I know very, very little about trains. My uncle gave me a box of train stuff way back in the 70’s when I was about 3. A bunch of mixed parts and mixed scales. Recently, I came across the box and decided to go through it and possibly start getting into it because I have a 10 month old son now and want him to have hobbies besides video games. Aside from telephone poles, this is the only other American Flyer part in the box. It’s green, made of metal, says “stop on signal” with two lights and stands a little over 8 1/2" tall.
Can you guys tell me more about this part? What era is it from? What scale is it? Is there a specific name for it?
Thanks in advance and sorry for my ignorance. Hopefully, within a year, I’ll know more about this kind of stuff.
Welcome Spitrod! [#welcome] The American Flyer experts on this Forum are sure to respond to your post shortly.
In addition, this Forum was just revamped; and when the archives are restored you will be able to search/research years worth of good topics and posts to help you learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions as the guys on this forum are always ready, willing, and able to share their knowledge.
Thanks for the welcome and the info, Jack. I always loved trains but didn’t have the patience to build elaborate tracks as a kid. Now I’m pretty excited to get going. I just need to settle on a scale and a brand to start with. This forum is great. Lots of info just within the small amount of clicking I’ve done…
[#welcome] to the forum. I thought I would add a bit of information to what Jim has already provided. The accessory is indeed a Block Signal. It was marketed as a #4218 when it was used for American Flyer’s Wide Gauge and as #2218 when it was intended for Narrow Gauge (O gauge). The only difference is the track that came with it. It also came with a track activator that went between the rails. It came in red for one year, which is a bit more diffictult to find. The top would have also had a gold finial that was used on many of the Flyer Accessories of the era.
I hope you enjoy your inherited train equipment and continue to pursue the hobby. In my opinion its a great activity to share with your children.
Wow. Thanks for all the info, guys. I thought it was post-war. I would have never thought it was pre-war. That’s amazing to me. It’s a shame I don’t have the gold finial for the top. I’m quite sure it hasn’t had it since it has been in my posession. I also have another box I need to dig out and sort through. Again, thanks for the info. I’m sure I’ll be on here quite a bit as I sort stuff and continue to learn.
