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Hall of Science West
เข้าร่วมเมื่อ 20 ม.ค. 2012
An art and science channel specializing in hobbies, collecting, planes, trains, and automobiles.
American Flyer: Mail Delivery on the Continental Limited
A little fun with fiber pins with the talking station, operating #718 operating mail car, and a billboard whistle attached to a 26671 track trip.
มุมมอง: 303
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American Flyer: Talking Station Records, 7 Known Recordings!
มุมมอง 3662 หลายเดือนก่อน
Four different American Flyer talking station records with seven different recordings. The original has the same recording on both sides, but the subsequent records had different recordings on each side. The two main station records show here as the early sounds and the #598 have a westbound steam train on one side and an eastbound diesel train on flip side. The #599 was a short lived Freight s...
American Flyer: Fun With Fiber Pins #7, Unboxing Set #5114 & Two-Train Operation
มุมมอง 5332 หลายเดือนก่อน
Here I unbox a set #5114, the Pennsylvania De Luxe Passenger to run with my work train under semaphore controlled two-train operation. I’m not very happy with the semaphore controlled operations as there are too many things that can go wrong on a small layout. The trains still need constant watching to avoid collisions. That said, when it works correctly it a really fun filled fiber pin operation.
Model Railroad Operations: Road Trip April & May 2024
มุมมอง 2152 หลายเดือนก่อน
I had the opportunity to operate on a couple of top notch operating railroads with the Pueblo Model Railroad Association in April & May 2024. Bill Shanaman’s New Haven and Greg Long’s Denver and Rio Grande Montrose Division. I’d have more video, but I was having too much fun running trains on these layouts! Check out the PMRA online for operating opportunities in Southern Colorado.
Model Railroad Operations: The Art of Paul Goetz
มุมมอง 1822 หลายเดือนก่อน
Just a short video to highlight the modeling skills of my friend Paul Goetz. (FYI, I scratchbuilt the engine hoist at the garage). Enjoy!
American Flyer: Fun With Fiber Pins #6, Hook Up a Semaphore to a Switch & Fiber Pin Siding Demo.
มุมมอง 3352 หลายเดือนก่อน
Here I hook up a semaphore directly to a switch track and utilize the power of the lock out eliminator to have some switching fun. Also, I demonstrate how a fiber pin (or multiple fiber pins) can be used to power up a normally dead siding so that operating cars can be displayed and operated independently. Next time in #7 I’m going to explore more traditional semaphore controlled two-train opera...
American Flyer: Fun With Fiber Pins #5, Wiring the Special Pickup Section
มุมมอง 3572 หลายเดือนก่อน
American Flyer: Fun With Fiber Pins #5, Wiring the Special Pickup Section
American Flyer: Fun With Fiber Pins #4, Spectacular Two-Train Operation
มุมมอง 6053 หลายเดือนก่อน
Here in episode #4 I continue the examination of how one fiber pin and a switch track can provide tons of operating fun on your American Flyer layout. I incorporate a #709 lock out eliminator and AC and DC locomotives to demonstrate the operational realism of what the factory was trying to do in the early post-war period. It’s not DCC, but it’s AC/DC and a lot of fun can be had with some 1950’s...
American Flyer: Fun With Fiber Pins #3, Adding the No. 709 Lock Out Eliminator
มุมมอง 8683 หลายเดือนก่อน
In this episode I expand on using a fiber pin to protect the train against a switch by adding a Gilbert No. 709 lock out eliminator. The no. 709 is essentially a 10 ohm resistor that when used with an isolated fiber pin block allows a standard AC train to restart in the same direction. This resistor concept is seen in built-in accessories like the talking station and Sam the semaphore man. As I...
American Flyer: Fun With Fiber Pins #2, Protecting the Train
มุมมอง 6313 หลายเดือนก่อน
How to use fiber pins to keep your American Flyer trains from running through a switch set against it. This operation can be found in the 1956 American Flyer Operation Manual.
American Flyer: Fun With Fiber Pins #1
มุมมอง 2003 หลายเดือนก่อน
Introduction to my next series on using fiber puns to create fun effects with your American Flyer Trains.
