 prototype, made around 1929-30, soldered and hand painted

Karl Bub small station, never seen before. Made in the 20s I think.

Same size like Bub warehause 611

Arne

Homework (It was him, not Conner, nice try though!)

GREAT selection of items as always from the "usual suspects"! PLEASE keep them coming for this vicarious observer! :-)

How about some more? THANKS, DANKE and MERCI! :-)

Some French tinplate passenger cars made by AS, they dates from 1990 and where not mass produced, they represent the Blue Train running on the Côte d'Azur. 

Have a nice weekend,  Daniel

Nothing so glamorous...a nice little 629 in fine shape:

Makes the old scuffed-up 248 look even more so.

PD

Daniel: Beautiful set of cars!  PD: That humble, but splendid 629, is also a splendid example of its period! THANKS for sharing!

I am determined not to let this thread die ( LOL!) Totally happy to see most are with me , with some amazing stuffs showing up as always .....I thought this week my own efforts might be a little boring as up until a few days ago all I had to show for my troubles was a lonely Hornby BR tender ...

Which will for now have to pair unnecessarily with a BR Hornby Type 40 Tank loco until I find the correct loco for it ( a BR 60199 loco)

Type 40 Tank loco ..

But then my day was made with another email from my great Dutchy mate telling me he had come across a wonderful Karl Bub ... and as soon as I saw it was an early Windcutter , there was no saying no!

Dutchy is now officially designated as my "Dealer" as he is forever lurking in a shadowy email back alley .. whispering " Psssst ! Wanna buy a train " when I come near

@Fatman posted:

I am determined not to let this thread die ( LOL!) Totally happy to see most are with me , with some amazing stuffs showing up as always ..... 

Your contributions are greatly appreciated and enjoyed.  A few things to keep in mind if you're feeling like the only contributor - 

1) the number of people with the discerning taste for tinplate is small.

2) the tinplate market here has become saturated and MTH isn't making any new items - the level of new stuff seems to be going down

3) limited number of train meets for finding new items

4) on this side of the world, the train season is just starting to pick up - our seasons are backwards!

Most of my tinplate is pretty basic and common, but I'll take another look to see if there's anything that might be of interest.

Keep up the good work.  

Fatman what a great loco I am an aero guy so assume the “ wind cutter” nomenclature refers to the nose cone on the boiler front!  Beautiful and great to see thanks for posting. 

Pd: great 248 and 629 cars. Let me relate an experience I had with my similar consist at the Ohio State Fair. In the 80’s we built a large 3rail layout for public display. If members agreed to watch and monitor the layout they were allowed to run their trains. So among the beautiful near scale trains of dozens of cars along went my little 248 and 3 cars. The most wonderful thing that day was a young boy of about 3 telling his Dad didn’t want to leave because he wanted to “ watch the little red train some more”. Made my day for sure!

Don

Windcutter refers to the point on the front of the roof I believe........Have seen 0-35 locos from several manufacturers but not all had windcutter cab roofs. 

@Jim O'C posted:

Windcutter refers to the point on the front of the roof I believe........Have seen 0-35 locos from several manufacturers but not all had windcutter cab roofs. 

That was my thought also.

Steve

Yep The Windcutter is the reference to the Angled Front Cab Windows ... to cut thru the wind

@Mallard4468 I really dont feel alone, in fact I feel like I am in incredible company with those who pop in and/or contribute to this thread and all the previous weekly editions we have had coming before it   It was more a gentle nod of the head to all and a bit of encouragement to make this a mega thread going into the future ... Us tinplaters might be in the minority community-wise , but I reckon we have the most fun and dont take everything too uber seriously either ... there is room for the most toy-like and most scale to sit side by side , for rarities and common as muck , and they all get celebrated here ...

Dare I say it , Tinplate is probably the most inclusive ?

( oops I just did ! )

A few news in the collection.

Adolf Schuhmann car from catalogue 1925. The couplers are similar to Karl Bub.

Karl Bub loco 542L without tender, made 1931-1932

Heinrich Fischer ticket house, made in the 20s.

This man are in other Fischer models too.

Arne

Something new being worked on, an American Flyer Wide Gauge Pacemaker boxcar.

@Pete in Kansas nice lookin car. Did you use rattle can or air brush? Which brand paint and did you use a primer first? I’m getting ready to paint some STD passenger cars for a Christmas set and making final paint selections.

Arne and Fatman: ALL nice selections! :-) 

@Rich Wiemann posted:

@Pete in Kansas nice lookin car. Did you use rattle can or air brush? Which brand paint and did you use a primer first? I’m getting ready to paint some STD passenger cars for a Christmas set and making final paint selections.

I used Rustoleum paint thinned with lacquer thinner and sprayed with a Passche airbrush. The red is the bright red just as it comes from the can and the gray is dark gray lightened with some white to approximate the gray Flyer used on trucks. These were sprayed over the bare metal that was stripped with ZEP oven cleaner and then cleaned in hot soapy water. The decals are O gauge from K4. I had never used this brand before but they went on very well.  

