I can't believe the condition of set and box! Thanks for sharing.
@raysrails21642 ай бұрын
Neat i didn't know the smaller gauge trains can be ran by your cell .
@user-ez3rr4yj6i2 ай бұрын
I always loved the box it came in.
@dancochrane55772 ай бұрын
Who wrote your dialogue? Inspired by ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas. Goofy.
@StatusFaction2 ай бұрын
I wrote it while going down the chimney! Ho, Ho, Ho!
@Justlovedolls20243 ай бұрын
You could probably build your own all aboard system with S gauge fastrack on foam boards with plastic Ville buildings and scenery
@johnfroio49103 ай бұрын
Looks great!!
@StatusFaction3 ай бұрын
Thank you
@105C093 ай бұрын
I wish Lionel would re-introduce this with their S gauge fast track.
@StatusFaction3 ай бұрын
That would be awesome! Thanks for your comment!
@N_scale3 ай бұрын
Enlarge the mountain tunnel. Easiest solution. Cheapest.
@StatusFaction3 ай бұрын
Thanks for your comment!
@williamloeber62533 ай бұрын
Great video. Thank you for sharing. 😊
@StatusFaction3 ай бұрын
Thank you for watching and commenting.
@Galia_Lulu4 ай бұрын
Hello! Absolutely adore the set up you have there, I'm really interested in american flyer all aboard, and was really hoping if you could possibly answer a burning question of mine, I've tried researching all over the internet, and while I haven't been able to find any videos, I did come across a years old message board regarding all aboard, from what I learned, is it true that unfortunately some larger american flyer trains like for example, a union pacific 4-8-8 steam locomotive, to maybe even a santa fe diesel passenger train, would have trouble running on said all aboard layout, due to the curves? From what I can see through your videos to google images, the curves appear to be more tighter than the usual american flyer track curve, but that's just from observation, I talked it over with my dad and though I really REALLY would love to buy an american flyer all aboard layout, it wouldn't be as fun or worth all the money if not all my trains could run on said layout. So again, Is it true that not all american flyer trains can run on the layout? (Aka the larger ones) I really would love to know before investing in all aboard, I would really really appreciate it if you could help out, thank you. 🙏❤🚂🚂🚂
@StatusFaction4 ай бұрын
Yes, is the short answer. The main issue with the curved panels is that on the inside of the curve there is a hill. Longer coaches or engines will hit that hill, which derails them. I have no problem running the older AF coaches on this system; however, coaches with the newer Blue Comet set of American Model sets won’t make it. Now, you could cut off that hill and cover it up with flatter scenery. Or, you could use the straight, turnout, and crossing panels and connect them to regular Pikemaster curves, and cover the Pikemaster curves with tunnels or obscure them with mountains. All Aboard has its limitations, but a little inventiveness can go a long way toward adding operating interest. Thanks for watching and I apologize for the delay in getting back to you.
@gregleuze66574 ай бұрын
I ran across this video and I don’t know much about this system. Videos on the individual panels would be interesting.
@StatusFaction4 ай бұрын
Some I might take up your idea! Thanks for watching!
@russpeck13205 ай бұрын
The best All Aboard layout ever!
@michaelcurrie60085 ай бұрын
Dude you're killing me
@strafrag15 ай бұрын
Very nice video with overview. I never had one of these prefab layouts. I always made my own but the Wendelstein with the additional panels is really a beauty. Cheers & subscribed.
@StatusFaction5 ай бұрын
I got into the prefab layouts after my first attempt at a N-scale layout was a disaster! They give a guy like me, who is not great artistically, a fighting chance to make a decent layout. I guess prefab layouts are akin to paint-by-the-number books! :) Thanks for the comment!!!
@strafrag15 ай бұрын
@@StatusFaction Yes, quite true. I always thought they looked great, and the expansion possibilities were good with them. Cheers.
@josephschuster14945 ай бұрын
I’m lucky enough to own one of these sets, having received it Christmas Day, 1959, when I was just eight years old. I still have everything, including the paper brochure/instructions packed with it. It runs beautifully, and is a major part of my happy childhood. Long live The A.C. Gilbert Co. 🚂
@curtismarean69635 ай бұрын
I like this vid! It's nice to see something different from the past. I too, like some of these layouts! Thanks for making this informative video!
@StatusFaction5 ай бұрын
Even in the 1990s, I dreamed about getting the Ortenstein, but never was able to find one. Thanks for the comment!!!
@FordGranada755 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for the presentation of these old layouts that I know existed, but never seen them! As a native German speaker your pronounciation of "4. Chiemgau" gave me giggles. It's pronounced "Keemgow" in English.
@StatusFaction5 ай бұрын
Thank you for your comment! I was going to say something about my pronunciation in German. I had great grandparents on both sides who were Berliners, one a judge who Bismark had removed, the other a professor. Sadly, I was never exposed to German. If you think my German pronunciation is bad, you ought to hear my Portuguese! My wife is Brazilian and though I have a good reading vocabulary of Portuguese, my pronunciation brings either laughs or quizzical looks! Danke! (Did I say that correctly?) :)
@Hawaii_HO5 ай бұрын
This was interesting. I might have to borrow some of the layout ideas when next time I build a compact layout. Also I think they would looks great in N scale. Thanks for sharing.
