Thank you @Northwoods-Flyer
This one is in pretty good overall condition outside of the roof.
1 Like
Maybe it’s the little blue stars, but that particular catalog cover always makes me think the hall of science is a beekeeper’s hive! 
1 Like
This is probably one of my favorite sets, Its known as the Double Header for obvious reasons.
I have some of the boxes.
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
3 Likes
How cool!
Hi Penny-
Where did you find the red wheels for the AF 0-4-0 ?
Greg
They’re the originals. I just touched up the red and white.
The #310 Double Header Freight Set is also known as the Mountain Red Ball
It appears on the front of the 1939 catalog with a few additions
and dribbles onto the back cover.
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
2 Likes
The two engines of the double header set look great together, The front engine is a 420 powered engine and the second engine is a non powered dummy engine.
I have a second dummy unit. As a triple header they look like a real powerhouse.
Enjoying the Worlds Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
4 Likes
I guess that makes sense, but dummy steamers are truly rare birds!
The double header is the only non powered steamer that I know of that was produced by American Flyer.
The power pick ups are only for the headlight
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
2 Likes
The only non powered loco period from the prewar era I’ve ever heard of. You could collect more and create your own prosperity special
2 Likes
You know, Becky: you’re right. I guess it makes sense that a prewar dummy loco would be a steamer. It’s not like diesels were numerous, is it? I guess, electrics could be dummies, too, but maybe no one thought they’d sell.
Becky, I know what the Ives Prosperity Special looks like but I’m not sure I understand your reference.
Northwoods Flyer
Prosperity specials occurred when Alco or Baldwin deadheaded large quantities of brand new locomotives at the same time to the purchasing railroad, usually a western customer.
This one was from Baldwin and is shown on Pennsy rails.
1 Like
Thanks Becky,
I learned something new today. Hmmmm perhaps this is a worthy pursuit.
Northwoods Flyer
1 Like
As I understand things, it was common to disconnect the main rods and store them in the tenders’ hoppers for the long journeys, but my reading on he subject is shallow, indeed.
1 Like
The original “Prosperity Special” occurred late June 1922 when Baldwin shipped 20 2-10-2’s to the Espee. The US was in a post WW1 mini-depression at the time and the Espee and Baldwin management thought this large shipment would make for good publicity.
1 Like
This is a train that I don’t think ever came together as a set.
I put it together from several different purchases.
The engine is a 3020 that matches the color of Columbia cars
The cars have some interesting variations. The 3000 Baggage has maroon colored doors.
The coach and the observation have unpunched windows.
For the most part I think its a very attractive “set”
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
2 Likes
The set does look good together. Are unpunched windows common?
1 Like
I believe that on the Illini cars it is common for the windows to be punched. It is uncommon for them to be unpunched and I think they qualify as being a factory error.(Edit: Further research indicates that the factory error statement is not accurate.)
Edit:
Schuweiler indicates that on some late Illini cars the small side windows with the arched tops were unpunched. There is no listing for an observation with Type VIII trucks as in my set.
However "The details of other 9 1/2 -inch passenger cars suggest they were sold as late as 1933 or 1934. For example: green 9 1/2-inch lithographed cars exist with gray trucks, and they have been observed in a set with gray Type VIIIa trucks without journal boxes. The mail car in this set has four brown lithographed doors. American Flyer was probably digging out all usable parts to put together salable sets at minimal expense during this time, and companies such as Montgomery Ward were undoubtably trying to offer affordable sets to their customers. Certainly the economic times required such creative efforts.
So I unwittingly assembled a late uncataloged Montgomery Ward set. I love this hobby
Enjoying the World’s Greatest Hobby
Northwoods Flyer
3 Likes