By the way Rustoleum rattle cans also work well. I painted an American Flyer caboose with Dark Hunter Green from a rattle can a few weeks ago and it also came out very nice.

A video from last night

Scott Smith

The Lionel Interurban was offered between 1910 and 1916. A non-powered trail car was also available. Examples of these cars are relatively scarce. This restored Interurban No. 10 dates from 1913-14. Serving as a trailer in the photograph is a restored Lionel No. 18 coach from the Corporation period.

JKE: NICE pairing! :-)

Gentlemen and ladies: Let's keep this thread active!

Fridays on this thread used to be something I looked forward to, but since we were moved, it has not been as much fun! :-( :-( :-(

Hey Art, just geave us some time to post, I just return from work...

An American SHAY made in France. It is not O gauge but I hope you will appreciate it, that loco is a live steam model , very simple and rustic and it run on G gauge track but as the wheels are large Standard gauge is also a possibility. It dates from the eighties and a small batch of pieces has been made by a French maker, N. Marcet for those of us who dream of logging railroads. Heating is made with tablets similar to the one used with British Mamod live steam engine, the boiler is a copper model covered with steel. Not a high grade model just one built in tinplate style.

Have a nice weekend, Daniel

@Tinplate Art posted:

Gentlemen and ladies: Let's keep this thread active!

I will try and post something this weekend.  The last several months have been extremely busy for me at work, with the last month being even crazier, but I am off all next week!  First vacation since February, and I am staying home to hopefully work on some train projects, among other things.

NWL

Daniel: That is one neat Shay! I love it! Somewhat spare in detail, but overall very NICELY done! THANKS for sharing!

NWL: THANK YOU for your reply! Your items are always fine contributions!

Daniel : AMAZING an American, live steam, logging Shay made in France!  Thanks for posting I don't know how I would ever have seen an engine like this except for your posts on this thread.  Thank you

Don

Daniel: You have aptly described it well as a tinplate live steamer! May I ask a value for such a limited run item?

@Tinplate Art posted:

Daniel: You have aptly described it well as a tinplate live steamer! May I ask a value for such a limited run item?

I have seen one selling for  $400 but this one was "only" $200 so it returned at home with me. It is not a very common item so hard to give a price, if I well remember in 1985 they sold new for the equivalent of $350.

Sounds like a very reasonable price, perhaps even a bargain!

Tinplate-era O-27, LIonel 1689E, restored years ago from parts-in-a-bucket:

An off-the-mark attempt at crackle-black (home-brew from an airbrush). Lots of repro bits here to finish it. Mucked up, though, and failed to re-quarter the drivers when I reassembled the motor.

Someday, when I get back downstairs to the layout, I'll need to fix that signal bridge.

PD

Great Stuff Folks !

Daniel , love that Shay and for that price it would have come home with me IF I could ever find one ! Beautiful !

Loving the 1689E too PD !

Just a couple of new ones this week .. a Karl Bub 1st 3rd carriage

And a wee Karl Bub Tender too

But in great news ... Part of the "Netherlands Collection " is on its way down south ... Items Marked with red crosses , are carryovers that didnt fit in this first 5kg shipment !

All of these have been posted before , but its a ****( <-- " H E Double Hockey Sticks! " ) of a group so reposting in the mega thread

Thank You Dutchy!

Not a bad early Christmas Box lol!

More Marx clockwork from me! I was excited to recieve these - they look better than in the pics. Almost mint. 

As many of you know, I'm a sucker for the Seaboard livery. I wish Marx made more freight cars than just the gondolas. Maybe I'll have to make my own.

I had some guests visit to see the trains this weekend and before they arrived, I re-arranged my 1907-1908 shelf.  The shelf had to be lowered in order to fit the box on the right into the shelf.  The two boxes represent variations of 1908 American Flyer boxes, with the one on the right receiving a light restoration, as the tab and slot design of the corners had several missing tabs.

Here is the set that goes in the box on the right (complete with figure 8 track)

Here is the set that goes in the box on the left

NWL

Fellows, I have nothing new of my own this week but I couldn't help but comment on some of the recent posts.  Fatman ;  what a great display!  Now sure what the red "x"'s mean in some of the photo's (as the song goes..."All my X's live in Texas!") but i really liked seeing all the engines and rolling stock.  SteamWolf - What a great Seaboard set, never have been able to capture one of those but I keep trying.  NWL - what a magnificent display, fantastic.  Except for things on this post like you fellows and others share, I likely would never even see such trains.  thanks to all

Don

Only a bit tinkering this week. Copy of a Karl Bub elevated railway.

Arne

@Arne posted:

Only a bit tinkering this week. Copy of a Karl Bub elevated railway.

 

 

Arne

 

Well done! Looks fantastic! 

@Arne Bloody fantastic job !