Flyer in a Minute: AC Locomotive Running on HO DC Power Transformer
มุมมอง 6714 หลายเดือนก่อน
Flyer in a Minute: AC Locomotive Running on HO DC Power Transformer
Flyer in a Minute: How to Hook Up Your Old American Flyer Train
มุมมอง 6905 หลายเดือนก่อน
Flyer in a Minute: How to Hook Up Your Old American Flyer Train
Flyer in a Minute: Powered Draw Bar Trouble on 1957 #21100 Atlantic Locomotives
มุมมอง 5285 หลายเดือนก่อน
Flyer in a Minute: Powered Draw Bar Trouble on 1957 #21100 Atlantic Locomotives
Flyer in a Minute: American Flyer Trestle Comparison
มุมมอง 1725 หลายเดือนก่อน
Flyer in a Minute: American Flyer Trestle Comparison
Restoring The Badlands: Part 6, Painting on Wallboard Joint Compound
มุมมอง 2257 หลายเดือนก่อน
Restoring The Badlands: Part 6, Painting on Wallboard Joint Compound
Restoring the Badlands: Part 5, Using Sculptamold
มุมมอง 1887 หลายเดือนก่อน
Restoring the Badlands: Part 5, Using Sculptamold
Restoring The Badlands: Part 4, Using Plaster Cloth Over Foam Insulation
มุมมอง 3048 หลายเดือนก่อน
Restoring The Badlands: Part 4, Using Plaster Cloth Over Foam Insulation
Restoring the Badlands: Part 3, Wire Screen Mountain
มุมมอง 1748 หลายเดือนก่อน
Restoring the Badlands: Part 3, Wire Screen Mountain
American Flyer: Unboxing Set #20305, “The Flying Freighter”
มุมมอง 2.2K8 หลายเดือนก่อน
American Flyer: Unboxing Set #20305, “The Flying Freighter”
Restoring the Badlands: Part 2, Sealing the Original Asbestos Plaster
มุมมอง 3528 หลายเดือนก่อน
Restoring the Badlands: Part 2, Sealing the Original Asbestos Plaster
Restoring the Badlands: Part 1.5, Restoration Methodology
มุมมอง 3828 หลายเดือนก่อน
Restoring the Badlands: Part 1.5, Restoration Methodology
Restoring the Badlands: American Flyer Factory #28135 Badlands Display Layout, Part 1.
มุมมอง 5928 หลายเดือนก่อน
Restoring the Badlands: American Flyer Factory #28135 Badlands Display Layout, Part 1.
American Flyer: Tearing Down The Complete Railroad System
มุมมอง 7709 หลายเดือนก่อน
American Flyer: Tearing Down The Complete Railroad System
American Flyer: Unboxing EMPTY American Flyer Boxes and a Sneek Peek at the Hall of Science West
มุมมอง 39811 หลายเดือนก่อน
American Flyer: Unboxing EMPTY American Flyer Boxes and a Sneek Peek at the Hall of Science West
American Flyer: 1951 Manoil Coupe Advertisement (A just for fun video production)
มุมมอง 310ปีที่แล้ว
American Flyer: 1951 Manoil Coupe Advertisement (A just for fun video production)
American Flyer: The Complete Railroad System Challenge
มุมมอง 5Kปีที่แล้ว
American Flyer: The Complete Railroad System Challenge
American Flyer: Unboxing a Set #4619 from 1947
มุมมอง 2.5Kปีที่แล้ว
American Flyer: Unboxing a Set #4619 from 1947
American Flyer: Unboxing Set #4620A From 1948
มุมมอง 12Kปีที่แล้ว
American Flyer: Unboxing Set #4620A From 1948
That is the most perfect shunting ever seen
@@Titanous-2019 Thank you. I hope to completely automate the process in the future.
Very nice.
@@willamettevalleyAFtrains Thank you. I wasn’t entirely sure I could pull it off, but it turned out really well.
Super. Hello from the Tracy Mountain Railway in Colorado. 💙 T.E.N.
K-Line made plastic pins for S Gauge track. I think Lionel did also. I bought a bunch when I saw found them. Both companies also made replacement metal pins which I also have which come in handy when buying used track because you get some pieces missing pins sometimes.
Sorry, doesn't come close to Lionel's realism!!!!!
