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
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
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
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.
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
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
