Eric.
Fantastic! I enjoyed looking at my copy again. I’m sure that the folks reading here will enjoy seeing it.
This is one of the things about participating in this forum so much fun.
Thanks
Greg
2 Likes
I collect domestically produced clockwork trains, so pre-war AF is definitely represented in my fleet. However, I also enjoy working on trains and occasionally tackle a project that is a bit off the beaten path. As Exhibit A, I would like to present an American Flyer #429 that I converted to windup power. Now, before anyone panics, I look for junk-bin locomotives for the basis of these types of projects - no running or pristine examples are harmed. The Flyer #429 is a beautifully proportioned locomotive. My windup conversion is powered by a custom made dual-mainspring motor based on Marx internals. It is paired with a Marx slope-back tender and has a battery operated headlight:
…and with that in mind, today I received a future project… a poor little #425 Flyer, no tender, no pilot or trailing trucks, some damage to the die-cast body, and a very incomplete/non-operable motor. Not sure when I might get a start on this project, but I hope to do a windup conversion similar to the #429:
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James, has this fine engine been featured on your YouTube channel before? I can’t remember, but my first thought is that I would love to see it run.
I am excited and intrigued at the prospects of perhaps seeing another neat clockwork conversion from you, if that’s where the 425 is headed.
-El
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James, that is extraordinary workmanship.
Rich
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El - Yes, here is the video of the project with the loco running on my old layout:
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Very , very cool video. Love the tunnel.
Rich
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I am a big fan of the tinplate version.
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I have one more set that makes use of the Broadway Limited colors.
(Previously posted)
This set is labeled for the Pennsylvania and lacks the Broadway Limited below the windows.
As you can see the roofs on this variation are black
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
3 Likes
That’s an awesome loco JamesP! I love the layout! 
. How much running time do you get from that configuration?
Set No. 5 Northwestern Passenger train from 1938 catalog.
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
5 Likes
I love those Flyer boxes! I think the only other ones in the same league are Lionel’s late set box with the rocky mountain painting and Athern’s for their gorgeous artwork. But IVES boxes are possibly the most unique because they create a scenic backdrop. Not to disparage any other boxes, certainly Flyer’s blue and yellow and Lionel’s blue and orange have reached iconic if not mythical status. But these are Flyer’s best in my view. 
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Note the “Developed at the Gilbert Hall Of Science” on the boxes, even though they are all made with tooling moved from Chicago to New Haven. The set box also has the new Gilbert label. Its a great set made better with all the boxes.
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PennyTrains, the locomotive performs very similar to a Marx mechanical - it runs for about a minute and covers around 100’ of track. The two mainsprings supply extra pulling power to help offset the extra weight of the Flyer #429 body. The six wheel motor pulls with four of the wheels, as opposed to a typical windup that just pulls with two wheels. It is a pretty good puller!
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American Flyer marketed some sets with numerous accessories. This is the Wide Gauge set #1469 Frontier Town
I have assembled most of the pieces to illustrate what the set looks like. The ringing bell signal is a stand in.
And just the train alone.
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
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NOW, I am jealous!
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Greg,
SANDY’S RAILROAD is now up on the Lionel Photo Album thread.
Eric
1 Like
Here is set #19 - O Gauge Switcher also known as the Yard King Switcher
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
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I also have all of the boxes for the Yard King Switcher
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
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I have to say that the later Flyer prewar steam locos look good! As a family, they easily rival anything else on three rails.
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