Well, I have to say Lionel puts out some good looking stuff. But I would counter with the ingenuity of running American Flyer on AC power on realistic two-rail track instead of rounded three rail was quite the innovation. 😉
I have a Bowser S Scale/Gauge turntable and indexing unit with a control panel. Did you scratch build the RoundHouse or is it a commercial model? I know Portlines offers a 3 bay round house kit (don't recall the manufacturer name) that can be expanded, but it is expensive. I want to get one to house my 7 Steam locomotives including a bay long enogh to fit my 336 Northern. Thanks in advance for any information.
The roundhouse is a commercial kit that dates back to the 1990’s. I’ve looked at several old S Gaugian magazines and have found similar ones, but not the same one. I’m not sure who makes them, but it could be scratchbuilt. The interior is a basswood frame with plastic brick sheets. The windows and stacks are molded plastic. There is also a workshop on the back made with the same materials. I think you could get these through the old S catalog put out by Heimburger publications, but That is long gone I’m afraid. You might check with the folks at the NASG if you’re familiar with them.
@@RichardTrotter1961 Thank you for replying. I am a member of the NASG and also subscribe to the S-Trains email list. I will inquire to both.
Wow , now I can buy some equipment, the transformers were sketchy in the used marked. also can be run on say maybe a tractor battery setup or such outdoors more safely. thanks for the posting.
Personally I would recommend a larger wattage transformer meant for G -scale trains for better operation especially outdoors, but yeah even a small transformer will work in limited circumstances. Let those Flyers fly through the garden!
Never knew there were this many audio records for the talking station(s). Thank you for sharing all of them!!
The K5 is a really beautiful engine with awesome valve gearing nice detail and great overall performance.
The engine is interesting in that it has the silver metal wheels instead of the brass ones, probably installed during the Korea War time. The drivers have been polished as well so it will slip occasionally with the plastic passenger cars and can’t pull the three metal flat cars on the freight train. It is a definite sweetheart of an engine.
Very neat! I'll have to see which record is in my station. I also have a set of mini records from a NOMA talking station. I have a separate portable record player that I can play these on so I can try to digitally preserve my copies before I use the steel needles.
This was absolutely amazing to hear all the different recordings made by AC Gilbert. Thank you for sharing!👍
Great to hear these. Thank you!
nice selection of records some of which I never heard. There is one more record that was made of a stationary steam engine for the phonograph erector set that works in the talking station and tool shed. CASG
I need to get that one. 👍
That's actually cool.
Yes, try Portlineshobbies.
Did anyone ever make an electronic replacement for the noisy records?
I believe Lionel remade the talking station with an electronic version.
I actually made an Arduino based board that used a sound card and had 10 different MP3's on it that were ripped from the records It also had the NOMA recordings. It stopped and started the train like the mechanical version. I never mounted it in a station though.
@@gwesco I thought I saw a NOMA electronic replacement at York several years ago. Does anyone sell this today?
I love the detail, what scale is the railroad?
My friend models in HOn3 or HO narrow gauge.
Yes it will eventually magnetize the metal diaphram in an AC Gilbert engine. The new e units are okay. The amps draw is the usual issue. The transformers will overheat and die. Some of us use converted HO drive units with a one amp draw in our traction models and for these the power packs are okay. Why not buy an AC Gilbert rectiformer or an add on stand alone Gilbert rectifier. Cheaper still is a simple bridge rectifer added to the output of your AC tranformer. ( you will need a reversing polarity switch for full control)
Thanks for adding the info. It makes sense the metal would get magnetized over time. Worst thing would probably be a sticky reverse unit which is mostly the case anyhow. You’re also right about the standard HO power pack in regards to amps. I have a two stage transformer designed for g-scale trains that might last longer. It’s very similar to the original Flyer rectiformer in size and power in garden scale mode. I’ve used both the Flyer rectifiers and simple bridge rectifiers as well and they all work great for converting AC to DC. The important thing is to have a sufficient amp rating on the rectifier. Original Flyer components were rated for 4 amps. Thank you!
the 12B transformer dispite it antique appearance, is cheap and powerfull ( 250 watts)
That was my first transformer for my Christmas train when I was a kid. I still have it and use it quite often. 12b’s are a hidden gem. Thanks!
👍👍👍👍 If you use the lockout eliminator you don't need to lock out the reverse unit. I have done this using the semaphore and two 697 track trips. This lets the train not stopped in the control section work a siding or spur.
