Weekend tinplate photos/videos 3/2/18

great looking caboose Chris.

Chris, I thought cabooses ought to be red, but I really like this blue one.

Last weekend I found a BUB clockwork train-set in its scruffy box. BUB started to make S gauge trains (clockwork and electric) in around 1948 and gave up by lack of succes around 1958. The electric trains (except for pick-up wheels) had plastic wheels; the clockwork trains and track were completely tinplate.

Regards

Fred

Brand new MTH Ives 1134 on its first run on the outer loop. As you can see, I really like the American Flyer wide gauge freight cars in both AF and Ives colors. The orange MTH Ives 3243 is my personal favorite locomotive.

sncf231e posted:

Chris, I thought cabooses ought to be red, but I really like this blue one.

 

Regards

Fred

Oh I have a red one Fred. But I needed the blue to match the engine! 

Hi Jim,   very nice layout! What did you use for your roadbed?

Thanks, 

Bob

"Big Alice the Goon" 

   An interesting case of mis-identification - American Flyer's #9915.

   In 1935 Flyer introduced #9915, a cast aluminum superstructure engine/tender combination which could be purchased separately or in combination with either a freight or passenger set.  The engine/tender is, to say the least, odd looking.

  American Flyer #9915

  It was produced in 1935 only.  

Over the years toy train and model train enthusiasts in general have come to calling this engine the "Aeolus" (pronounced ee'-o-lus) - The Keeper of the Winds - because of a general resemblance to the CB&Q engine of the same name.  

 CB&Q Aeolus

 Indeed there are some who maintain that the CB&Q engine was the inspiration for American Flyer's #9915.  However, this isn't the case.  Flyer introduced #9915 in 1935 and the debut of Aeolus on the CB&Q didn't occur until 1937.

  The name for the CB&Q engine was the result of a naming contest run by the railroad. Mrs. Goldie Murray's name was the winning entry. The home built engine was "The World's First Stainless Steel Streamline Steam Locomotive" according to the CB&Q. It was used on conventional passenger trains as well as backup power for the diesel Zephyrs.

  The name "Aeolus" was quickly corrupted to "Alice" by shop wags and the railroaders took to calling the engine "Big Alice the Goon" -a nickname derived from a character in the contemporary "Popeye" cartoons.

   The 1935 catalog text clearly states what American Flyer was really trying to do with #9915  - sell a generic streamlined steam engine that would sort of resemble a number of the streamlined steam engines on the real 1935 railroads and hopefully satisfy customers interested in having something representing the likes of the Commodore Vanderbilt or the Milwaukee Hiawatha.

   In particular the catalog states "Either the passenger or freight trains shown on this page should be of particular interest to you as they represent the challenge of the streamline steam driven engine against the new diesel electric motored units. In addition to the New York Central, the Milwaukee Railroad and the Baltimore and Ohio railroad have produced locomotives of this character."

  As we know now, the idea of a generic streamlined steam engine did not go over well and the engine was a commercial failure... still, the passenger train is eye catching and the brass highlighted cadmium plated passenger consist does have a visual presence that many fans of the world of toy trains find fascinating.  

Set RCT-1324

Fresh out of the cleaning shop, Ives transition passenger set.

Steve

Never knew BUB made S gauge! That streamlined Flyer has a certain charm and perhaps does NOT deserve its perjorative moniker! Finally, Papa Eastman's transition set with the "baby" 384 (256?) Is a TRUE gem! Gentlemen: keep 'em comin!

The french brand AS, not to be confused with british ACE, has produced some lovely steam engine models of the french railways, unfortunately it has been a short time production and in low numbers, around a hundred for each models, sometime even less. Not very sought after in the 90's it is totally different now...

The french Consolidation, 140 C

The Pacific K8, the original one is still running today,

A classic locotender, a common model in Europe, less in USA. The 040 TA

And a rare variation in black with an open cab of the 040 TA, a switcher loco.

Have a great tinplate weekend,   Daniel

The Lionel 257 and the Ives version are my favorite prewar tinplate locos. They and the SG 384 have a great stubby look that defines "toy train"!

FRENCHTRAINS: Those engines are true works of mechanical art! Beauties, indeed!

This is the thread I most look forward to on Friday while undergoing my dialysis treatment!

I'm going to have some beauties to post here over the weekend!  Can't wait to share with you all!

Tinplate Art posted:

The 256/257 and the Ives version are my favorite prewar tinplate locos. They and the SG 384 have a great stubby look that defines "toy train"!

Just for you Art;

Here are some freights to go along with Steve's passenger set.

Great posts again this week folks.  Thanks!

Have a Great Tinplate Weekend

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

Too bad they never made a litho refrigerator car to match the 171X series there.

Another picture for you Art, my little Lionel 384e running in France....

Take care,  Daniel

Chris Lonero posted:

My wife bought me an early birthday present! 

Lets see your tinplate! 

brat

CP BOB posted:

Hi Jim,   very nice layout! What did you use for your roadbed?

Thanks, 

Bob

The roadbed is Flexxbed STD 746322 3/8 inch by Hobby Innovations (hobbyinnovations.com). I placed the track into final position and made a tool that traced a pair of lines 2-1/4” from the centerline of the track.  I used multi radius USA track which was fantastic.

I removed the track, applied hot glue inside the marking lines and placed the roadbed into position one 35” section at a  time,  I learned quickly to butt join the next section with hot glue first and let it cool before proceeding to avoid any gaps from developing.  I hand cut the switch areas.

i used some spackling compound in a few spots, sanded the surface and spray painted all the roadbed with Rustoleum Inspire Gray Sandstone paint.