@Don McErlean the red crosses are just the ones that couldnt fit into the first shipment from the Netherlands LOL ... I was limited costwise to 5kg ( 11lbs) per shipment and all the uncrossed ones plus packing came to 4.88 kg LOL! PostNL just has the two classes 0-2kg then 2kg to 5kg , so if there is over 2kg it just makes sense to try and get to 5 for the same price

I am already making a good start on the next 5kg and it didnt help last night when he offered up yet another 1925-ish Karl Bub loco of the type I already have 3 off! . Those 3 all have a slightly different finish with the lithography however , and this 4th loco in fact has the exact same lithography as one of my three ... However it is fitted with a factory modified motor and brake trip , as well as a fixed trip lever sticking out from the undercab ... this made it part of a special set Bub made where the loco would drive onto a clockwork turntable , rotate 180 degrees and then automatically restart !

It can be seen in operation at the 4min 40sec mark on this video

Clever Mr Bub ! ... so although this loco has issues , not running atm , it is indeed a 4th variant and even tho I tried hard not to buy it , he made me an offer no sane man would refuse ! Now all I have to do is turn over the worlds largest pile of rocking horse poo and chickens teeth to find the turntable for it !

http://www.schweja-blecheisenbahn.de/15_7.html

So also in the next box will come one of these two pictured with the tender ( other is already sold )

Underside showing the brake flap and trip lever unique to these locos

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

I had some guests visit to see the trains this weekend and before they arrived, I re-arranged my 1907-1908 shelf.  The shelf had to be lowered in order to fit the box on the right into the shelf.  The two boxes represent variations of 1908 American Flyer boxes, with the one on the right receiving a light restoration, as the tab and slot design of the corners had several missing tabs.

Here is the set that goes in the box on the right (complete with figure 8 track)

Here is the set that goes in the box on the left

NWL

Looks great! I just heard from who visited you on their way home to the heartland. By all accounts, it was a great visit!

George

Sorry I have been absent. Sam reminded me to post an update. Not too much train action over the Summer, but it has picked up lately. I just finished replacing the Fastrack on this side of the layout.

I have lots of Fastrack listed on eBay right now. Four more tubular cuts to go on the other side. I finally picked up an Ives 122. This one is a bit unusual as it has a Lionel frame and Ives trucks and couplers.

Here it is next to the one I made.

Last week I remotored my John Daniels standard gauge GG1. The original motors disintegrated from the worst zinc pest I have seen.

In April, I picked up this Dorfan set. I don’t think I posted it here. Excuse me if I did.

Anyway, that’s probably enough for now. Stay safe.

George

Although collecting Ives is pretty much out of my wheelhouse due to the tyranny of distance ( and the ever present ePay GSP theivery) I couldnt turn up when I was offered to grab this for $25AUD posted ...

at least I may gain some more knowledge about what I am not able to get LOLOLOL!

@George S posted:

I finally picked up an Ives 122. This one is a bit unusual as it has a Lionel frame and Ives trucks and couplers.

Here it is next to the one I made.

 

 

George

George,

I don't know a lot about Ives, but the tank car you picked up on a Lionel frame, with Ives trucks and couplers is likely a transition piece, as I believe that is a Lionel tank also.  I know that after their bankruptcy, there were a lot of transition items, with the tank cars being one of the more unusual ones.  There is also a version that comes with a Flyer frame, the Lionel tank, and Ives trucks and couplers.

NWL

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

George,

I don't know a lot about Ives, but the tank car you picked up on a Lionel frame, with Ives trucks and couplers is likely a transition piece, as I believe that is a Lionel tank also.  I know that after their bankruptcy, there were a lot of transition items, with the tank cars being one of the more unusual ones.  There is also a version that comes with a Flyer frame, the Lionel tank, and Ives trucks and couplers.

NWL

Yes, it is a transition piece. Most of them use Lionel tanks on Ives frames. The earliest ones had blank brass plates. This must be one of the later ones. At one point they didn’t even bother using Ives couplers or trucks. The only difference between those and a Lionel 815 was the Ives plates and the color.

George

My layout for the museum this year is done, so helping my buddy Bill with his std gauge layout. A little snapshot.

Steve

A hundred years ago kids and their parents set up their tinplate toy trains on the floor to have fun running them. This Lionel Interurban and trailer dates from about 1913. and maybe it ran on the floor a century ago. It's still running today!

A Prussian tinplate passenger car made by Darstaed in Switzerland around 1980. Those cars where made under supervision of Marcel Darphin, a famous collector of scale models, by the Swiss manufacturer Twerenbold. The cars are all metal and very heavy, they are of very high quality and are not easy pieces to find. They must not be confused with actual Darstaed brand who re used the name and produce British models.

Have a nice weekend,  Daniel

Lionel's 252 pulling 600/2600 series cars.

Window display at the museum starting to come together

Steve

Speaking of transition era...

Here is an American Flyer 3211 caboose next to an Ives 121 caboose. Notice the resemblance?