I used one in the Fun with Fiber Pin videos #3 thru #6 right before this one. It works slick. I tried to do some reverse wiring though and successfully burned up the resistor in the lock out eliminator. That’s why you see fewer wires and add-ons in this video. Sometimes it’s better to just keep it simple, especially on a small layout like this. Still slot of fun though!
@@HallofScienceWest I know you used the lockout eliminator in the previous videos, I watched them all. I thought you stated that you locked the reverse units of both locomotives in the two train & semaphore video. When I used the semaphore with two trains on the same track, because I used the lock out eliminator I left the reverse units unlocked and the stopped train always started in the direction it was going previously. I have, but one fiber pin, but purchased several bags of new unused K-Line plastic pins because I haven't seen many of the fiber pins out there and available. Hopefully you can replace the resistor to put the lockout eliminator back into service.
@@-MAILMAN Yeah, I’ll get it operational again. I did really like how it worked for being able to protect switching on the siding. For this demo I went back to basics though. The manual recommends locking the reverse units on the trains and it does allow for some crash prevention between longer trains on the little layout. I had some issues with the trains setting up these shots using the lockout eliminator so I discontinued using it for simplicity. I would highly recommend using one as you’ve suggested though. Thanks!
This has been a fun series to watch. Both trains here look to be in like new condition.
The 290 and the 5114 set were part of my Uncle’s collection and the work cars were from a collection I purchased from the estate of the late Phil Huon. The 290 was excellently restored by my uncle, but the 5114 languished in his basement unopened for years and years. Such beautiful trains should be taken out, shared, and enjoyed once in a while. That’s my goal with my videos. I enjoy watching your videos with the same thing in mind. 👍
I would also like to see the operating mail car in action please :) I've never seen one.
I’ll incorporate the mail car into my next video with the talking station. Thanks for the request. More fun!
That is a lot of action!!!!
It’s amazing how much stuff you can pack into a small layout. Nothings fool proof, but when it works right it sure is cool. 👍
Goodyear Stores often had a “Toy Land” for the Christmas season. My mom worked across the street from a Firestone store in Greeley, Colorado, that had an awesome “Toy Land” each Christmas. However, my 1954 Set came from my aunt and uncle’s home interior store, Hamlin’s of Marshalltown, Iowa, which had a small “Toy Land” each Christmas. We traveled to Iowa on the UP “City of Chicago” from Colorado for a Christmas family reunion, where I received my set. It had to be carefully repackaged for the trip back home to Colorado, where my train got a train trip to its new home! For several years, I routinely received additions to my AF inventory from my aunt and uncle. I had EVERY piece until we had a robbery last July. In the ensuing year, I’ve replaced nearly everything that was stolen.
That’s a great story. It’s amazing all of the different stores that would sell trains at Christmas. My uncle picked up a no. 98 display layout from a tire store in Pueblo, CO. It’s fun to checkout the mailing labels on all of these boxes sets to see where they were sent and who bought them. Thanks for sharing!
Shoee...Doggy!
Enjoyed this video so much decided to watch it again 😆
Gargraves 800 plastic pins will do since AF fiber pins are rare. Great action!
Thanks! I’ve heard a lot about the Gargraves pins and need to order some. I’m out of Flyer ones! Lol!
Thank you. I always wondered what that 2 train swich meant! great! but for the wheels it would be better to avoid that gap as the sharp edges eat the plastic wheels.
The gaps are bad for electrical continuity as well. Especially on sections with the fiber pins. I’m finding that the metal pins need to be bent slightly to make good contact between the controlled and non-controlled sections. In a subsequent video someone recommends trying a drop of solder on the gap and then filing it smooth. It would improve continuity, keep the gaps clean, and as you mentioned, keep wheels from getting scratched. I would do that on a permanent layout, but for this temporary one I’m not too worried about it.
@@HallofScienceWest Hi! another solution is to file with a STONE file (not so fast in filing away material) the sharp end of the rails. BUT as you might know LOTS of work... I have a Hudson Set from Sept. 1954(?) first set with the knuckle couplers. Love it much. Was my self made present to me after I graduaded/finished my clock and watchmaking school (3 years full time) in Hamburg, Germany. I', sad that Märklin didn't put these Smoke-Units with chuff in thier trains AND that they changed to H0 - I like best the O gauge, but S gauge is also very fine. NO silly 3rd rail xD
Gargraves No. 800 plastic track pins will work like the AF fiber pin.