The picture shows the raw product next to  the final installation. It is very quiet and looks great.

Jim Z

Wow - that’s some good cutting, the way you beveled the sides and angled the seams.

Did someone say he likes 384s?

Had some JEP cars show up today. Actually got these with a few Lionel cars for $10.  Had to remove that silver paint overspray from the tank car but it came off and the lettering stayed on!

Chris Lonero posted:

My wife bought me an early birthday present! 

Lets see your tinplate! 

Nice Chris!!

Jim Z posted:

CP BOB posted:

Hi Jim,   very nice layout! What did you use for your roadbed?

Thanks, 

Bob

The roadbed is Flexxbed STD 746322 3/8 inch by Hobby Innovations (hobbyinnovations.com). I placed the track into final position and made a tool that traced a pair of lines 2-1/4” from the centerline of the track.  I used multi radius USA track which was fantastic.

I removed the track, applied hot glue inside the marking lines and placed the roadbed into position one 35” section at a  time,  I learned quickly to butt join the next section with hot glue first and let it cool before proceeding to avoid any gaps from developing.  I hand cut the switch areas.

i used some spackling compound in a few spots, sanded the surface and spray painted all the roadbed with Rustoleum Inspire Gray Sandstone paint.

The picture shows the raw product next to  the final installation. It is very quiet and looks great.

Jim Z

 

Jim... I always like looking at your layout photos and videos as they’ve given me some ideas for my layout planning.  Do you have a plan handy?

terry hudon posted:

Chris Lonero posted:

My wife bought me an early birthday present! 

Lets see your tinplate! 

brat

!!!

Pre-War Steve posted:

Jim Z posted:

CP BOB posted:

Hi Jim,   very nice layout! What did you use for your roadbed?

Thanks, 

Bob

The roadbed is Flexxbed STD 746322 3/8 inch by Hobby Innovations (hobbyinnovations.com). I placed the track into final position and made a tool that traced a pair of lines 2-1/4” from the centerline of the track.  I used multi radius USA track which was fantastic.

I removed the track, applied hot glue inside the marking lines and placed the roadbed into position one 35” section at a  time,  I learned quickly to butt join the next section with hot glue first and let it cool before proceeding to avoid any gaps from developing.  I hand cut the switch areas.

i used some spackling compound in a few spots, sanded the surface and spray painted all the roadbed with Rustoleum Inspire Gray Sandstone paint.

The picture shows the raw product next to  the final installation. It is very quiet and looks great.

Jim Z

 

Jim... I always like looking at your layout photos and videos as they’ve given me some ideas for my layout planning.  Do you have a plan handy?

I have attached two drawings. One shows the initial plan with two levels on a 8x12 table.  The single level plan is what I actually built. After laying out the track I realized I didn’t want to deal with derailments and track maintenance in a long hidden section. Hence, I nixed the upper level which would have been at 36”. The layout height is 24 inches based on the initial plan. This is contrary to everything published on layout height.  I actually like this height. The grand kids can see and open car doors etc.  I can reach the middle of the layout.

Dennis Holler posted:Had some JEP cars show up today. Actually got these with a few Lionel cars for $10.  Had to remove that silver paint overspray from the tank car but it came off and the lettering stayed on!

 

Hate to be the one to break it to you Dennis but you may have been taken......I'll stop by later and give you your $10 back......don't feel bad, you'll catch on to this whole old train thing......

Thanks for the plan views Jim.  I agree a hidden area presents a host of potential “operating challenges.”  You have a great result and I’m sure the grandkids love it!

Come on over Dave!  You can help me load the small block back in my Falcon sometime

Dennis Holler posted:

Had some JEP cars show up today. Actually got these with a few Lionel cars for $10.  Had to remove that silver paint overspray from the tank car but it came off and the lettering stayed on!

 

Those are nice!

You are really working to get me hooked on European tinplate!

George

I made this today ...

My first attempt to post a video.

Chris,

   The Blue Comet Caboose is Awesome Tin.   Looks like the 817 Caboose Collection will need to be enlarged again! 

PCRR/Dave

One of my Lionel 817 Favorites

Greg J. Turinetti posted:

My first attempt to post a video.

Great job Greg! It came through perfect.

Very nice layout!

George

rewired the Marx spotlight I picked up at a recent show. I was really surprised that the lens was glass, not something I expected with "that cheap Marx"

Greg, your layout is sweet, but uhh...  everything but the name.  ‘The Blueboard Central’?  Seriously?  Uhh... that needs some work.  

Just teasing.  Looks great.

William1,

Its actually worse than you think. The full name is The Blueboard Central Division ofAmerican Flyer Lines.  But all of my equipment bears the name of the railroad  -"American Flyer Lines"

I'm glad you like it. 

Northwoods Flyer

Greg

I spent the day working on this.

As usual, I ran into some problems. I am not sure I recommend this method... The ribbing on the 3208 tin doesn't make it easy to wrap the car. Also, my method for the door, did not come out as I had hoped. 

Finally, has anyone dismantled an American Flyer 3208? Four of the tabs to the shell on this one were welded to the frame. That made disassembly very difficult and also made it tough to reassemble.

George 

Scott Smith

Greg T,

   Good video and great job on your FasTrack AF layout!  I love it.

PCRR/Dave