I repainted the red on the Ives, because the paint had wrinkled. I left the roof original. Interesting, Ives made a completely different 121 with a Lionel 2817 body. The green colored 121 is rare.

George

Here is a follow up to George's Caboose photos.

The two cabooses borrowed from:

American Flyer

And Lionel

Until the bankruptcy I don't think Ives ever had a 9" caboose in their O gauge line.

Northwoods Flyer

@Greg J. Turinetti posted:

Here is a follow up to George's Caboose photos.

The two cabooses borrowed from:

American Flyer

And Lionel

Until the bankruptcy I don't think Ives ever had a 9" caboose in their O gauge line.

Northwoods Flyer

Do you have the second one in green?

George

George,

I wasn't aware that there was one in green.  The only mention I have ever seen of it was on eBay where the seller wanted an astronomical amount for it.  From the photos that were posted I thought it was not a legitimate variation

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

Edit:

I just checked the Ives website and there is a green variation, however the comment is that because it is all Lionel except for the plates it could very easily be put together.

There is also a special order red, white and blue variation shown.

To help get over not going to York this October I recently purchased, at a Saturday morning packing up price, from a forum member this traditional City of Denver Locomotive, 3-Car Streamliner Passenger Set. Couldn’t be happier with my purchase.

@Greg J. Turinetti posted:

George,

I wasn't aware that there was one in green.  The only mention I have ever seen of it was on eBay where the seller wanted an astronomical amount for it.  From the photos that were posted I thought it was not a legitimate variation

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

Edit:

I just checked the Ives website and there is a green variation, however the comment is that because it is all Lionel except for the plates it could very easily be put together.

There is also a special order red, white and blue variation shown.

That’s what is strange about the whole transition era. Nobody knows for sure. Ives was slapping stuff together. That red, white (cream) and blue one is very attractive, but I don’t value one-offs to the extent that one would cost. The green one on eBay only had Ives plates on one side and Lionel on the other. Ives could have ran out of parts, but who knows. I like the green version of the caboose, but it doesn’t do me much good with Lionel couplers.

George

@George S posted:

That’s what is strange about the whole transition era. Nobody knows for sure. Ives was slapping stuff together. That red, white (cream) and blue one is very attractive, but I don’t value one-offs to the extent that one would cost. The green one on eBay only had Ives plates on one side and Lionel on the other. Ives could have ran out of parts, but who knows. I like the green version of the caboose, but it doesn’t do me much good with Lionel couplers.

George

Several years ago Bertoia auctioned a Flyer bodied 121 caboose that was yellow & brown.  Here is an image from that auction.

I recall the item selling for big money, but don't recall the details.

Steve - the window display really looks cool.  I can't make out the consist but I have a similar one made up of a Lionel 384E 2-4-0, 332 baggage/mail, 337 pullman, 338 observation...also in the red/cream color scheme.  Unfortunately its been years since I had enough space to run it.  Who knows, maybe this Christmas if the "G-scale" trains stay in the box.

OK fellows, I admit I am about to commit a "bending" of the rules.  This item is NOT tinplate, but it is clearly in support of toy trains and of European origin.  Since most of the expertise in European trains seems to post here, I am going to show it to you.  It was advertised as a "Holland" train station and it is from the region of the Netherlands where I and my wife who accompanied me, often traveled for business.  It is one of our favorite parts of the world.

As you can see its a simple trackside passenger shelter labeled for Utrecht with direction signs for Eindhoven and Amsterdam.  It is clearly a "factory" made product as far as I can tell due to the finishes and construction.  It however carries no manufacturer's label (which may have come off during its life).  It looks in finish very much like some US made wooden toy ware in terms of how its made, finished, and the materials.

To get a sense of size, here is the item held in my Grandaughter's hand.  It is clearly in the range of O scale although I doubt it is "scale" at all but its about the right size for an O gauge train.  The roof clears my O gauge passenger cars and extends far enough over the tracks that it would provide shelter to boarding passengers in case of rain.  So its reasonably well sized although I doubt it has a scale prototype.

Since we traveled to this area a reasonable amount, still have friends in Amsterdam, and are going back (COVID permitting) this May, I just could not resist.  If anyone has seen something like this and /or  may know when it was made or the manufacturer I would most certainly like to know.

Thanks everyone and sorry its not tinplate.

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Steve - the window display really looks cool.  I can't make out the consist but I have a similar one made up of a Lionel 384E 2-4-0, 332 baggage/mail, 337 pullman, 338 observation...also in the red/cream color scheme.  Unfortunately its been years since I had enough space to run it.  Who knows, maybe this Christmas if the "G-scale" trains stay in the box.

OK fellows, I admit I am about to commit a "bending" of the rules.  This item is NOT tinplate, but it is clearly in support of toy trains and of European origin.  Since most of the expertise in European trains seems to post here, I am going to show it to you.  It was advertised as a "Holland" train station and it is from the region of the Netherlands where I and my wife who accompanied me, often traveled for business.  It is one of our favorite parts of the world.