This is a wonderful series. Seeing how fiber pins can be used for different track wiring scenarios is fun and educational. A real joy is seeing the trains and accessories operate accordingly. I don't believe much has been shown on TH-cam about this subject. Thank you for sharing.
Out of curiosity did American Flyer have anything in S gauge that had the same popularity and collectability as Lionels O gauge 6464 boxcars?
Not too familiar with Lionel, but Flyer did make several different boxcars and stock cars with the colorful road names in the late 50’s. They are popular for collectors. There are some more rare than others making them extra desirable for collectors. These usually are associated with Flyers change from a 3 digit numbering system to a 5 digit numbering system in 1957. 5 digit cars found in 3 digit boxes seem to be worth more. Some cars were printed with 5 digits and then not produced after late 1957 so there are very few of them. I’m sure Lionel has similar nuances for their 6464 cars.
No. 800 GARGRAVES PLASTIC PINS WILL WORK TOO
Very cool! I still have a couple of packs of the K-Line plastic (nylon?) insulating pins with the little molded shoulder that prevents the track from being pushed together.
Just rebuilt 343 0-8-0 AC that evolved into a locomotive with great efficiency, performance, and response including creep/scaled speed at low voltage. Be interesting to see a DC locomotive that has been completed rebuilt can hold in the section controlled by the Gilbert Lock Out Eliminator. See my video series complete with 3 test phases of a 343 AC rebuild.
I’ve been following that series and check out your channel often for repairs. Norbert Doerry in his online book about speed and power for AF trains mentions for can motors you need two 10 ohm resistors in series (20 ohms) or two 50 ohm resistors in parallel (25 ohms) to get a can to stop. I tried it with some low amp resistors and it worked but they got real hot. A 10 amp resistor would probably be good.
@@HallofScienceWest just an fyi 343 0-8-0 switcher (1957-58) has a 1/2 inch armature/field motor, the one I rebuilt has impressive low voltage creep or scaled speed. Will Gilberts lock out eliminator hold it, be interesting to test. Thanks for your reply.
HOS West, How do you close gap in railhead for rail opposite a fiber while keeping the railheads properly spaced and track properly laid in straight and curve sections. I’ve discovered this gap is a point of micro arcing and accumulation of metal oxides.
I have to admit I don’t worry about it too much for amount of operating I do. That said, I think a good polishing of the metal track pin before assembly would help and then subsequent scrubbing or polishing may have to be done with a small wire brush or Dremel tool wire wheel to clean out the collected carbon and wheel gunk that accumulates in the gap. Maybe even filing the two rails flush on the top and sides. Austin’s American Flyer channel talks about some CRC conductive electronic cleaner that might be worth a try. CRC 2-26 I believe. Thanks for your question!
@@HallofScienceWest thanks for reply. Suggestion, clean track, pin, and receptacle on adjacent rail, best to use 100% pure mineral spirits., NOT CRC 2-26. Check out Fugate’s 2019 Dielectric Constant rating chart for polar vs non-polar solvents, 100% pure mineral spirits ranks very high whereas CRC 2-16 is mid range with a much higher ranking due to its polarity. I recommend using CRC 2-26 in the right places like reverse units and switch’s, BUT NEVER use CRC 2-26 on the railhead. It is a lubricant, it cleans, and it improves electrical properties that no one to my knowledge has tested its impact on pull-mor tires, and it leaves a residue. The final step is adjust rails for proper spacing, a drop of solder on the pin, then file down solder to match rail height eliminating or reducing potential of higher micro arcing in the gap and the accumulation of metal oxides a.k.a. black carbon burn. Thoughts?
@@davesaftrains4368 That’s a very interesting observation about electronic cleaner on pullmor tires. Whereas mineral spirits are an old standby that cleans the track with no residue remaining. As far as soldering the rails I have to say that would be a great idea for a permanent layout, but not really necessary or practical for a temporary layout. If you look at close up shots of the New York Hall of Science 3rd layout you can see where the display workers soldered the rails together. I’m sure it improved reliability and eased cleaning on that big layout that ran daily for four years. However, you have an interesting idea with putting a drop of solder on the metal pin and filing. I think if you made a metal “t-shaped” version of the fiber pin for the opposite rail it would gap both sides equally. It’s not something I care to do with my temporary displays for ease of disassembly, but someday I’ll have that dream layout and solder will find its way into the gaps. Thanks for the cool idea.
