Got a FREE American Flyer 3 rail train set tonight, at railroad club meeting. In fairly rough shape, but not too severe! Needs a bit of help, wheels in particular. I know AF made 2 rail stuff, and Standard Gauge stuff in the 1920's/30's. I'm not aware that they made a Lionel size 3 rail train! I have a bullet nose 4-6-2, tender, White AF boxcar, Shell tank and Caboose. Locomotive, in general. Head on, showing a B&O Capital logo. Any information about it, is much appreciated. In addition, to whatever I'm able to come up with! Thanks!!
Would that be about the same time frame for the rest of the train? #480 Shell tank car #478 white/red boxcar #484 caboose Could not search for the locomotive, since the cab number, both sides is almost gone, and unreadable! Just contacted a former Mizell repair guy, about parts. Boxcar needs both couplers replaced, since they are broken. Neat looking train, even if it's in rough shape! Appreciate the information!
The rest of the train: #480 Shell tank car. Grabs need to be straightened slightly. #478 boxcar. Needs couplers. Both broken. #484 caboose. Needs end rails.
They certainly did make three rail. My memory is that ended just before WWII. I once had some curved track. It had slanted ties, which amounted to super-elevating. My father had a set when a youth. He has spoken fondly of it.
Appreciate all the information! Was able to find, that the train date to between 1938-1940. Also thinking that additional lettering from locomotive has been worn off over the years. I've seen both a Chrome version, and the blue version. But, the blue version, says The Royal Blue above drivers. Haven't seen anything else. Would love to find reproduction decals for ALL numbers/letters on both locomotive and cars! Try to restore them to some degree. Maybe not New, but lose Enough, from 2-3 feet away! Or just leave as is, and put on display shelf.
I agree. Leaving it alone is best at this point. It has earned that patina. The real value sometimes is the original boxes these things came in.
Got a reply, found the broken couplers I need. Gotta check on caboose rails as well. If anything, I'd like to at least replace the missing/broken parts. Want to try testing the locomotive, see IF it even runs! Think when I take it in, for needed parts, I'm also going to take in a few other club freebies from a while back, and see if I can get the parts for them as well. A bit too late to go today. Closed tomorrow. Weather in the mid to upper 50's today and tomorrow. Should start warming up on Monday once again.
Need to get the following fixed as well: K-Line ALCo S-2 diesel switcher. Need a rear coupler. Original, early 1940's operating milk car. Doors on one side need new springs. Spot/search light car. Needs complete rebuild! Wire insulation cracks and breaks when flexed! Proper tender truck, for locomotive tender. Has standard couplers at BOTH ends! Not correct tender for the locomotive either. Even though tender isn't right, I'll still use it, unless I'm somehow able to locate the right tender, with or without whistle. And of course, parts for the AF stuff. Couplers and pins I can get. Will run me up to $11 for parts, if the pins are needed. Gonna be an interesting hunt for parts and pieces! Have a couple of train shows coming up Nov/Dec, so I can check those, if I can't find what I need.
Nice thing is, as far as most parts go, Chuck has just about anything needed! Used to do repair work for Mizells, before Warren retired and store was closed. While the hunt for parts can be fun, it can also be frustrating as anything!!
Might consider running at Christmas, for a bit. So long as I can get the locomotive wheels clean! And as long as motor still runs! Gotta test it before too long.
Got the parts needed. Or at least some of them! Got the K-Line coupler and bell. Got the AF couplers for the boxcar. Gonna have to check some upcoming train shows. See IF I can locate caboose railings. Have a couple of other Lionel cars in for repairs a bit beyond my ability to deal with! Those should be ready this week sometime, maybe.
Neat set. AF had three rail until A.C. Gilbert discontinued them in 1946 and went to two rail, S scale.. He had bought the company in 1938. Doug
Know a little about Lionel, but not a whole lot about pre war era stuff! Been interesting to find out what I have, so far, of the set I now have! Not bad for a railroad club freebie!!
