Manufacturer:
A.C. Gilbert
Manufacturer ID:
343
Category:
0-8-0
Road Name:
fantasy: American Flyer Lines
Gauge:
AF
Introduced:
1953
Road Number(s):
343
Product Type:
Die-cast
Finish:
painted & lettered
Power:
AC
Wheels:
hi-rail
Couplers:
AF
Online Article:
Online Article:
Online Article:
Notes:
The model has a diecast boiler and tender, and labeled for both the Nickel Plate railroad and American Flyer Lines. The #343 was produced from 1953 through 1957 in four variations. The first variation produced in 1953 has sans-serif "AMERICAN FLYER LINES" lettering with the reverse unit located in the tender. The second variation, shown in the photo, was produced in 1954 that is nearly identical except the lettering of "AMERICAN FLYER LINES" which done in serif lettering. The third variation produced in 1955 and 1956 has a four-position reverse unit on the rear of the motor that did not work well which is covered by a plastic curtain. In 1957 the fourth variation was produced which utilized a two-position reverse unit that was also mounted on the rear of the motor that is covered by a plastic curtain.
Manufacturer:
A.C. Gilbert
Manufacturer ID:
346
Category:
0-8-0
Road Name:
fantasy: American Flyer Lines
Gauge:
AF
Introduced:
1955
Road Number(s):
346
Product Type:
Die-cast
Finish:
painted & lettered
Power:
AC
Wheels:
hi-rail
Couplers:
AF
Online Article:
Notes:
The model has a diecast boiler and tender, and labeled for both the Nickel Plate railroad and American Flyer Lines. It features a working headlight, smoke, and choo-choo sound unit. It also has an air chime whistle (the only 0-8-0 to have one). For better traction, it has Pull-Mor traction tires. It has either a four- or a two-position reverse unit. There is only one variation of this model.
Manufacturer:
A.C. Gilbert
Manufacturer ID:
21145
Category:
0-8-0
Road Name:
fantasy: American Flyer Lines
Gauge:
AF
Introduced:
1958
Road Number(s):
21145
Product Type:
Die-cast
Finish:
painted & lettered
Power:
AC
Wheels:
hi-rail
Couplers:
AF
Online Article:
Notes:
Similar to #346, except that it had a two-position reverse on the motor.
Precision Flyer Repairs covers this engine, and then does a run of it on his layout (near the end of the video).