Thanks, that was fun, until right at the end. Oh, well, these trains are durable. I am amazed at what options Gilbert was able to offer 60 to 70 years ago.
I think no matter what you do there is always an element of error that creeps in with operating these trains, but trying your mitigate that is what keeps it interesting, at least to a point. In fact, my switch slipped out of two-train operation the other day and it took me by surprise when old 290 barreled right through the switch and derailed. The words “What the…” are still echoing in the Hall of Science (my garage) Lol! I think the realism Flyer put into their early trains is truly amazing and went beyond just selling toys. I’m finding there are limitations though and will explore those in upcoming videos. I’m glad you enjoyed the vid. RT
Had this with a 21140. Put a 3/16 coil spring on the trailing truck screw to improve drawbar connection to chassis. Also put a washer on the tender rivet resting over drawbar. You secure the washer with O ring or 15/32 hair pin clip used by AF on pickup trucks. CRC 2-26 in reverse unit will help. CRC 2-26 alone worked on 22166 and 21927.
Those are great solutions. Thanks for sharing. I’m not sure I’ll run a feeder, but the spring I’ll give it a try. Thanks!
Bending the drawbar and tender rivet bracket to create some tension where they mate should help with continuity from engine to tender too. @HallofScienceWest
I had my engine locked in forward before but when operating reverse unit found the unwanted change of directions with no cars attached despite previous mods. But when towing 5 freight cars no problems. Then placed a steel washer over the drawbar rivet which then rests on the drawbar itself. Ran it with no cars around a figure 8 with 4 AF switches at slow speed and had no problems in either direction. The added weight or rather additional surfaces may have created more pathways for current to flow and so no more sparking. I had an O ring between the rivet head and washer but it fell off. Smaller O ring or thinner washer may be needed as the washer fell off going over a 725 cross over on the 20 th pass.
Lionel No. 253 Block Signal directions mention use of a 7.5 ohm 10 watt adjustable resistor to “bled” enough power to avoid cycling reverse unit but not enough to move engine. Suspect the 709 LOE could be used with Lionel bascule bridge, block signal and stop stations too. Maybe the Prewar Lionel No. 81/95 and AF 1251/1281 Controlling rheostats will work as the 709 except they have adjustability. Lionel also integrated a non derailing feature in the O22 switch so instead of stopping train would correct the switch. Use of AF track trips 697, 670/26670, 26671 & 26672 can mimic this. Lionel 41 & 99N may substitute for these trips.
I use GarGraves No. 800 plastic pins since fiber pins are rare. Can also be used on Lionel Super O track too.
Checking into Gargraves is a great idea. I have hopes of using their stainless track outdoors sometime in the future
The Gilbert American Flyer Baldwin locomotive is THE most poorly designed and built AF loco I ever owned. Mine was new Christmas 1955. I’d attempted to compensate for its shortcomings with a myriad of fixes. My success was marginal at best. Much of my AF collection was stolen July last year. I replaced my Gilbert Baldwin with the Lionel AF version of the same locomotive. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! There’s nothing about the new Lionel AF Baldwin that’s not significantly improved compared to the original. The new Baldwin runs smoothly, doesn’t randomly change direction, and pulls a much larger consist. I like the Lionel AF Baldwin so much, I purchased a second one in a different road name!
They are definitely a little “coffee-grinder” as I like to call this style of motor and gearing. The can motor conversion available from Portlines and S-n-S Trains helps the older Flyer Baldwin, but the Lionel American Flyer version is quite spectacular with the addition of their Flyerchief and Railsounds system.
Agreed with regards to Port lines solutions . I’ve used their products for years. I had considered one of their half-speed motors for the Baldwin but was concerned there were too many other issues so that the new motor was throwing good money after bad…. For now, I remain pleased with the Lionel AF FlyerChief Baldwin. I hope it will be compatible with the upcoming BASE3 system! It teases it will turn the FlyerChief engines into nearly a LEGACY type engine with CAB3 operations. Only time will tell…
I have too much invested in making the vintage stuff run, but it’s nice Lionel is making an effort to produce S -Scale Flyer with modern components.