As you can see its a simple trackside passenger shelter labeled for Utrecht with direction signs for Eindhoven and Amsterdam.  It is clearly a "factory" made product as far as I can tell due to the finishes and construction.  It however carries no manufacturer's label (which may have come off during its life).  It looks in finish very much like some US made wooden toy ware in terms of how its made, finished, and the materials.

To get a sense of size, here is the item held in my Grandaughter's hand.  It is clearly in the range of O scale although I doubt it is "scale" at all but its about the right size for an O gauge train.  The roof clears my O gauge passenger cars and extends far enough over the tracks that it would provide shelter to boarding passengers in case of rain.  So its reasonably well sized although I doubt it has a scale prototype.

Since we traveled to this area a reasonable amount, still have friends in Amsterdam, and are going back (COVID permitting) this May, I just could not resist.  If anyone has seen something like this and /or  may know when it was made or the manufacturer I would most certainly like to know.

Thanks everyone and sorry its not tinplate.

Don

Don

it is a 390 and the larger 300 series cars.

Steve

Thanks Steve...regardless it looks GREAT!  Thanks for the info

Don

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

Several years ago Bertoia auctioned a Flyer bodied 121 caboose that was yellow & brown.  Here is an image from that auction.

I recall the item selling for big money, but don't recall the details.

Yes, that’s the “red, white and blue” special order. Big money would be expected, especially in that condition with a box.

George

@George S posted:

Yes, that’s the “red, white and blue” special order. Big money would be expected, especially in that condition with a box.

George

I checked my Bertoia catalog and it is described as a tan car having a red roof with gray coupla roof, so not quite sure of it being a "red, white, and blue" car.  I recall seeing it in person at the auction and it was more of a yellow color than white.  The car sold for c. $3,500 at that auction in 2007.

NWL

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

I checked my Bertoia catalog and it is described as a tan car having a red roof with gray coupla roof, so not quite sure of it being a "red, white, and blue" car.  I recall seeing it in person at the auction and it was more of a yellow color than white.  The car sold for c. $3,500 at that auction in 2007.

NWL

Yes, that is the more accurate description of the colors. I couldn’t guess the price. That is higher than I would imagine, but it seems like it had enough authentication to it’s originality. There are only a couple of these that are known. My issue is that the color scheme is relatively easy to reproduce.

George

A short update to the Bub elevated railway. Seven of the eight posts are ready. Hope the last Bub baseplate arive this week.

Arne

Hello again everyone.  I decided that to make up for my posting of a WOODEN Holland train station, I better post some tinplate !  But before that, let me say thanks to Daniel for posting the Darstaed passenger cars from Switzerland ! COVID permitting, wife and I are traveling to Bern this May so maybe I might encounter these trains.  Rich Wiemann, beautiful City of Denver train, great find.  Arne your work on the Bub elevated is really progressing beautifully.  I hope you post some pictures of it operating when you are done.  NWL, George S,  and Greg I am now as confused as ever about the infamous "Ives Transition Cars " of about 1932 or so.  I have several that ultimately transitioned into the Lionel line, but had not seen those that used Flyer bodies...Oh well at $3500 for one caboose I expect I will never have to worry about them (LOL)!!

From me today, much more modest fare.  I pulled out some Chad Valley rolling stock this week.  These tankers were new to their line in 1949 (ref  Michael Foster's book, "British Toy Trains", Book 1).  I will admit to being a "tanker fan" because of the many different liveries that were used by the various manufacturers.

Anyway here are my Chad Valley tanker wagons:

This is the 10074 Model C.V. Dairies tanker. A single dome with lithographed ladder, note two color lithography on ladder to give a "3D" appearance .

This is the 10075 Model Motor C.V. Spirit Tanker.  A two dome but with no ladder

IAW Foster's book, both tankers were new to the Chad Valley line in 1949.  They had simple bent hook and eye couplings.  He mentions that later versions of these cars had black or nickel long link couplings.  They are obviously 4 wheel with no journal boxes, have metal wheels, and are both about 4-5" long.  I have several CV freight wagons, but am still on the lookout for a CV locomotive...oh well that is what makes us collectors...its all about the search!

Have a safe and happy week

Don

Hello Don, I hope you will find something for your collection in Switzerland.  Manufacturers from that country have realized many nice models, just be prepare to "Swiss prices" sometime they are extremely high...  Sorry about your wooden train station, I have never seen one and do not know who made it, nice piece and rare find, congrats. 

All my best wishes, Daniel

The PRR Congressional rolling past the Hellgate bridge.

Steve

Daniel :  Thank you for the advice, I will keep my "franc's" handy!!!  Thank you for the compliment on my train station, its just one of those things that wonderful memories of the area its from made it too hard to resist.

Don

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

Several years ago Bertoia auctioned a Flyer bodied 121 caboose that was yellow & brown.  Here is an image from that auction.

I recall the item selling for big money, but don't recall the details.

