I’ve been slowly acquiring vintage AF accessories for my lay-out. Maybe i’ve gone about this bass-ackwards, becaue I laid out my track first and now I’m adding the accessories. What I run into is not having the right amount of open space where I want to place the accessory. I’m thinking it would be a good idea for planning purposes if I cut out a cardboard template the same size as each base and put it in the spot I eventually want the actual accessory. Trouble is, I can find pictures of the accessories, but not the dimensions of each base. Anyone know where I can find a resource that would give me these sizes?
Jim, if the accessory has been reproduced by Lionel (and/or MTH) you might find what you need by looking at the catalogs on-line. For example, Lionel’s 2005 V1 catalog, page 119, shows the footprint for the #770 loading platform as 8.25" x 6.875".
If the accessories haven’t been reissued, or if the base dimensions aren’t shown in the catalog (Gabe the Lamplighter), you might post a list of your desired accessories here in hopes that some AF fans will get out their tape measures.
The AF Oil Drum Loader is 8 1/4 x 8 3/4. I think it’s one of the best operating accessories ANY company has made. I raised mine a bit to use on my O layout.
I have a number of accessories and I suspect that others on this board do too. So make a list of those you want and post it. Also, pick up a copy of S Gaugian magazine at your local train store and write the magazine giving the list of the items for which you want dimensions and I’m sure either the editor or some readers would provide the information. You can locate S Gaugian at http://www.heimburgerhouse.com/ if your local train shop doesn’t have it. If you’re into S Gauge, then you must subscribe to this magazine (as well as CTT of course! [:)] ). By the way, I think there is a repair manual for AF items that quite likely gives the dimensions and I think if you search around you can find that manual at a book store or swap meet. It might even be that Heimburger House has it for sale.
Thanks to all for the feedback. I’ve put off subscribing to S Gaugian, because of the cost
but I know it would be beneficial. I subcribeded to CTT in October, but so far, nothing has shown up in the mailbox. Maybe S Gaugian would be a little more timely as well as more pertinent to my Flyers.
I will just continue to collect the dimentsions of the bases as I do the planning.