Help With Inherited Trains

Classic Toy Trains Forum
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First post so sorry if the format or forum is not correct, this one is devoted to some S-gauge so I figured it would be the most help.

I just inherited some classic trains, an American Flyer #312 Steam locomotive and a Alco Diesel #360-361 Locomotive along with thier cars. The #312 is actually in very good condition other than the wires between the engine and tender having rotted out and needing to be replaced. I could use some help to know what the wiring terminals are on both sides so i could replace and wrap some new wires for it, I believe the reversing unit is in good shape and I just need to restore electrical connection and it should work.

As for the Diesel, the front motor is completely dangling at the moment, the field is completely disconnected as are the brushes. The rear motor looked to be okay at the moment but the front is missing a brush and may no longer be wired correctly, as it looked like the brother of the person I inherited this from tried to do his own repairs and failed a little bit. I could use some help sourcing some replacement brushes (or motor units if required, but it should only require the brush and it will be running again) as well as some wiring diagrams if possible.

My current project is to restore both of these to full glory in honor of the man who gifted it to me and his brother, with hopes he can at least see his (#312) working again. So any tips on basic maintenance, cleaning, and running would be greatly appreciated. Thanks folks!

I will add some pictures when the post is approved and I get some time this weekend to set them up and better assess what needs to be fixed.

TLDR; Inherited an American Flyer Lines #312 steam locomotive and a #360-361 Diesel Locomotive and wish to restore them but need some help doing so as I am very new to model trains and have no clue where or what to look for.

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Hello,

I have 2 312 engines; one is a 1947 version with a 2 wire connection between engine and tender, the other I believe it to be 1948 with a four wire connection, so both are possible with the 312.

If you do a Google search of " American Flyer Steam locomotive Wiring Diagram", you should get a nice image of several different wiring configurations, and a great tool for repairing Flyer steamers.

A lot of great info exists on You tube, if you do a search for " American Flyer xxx" with xxx being the engine number( 312), or (360) for the diesels.

On the diesels, it may be a little tricky to get back together properly, I usually try to avoid taking the motor apart, but you may find some info on You tube videos.

Paul

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The Gilbert Factory Service Manual is online at www.myflyertrains.net. It has much of what you need. There are 53 Repair Clinics on the www.portlines.com site, including wiring diagrams. They sell repair parts. I also recommend Jeff at www.ttender.com for repair parts. He is very helpful, just call him and tell him what you need.

We do not know what version of the engines you have so that we can be specific. All the wiring harnesses are available, as are brushes, springs fingers, lights, etc.

The Gilbert diesels have beaten even some experience repair people. The motors require careful adjustment and field centering. If the trucks require new axle bushings that needs to be sent out for repair unless you are an experienced machinist.

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[#welcome] aboard!

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Hello Zion,

Welcome to the world of toy trains! I wish you the best of luck.

Rene