I just bought an overpainted AF 3211 that I plan to restore. I got a good price, and it's already been messed up pretty good. So, I will try to match this color scheme. I plan to keep the AF trucks and couplers on it. It has all the trim except for the circle windows on the ends. Maybe I can find some brass eyelets that will fit those. I don't know how the plates will clean up or if they are even there. There is a heavy coat of red on them. The journal boxes and other trim all has paint on it too. Hopefully, it will clean up nice and I can share with everyone.

I am having the most trouble matching that yellow/tan/white paint color. Rustoleum has an Antique White and an Almond that seem closest. I read that this color was used on other American Flyer cars, or maybe they meant Ives cars. Anyone have any ideas? The picture on the Ives Society website makes the color look darker and more tan in color.

The roof looks like a good match to Krylon Fusion Matte Ink Blue. I used Rustoleum Colonial Red to match the red on my Ives 121. I am happy with that match.

George

@George S posted:

I just bought an overpainted AF 3211 that I plan to restore. I got a good price, and it's already been messed up pretty good. So, I will try to match this color scheme. I plan to keep the AF trucks and couplers on it. It has all the trim except for the circle windows on the ends. Maybe I can find some brass eyelets that will fit those. I don't know how the plates will clean up or if they are even there. There is a heavy coat of red on them. The journal boxes and other trim all has paint on it too. Hopefully, it will clean up nice and I can share with everyone.

I am having the most trouble matching that yellow/tan/white paint color. Rustoleum has an Antique White and an Almond that seem closest. I read that this color was used on other American Flyer cars, or maybe they meant Ives cars. Anyone have any ideas? The picture on the Ives Society website makes the color look darker and more tan in color.

The roof looks like a good match to Krylon Fusion Matte Ink Blue. I used Rustoleum Colonial Red to match the red on my Ives 121. I am happy with that match.

George

I think your color will be off, if you paint the roof blue, as the Bertoia catalog calls it a gray colored roof.  I know that gray will be a difficult color to match, as there are many variations of gray colors.

I recall the color looking more yellow/tan in person, when I viewed it at the auction and I would suspect the roof is a darker gray color.

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

I think your color will be off, if you paint the roof blue, as the Bertoia catalog calls it a gray colored roof.  I know that gray will be a difficult color to match, as there are many variations of gray colors.

I recall the color looking more yellow/tan in person, when I viewed it at the auction and I would suspect the roof is a darker gray color.

The roof is the same color as the regular Ives 121. It does look gray, with a blue tint. This Ink Blue is very gray. If it doesn’t match, I’ll keep trying.

I’ll keep your observation of the yellow in mind as I try to match to body. Lighting in these different photographs tends to change the color.

George

Hi guys, just catching up on posts since mid-August. So many goodies to drool over. I think I like the box for that Ives caboose almost as much as the car. Great example of art deco packaging!

Contemporary tinplate--especially new-in-box--is quickly becoming as scarce as hen's teeth, so I have pretty much jumped on anything I find that suits my needs, interests, and desires. I am still in the process of unpacking and setting up things following my move to a new home last month, but did manage to place a small part of my contemporary O gauge tinplate motive power collection in a couple of the recently mounted display cases down in my new OGR office/lounge/train layout room. I was too lazy to remove the Plexiglas fronts, so please forgive the reflections.

@Allan Miller posted:

Contemporary tinplate--especially new-in-box--is quickly becoming as scarce as hen's teeth, so I have pretty much jumped on anything I find that suits my needs, interests, and desires. I am still in the process of unpacking and setting up things following my move to a new home last month, but did manage to place a small part of my contemporary O gauge tinplate motive power collection in a couple of the recently mounted display cases down in my new OGR office/lounge/train layout room. I was too lazy to remove the Plexiglas fronts, so please forgive the reflections.

Those are some nice ones! It feels like the contemporary tinplate era went by so fast!

George

Here is a video of a run tonight....there is a little plastic involved but oh well..

Added a few shelves to display up to show some of my bigger STD Gauge locos.

Steve

WOW Steve!

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

OK, trying something new.  I created a youtube channel so I could upload video content.  The test video is about 30 seconds long, but my aim is to create longer videos in the future.  So here are a couple of prewar American Flyer items running around the track.

NWL

I must gush a little and say that I love this video!!! Watching it over and over, like on a loop. Found myself actually straining/tilting my neck to see what is coming around a corner! Well done. Looks like there is more original AF O I definitely need to get!

@Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

Added a few shelves to display up to show some of my bigger STD Gauge locos.

Steve

Hope you have a stop to prevent the door from hitting the pilot on the 4-6-6-4!

@Mallard4468 posted:

Hope you have a stop to prevent the door from hitting the pilot on the 4-6-6-4!

The layout curves out so the door hits the edge of the layout first.

Steve

@Jim Kelly-Evans posted:

A hundred years ago kids and their parents set up their tinplate toy trains on the floor to have fun running them. This Lionel Interurban and trailer dates from about 1913. and maybe it ran on the floor a century ago. It's still running today!