@@HallofScienceWest Actually, Lionel is only making a token effort. I’ve only purchased ONE “new” engine ever. Everything else has been old store stock, long out of warranty, many “owned but never run, or outright used and/or abused. I’d owned my “transition” Southern Pacific Daylight set for for over 20 years, but never even taken it out of the boxes for inspection. The Same goes for my 35 year-old UP Pony Express ALCO passenger set. Both of those sets are “pure” Gilbert with no Lionel enhancements other than Lionel RailSounds ALCO B units. The RailSounds B units are very nice AND provide horns for those two trains. About 5 years ago, I decided I was going to use them, or sell them. I finally got to the Southern Pacific Daylight and UP Pony Express ALCO sets this past Christmas season. It was so exciting to see them operate. You can see the SP Daylight on my TH-cam channel. Tip of the day: I find altered sine-wave Lionel transformers make better smoke output than AF transformers. The bonus is they have built-in horn/whistle/bell activation for the Lionel AF engines and B-units. If you’re interested, I’ll research which Lionel transformers are of that design. Keep up the good work on the Gilbert trains! Well cared for, they can serve MANY generations of users.
@@Tool-Meister Thank you. It’s all about having fun with those trains old or new. 👍
I used the left side of a 12B for power to the isolated track section on my prewar layout. The right side for the rest of the layout. That way I could have higher voltage so the stopped train and cars could pull away fast enough that the second train would not run into the rear before it cleared the isolated section.
That’s a great idea. 12B’s are neat transformers for that sort of thing. When my turntable layout was still running I used a rectifier from Radio Shack to power the DC motor on the turntable from one side of a 12B. 👍
A lot of fun options there. I was wondering how long it would be before a timing error occured ha ha. Thanks for showing.
Yes, it was inevitable. I’m glad you watched until the end. I shouldn’t be laughing about it, but I was having too much fun to cuss. lol!
I like the way you did the electrical busses. I may have to borrow that idea for the O layout I'm trying to build.
It’s handy for all sorts of operations. On my Badlands layout I use one like this to turn the automatic whistle and two train operations on and off and I use the push button to activate the whistle in the tunnel manually. Have fun!
I like how American Flyer seemed to keep it simple with their transformers compared to Lionels like the Lionel KW I just picked up yesterday at the show in Raleigh. Plus the meters that AF put on their bigger units. 👍
I'm scared watching this video. I've just recently had the O gauge bug kick in so now I'm starting to really add to what I first got back in 2013, and now I'm starting to get the itch to buy an American Flyer set that one of the guys in the HO club I'm in is try to sell.
What's that device you got wired up to thetransformer?
@SOU6900 That is a no. 15 electronic rectifier as Gilbert called it. During the early post-war years American Flyer experimented with making DC powered locomotives in S-scale. This is just an early primitive way of converting AC to DC power. American Flyer also attempted to make a DC transformer which they called an electronic rectiformer. They had issues generating the wattage for the larger S-scale trains using tube technology available at the time. I cover it a little bit in my TH-cam video on unboxing a like new set no. 5009. Thanks for your question.
If you don't have an official lockout eliminator, you can get a 10 ohm 10 watt resistor from any reputable electronics supplier for a few dollars. I have seen them listed on ebay under American flyer for as much as $19 plus shipping! That's ridiculous.
Thanks for educating us.
I’m just having fun messing with all these cool gadgets Gilbert came up with for their trains. I’m hoping people find it useful for their own Flyer fun. 👍
Marx guy here, on three rail track I`ve been trying to figure a way to stop two trains from colliding at an intersection without the use of relays.
I’m sorry, but I don’t know enough about three rail switches to figure out if they have some sort of power routing feature like two-rail Flyer. I think you can use fiber pins though. I will try to look it up and will post here if I find something. Sound ok?
Try this TH-cam channel , Toy Train Tips and Tricks, for some useful three rail switch and fiber pin related control options for three rail track. th-cam.com/video/oFtRtSZElvE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=IsU47aKkanl314ac
You might be able to try blocks; if omen blpclnisnoccupied, the one behind it or in front of it will shut off
@@AstroKnight118 Thanks for your advice, will do.
@@HallofScienceWest I saw something like that on "Tip and Tricks", I`ll check it out, thanks much.
Great idea. I could have used that when I was running my trains yesterday and flipped a wrong switch! It just shows that there are always things to learn and try.