I like your tag line quote from Hertz.

@Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:

Added a few shelves to display up to show some of my bigger STD Gauge locos.

Steve glad you added new shelves, can never have enough display space. However, I’m not sure about your display selection choice. Maybe the “Sorta Standard Gauge” RTR units would have been a better choice....LOL. Not really, those are some handsome units and rightfully should be admired on a daily basis. ENJOY....  

When I got antsy to get going on the Upstairs O Gauge Layout room and Layout table- and set up a Fastrack loop and a few accessories on the foyer Floor around and under the coffee table! I ran my original AF 1928 uncataloged set and a little 600 series freight set.

@George S posted:

The roof is the same color as the regular Ives 121. It does look gray, with a blue tint. This Ink Blue is very gray. If it doesn’t match, I’ll keep trying.

I’ll keep your observation of the yellow in mind as I try to match to body. Lighting in these different photographs tends to change the color.

George

I received my beat up caboose. Here are the before pictures.

Good news is that it has all the trim except the plates. I agree with NWL that the roof is going to be the problem color to match. It’s much closer to charcoal gray than any blue. I am going to experiment in blending spray colors on some scrap.

I have two shades of cream for the body that I will test and share.

This shouldn’t take too long. It’s mostly a strip and repaint.

George

@Carey TeaRose posted:

When I got antsy to get going on the Upstairs O Gauge Layout room and Layout table- and set up a Fastrack loop and a few accessories on the foyer Floor around and under the coffee table! I ran my original AF 1928 uncataloged set and a little 600 series freight set.

Beautiful room!

A favorite car, the Maerklin Transportwagen fur Flugzeuge No. 1881/1, produced 1919-1935. My example is post 1926 when buffers were added making the car a little longer. The car is all original except for the reproduction pilot.

@Jim Kelly-Evans posted:

A favorite car, the Maerklin Transportwagen fur Flugzeuge No. 1881/1, produced 1919-1935. My example is post 1926 when buffers were added making the car a little longer. The car is all original except for the reproduction pilot.

That car is incredibly cool. That's why I love this thread - seeing so many things that I never even knew existed.

Amazing that the car survived in that condition with almost all of the parts intact.  Of course, it's sad in a way, because it means the lucky kid who got it never really played with it.

@George S posted:

Good news is that it has all the trim except the plates. I agree with NWL that the roof is going to be the problem color to match. It’s much closer to charcoal gray than any blue. I am going to experiment in blending spray colors on some scrap.

I have two shades of cream for the body that I will test and share.

This shouldn’t take too long. It’s mostly a strip and repaint.

George

I have had one of these apart for about a year waiting for me to get back to it.  I intended to fabricate a replacement cupula to make look more lie a northeast wide cupula design.  the first couple tries came out poor and just never had time to get it done.  maybe next year.

A streamlined HORNBY set, reference AD for "Aero Dynamique"? It is a set from the M series which is smaller than the usual models and represent a train from the Paris Lyon to Mediterranean coast railway company. it dates from circa 1935 and hard to find in near new condition.

Have a nice weekend,  Daniel

Daniel: That stunning Swiss made original Darstead Prussian car made my day! The price on that beauty was probably not for the cardiac stressed! Congrats!

@George S posted:

I received my beat up caboose. Here are the before pictures.

Good news is that it has all the trim except the plates. I agree with NWL that the roof is going to be the problem color to match. It’s much closer to charcoal gray than any blue. I am going to experiment in blending spray colors on some scrap.

I have two shades of cream for the body that I will test and share.

This shouldn’t take too long. It’s mostly a strip and repaint.

George

I think I came up with the blue gray roof. I started with Ink Blue and lightly oversprayed it with Charcoal Gray.

Here are the color options for the cream. Antique White and Ivory White. which is closest? The Antique is a little runny.

George

Daniel :  What a great find, thanks for posting.  You are right, the MO class of Hornby was O - gauge but a smaller scale than the rest of the line.  I have one of the first passenger series of this line from about 1930-31. It is pictured below.  Not nearly as sophisticated as yours but the MO line did get better as the years went on.

Daniel, as always, thank you for posting.  I had never seen the "AD" set your pictured before.

Don

Ohhh Frenchy ! What a marvellous PLM Aerodynamique ! Thats one of my Bucket List locomotives .. C'est Magnifique Mon Frere !

Same with the Marklin Marvel from MR JKE ! glorious condition and some rocking horse poo right there !

Well this week for me has been more about "Bits and Pieces" than stunning rarity or amazingness

Starting with a simple Post War Hornby British Rail tender

Then a nice Canadian Pacific Marx found here in Aus .. ( excuse sellers photography lol )

Apparently its a "Perfect runner"

And sourced from the same fine fellow .. a lovely little double reduction Marx motor ( again perfect runner) which is quite possibly going to replace the motor in my British Marx Silverlink which has some issues !

But the absolute BARGAIN of the week was finding a lot of Vintage wheels on the Netherlands epay, and with the kind assistance of my Dutchy mate it was secured for an astounding opening bid of ......

0.99 Euro's !  with 7 euros local postage !

Thats some MAJOR treasure right there ! A lot of early pressed cut tin spoked wheels as well as some later cast versions ( and some HWN or similar plastics lol )

But the funniest thing I mentioned to Dutchy after winning it ... the Charles Gervais Cheese box the dude sent it in .... is worth 50 times the winning bid according to asking prices on epay !!!

So we started out pretty meekly but ended with a bang !

( it doesnt take much to keep me happy lol )

Here's my contribution.  I picked it up at York from a guy who specializes in European trains and frequently travels to the Czech Republic.  He threw it in when I purchased some other items.  It appears to be handmade.  I think the body is aluminum.  It has an O-gauge mechanism, but the overall size is more like standard or 1 gauge.  I have not yet dared to power it up.  Any ideas about it?

@Fatman posted:

But the absolute BARGAIN of the week was finding a lot of Vintage wheels on .......

( it doesnt take much to keep me happy lol )

Fatman I believe your last statement on the post sums it up for most of us!

It’s the thrill of the hunt and seeing value in something that doesn’t mean much to someone else. Keep up the hunt across the globe and enjoy. i know your collecting has broaden my toy train knowledge.

Fatman...you are now defiantly the "BIG WHEEL" among our group!!  Great Marx CP loco as well.  Do you know if its pre or post war?  Is it an 0-4-0 or a 2-4-2 ? Marx made both arrangements.  Based on some details,  it could date as early as '39 but was then reissued '46-52. Marx made these as 494,495,and 3000 series engines.  The key feature separating it from the 391,396,397 series is that it only has one dome and the 39X series had two.  In addition the 39X series had a round smokestack while the 3000 and 49X series had the tear drop shaped stack like yours. This would put your engine in the 49X or 3000 series.   One key is if there is lettering on the side boards, it would typically be "Marlines" but sometimes said "Canadian Pacific" or sometimes just the number "3000" other variants have just the blank sideboard with the colored trim and no lettering at all.   Marx, unfortunately for us collectors today, made a bewildering number of variants on this great loco.  In fact he made more variants of this type loco than any other.  However, I would agree with your seller..."if its Marx, it will RUN!"

Speaking of Marx, I posted this picture on Front End Friday, but thought you all might like it.  Its kind of "pre" Marx.  It is a Joy Line loco, CW, from about 1932-35.  This followed the Joy Line, cast iron loco made from about 1927.  The manufacturer was  the Girard Model Works of Girard Pa. which had been founded in 1906 as a manufacturer of springs and was engaged in the toy business from about the 1920's.  Louis Marx & Co. became their sole toy distributor under a 5 year contract in 1929.  Subsequent financial difficulties resulted in the Girard Model Works filing for bankruptcy in 1934 and Marx (who was a major stockholder and was serving as one of the Directors of the Model Works)  acquired the assets of the company from the receivers in January 1935.   It was reorganized as the Girard Manufacturing Co and began to produce Marx toys in 1936.

Here is the "mighty" Joy Line steam locomotive pulling her Joy Line heavyweight passenger consist about 1932-1935.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Don

I want to see one of my favorite post strings continue so here's my newest tinplate car. This started as a beat up 4018 and now is an REA express boxcar for my AF passenger train. Later I'll have some more pictures of my AF passenger train with this car in it and double headed with a 4000 and 46XX locomotives.   

Pete in Kansas:  Beautiful restoration / customizing job.  Did you have any rust?  If so what did you do to remove it and did you then have to prepare the surface for new paint.  I have several Lionel cars that could use a restoration but they have various amounts of rust and I am not sure of a good mechanism to remove it.  Thanks

Don

@Pete in Kansas posted:

I want to see one of my favorite post strings continue so here's my newest tinplate car. This started as a beat up 4018 and now is an REA express boxcar for my AF passenger train. Later I'll have some more pictures of my AF passenger train with this car in it and double headed with a 4000 and 46XX locomotives.   

I love it!!! More AF Wide Gauge please!!!

@Don McErlean posted:

Pete in Kansas:  Beautiful restoration / customizing job.  Did you have any rust?  If so what did you do to remove it and did you then have to prepare the surface for new paint.  I have several Lionel cars that could use a restoration but they have various amounts of rust and I am not sure of a good mechanism to remove it.  Thanks

Don

Yes it had a lot of rust on the roof which was cleaned with a brass wheel on my bench grinder and then the pitting was filled with red lead. I bought a tube of red lead at walmart a few years ago and at the rate I'm using it this will probably last me for the next 10 years! After these areas are sanded and primed you'd never know the pitting was there.

My first original American Flyer Wide Gauge set in action!

Pete in Kansas:  THANK YOU! for the data.  Very helpful

Don