@StatusFaction5 ай бұрын
See my video on the Kibri N-scale layouts. Every once in a while, a long while, one comes up on eBay. Noch has the market pretty much to itself today, though I sure wish Kibri would get back to making layouts again. Thanks for your comment!!!
@joezuccardo32455 ай бұрын
Very nice set, The engine sounds like it should be oiled and lubed and you should put smoke fluid in it, Is that the original cannon Thanks
@StatusFaction5 ай бұрын
Yes, I did not service the engine and it probably never has been. I will do so soon. My train layouts are in my office, which is also my library. I have some some rare books and my dad’s log from his service on the USS Emmons during WWII. So, I not want to risk any pollutants in the office. The cannon, unfortunately is not the original. Thanks for the comment!
@MygrandpasTrain6 ай бұрын
That's a nice looking set. I found the passenger version boxed with all the tape and tears you'd expect for the $25 price. Had a chunk out of the cab but ran fantastic after I serviced it. Not sure if you know this but the box lid folds upside down to make a dealer display. Thats why the box lid is cut, its that way on purpose.
@StatusFaction6 ай бұрын
On eBay, there are usually many listings of the passenger set; yet, few, if any listings for the civil war set. All my steam engines in every scale I have are blue; so you can see why I went for the Washington set! I knew that the box lid can fold up for a display; however, given the age of the box I don’t want to take a chance on compromising the integrity of it. I’m glad you got the engine running again. It sure feels great when an old loco given up for dead by someone is restored to life! THANKS FOR THE COMMENT!
@michaelgmoore57085 ай бұрын
Lol@@StatusFaction
@Learn-more6107 ай бұрын
How bizarre. Your turntable was doomed before you got it out of the box!
@StatusFaction6 ай бұрын
The condition was quite unexpected! Thanks for your comment!
@richardnelson-ux1zz7 ай бұрын
To be honest I wouldn't have a turn table don't like them or find any use for a turn table
@StatusGlobalAutodidact7 ай бұрын
If I just ran diesels, I'd agree with you; however, I just run steam and a turntable seems essential to me, especially in adding operational interest. Thanks again for the comment!
@richardnelson-ux1zz7 ай бұрын
I would just cut the box open and forget about the box you don't need the box
@StatusGlobalAutodidact7 ай бұрын
Thanks for the comment! I'm glad I didn't because I would not be able to send it back. Moreover, if I decided to keep it, I'd want a secure box to store it in since I do not have a TT layout yet.
@JuhanaSiren7 ай бұрын
I would send that back and ask for either a refund or a better unit. Shame about the quality. Roco and Fleischmann (Austrian and German companies, respectively, merged together some time back) used to make decent products.
@StatusGlobalAutodidact7 ай бұрын
I did ROCO and Fleischmann merged! I was absolutely shocked and very disappointed when I saw the condition of the turntable. In a follow-up video I'll describe how I found out what the source of all the flaws was and it had to do with a manufacturing error/neglect. Thanks for the comment!
@JuhanaSiren7 ай бұрын
@@StatusGlobalAutodidact The design looks like it's based on the Fleischmann H0 and N turntable drawings - it's an old (40+ years), but nice design.
@StatusFaction6 ай бұрын
I read that that Fleischmann made a TT turntable but I never found one. So, I wonder if the ROCO is a Fleischmann model or based on it. Thanks for your reply!
@tubsforever94357 ай бұрын
“If Berlin May, 1945 after the Soviet Onslaught is the look you want for your layout” This was the best video yet! Keep it up!!
@StatusGlobalAutodidact7 ай бұрын
Thanks for the comment! Hmm, how do I model the the bunker ...
@8avexp7 ай бұрын
Nice set! My parents got me a 20705 Pioneer Flyer set in 1961 for my fifth birthday, which I still have.
@StatusGlobalAutodidact7 ай бұрын
Don't sell the set! Thanks for the comment
@8avexp7 ай бұрын
@@StatusGlobalAutodidact Those sets, especially the 21165 Casey Jones loco that came with it, are a dime a dozen. That said, my 21165 is an early production loco; it's stamped March 1961 and its tender has a knuckle coupler.
@thekingsilverado32667 ай бұрын
We have my Dads Lionel 101 Steam Engine in O gauge and mine is HO. Every year my grand parents were so careful about putting that thing back in the box just the way it came. It is like that now behind me in the box with my set.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
It's great to have parents and grandparents who teach us to treat what we have with care! I think that taking care of what we have carries over to how we treat people too.
@karlreinke96537 ай бұрын
My grandparents lived in New Haven and my Grandpa was friends with The Gilbert family. My older brother had 1 of just about everything A.C. Gilbert made. His train set from the early 50s was beautiful!
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Thank you for your comment! A.C. Gilbert was a remarkable man. I learned that he won a gold medal in the Olympics. He combined high quality with innovation in American Flyer trains, though after his death I think there was a decline in quality with the introduction of the Pikemaster line. Your brother was one lucky guy!
@karlreinke96537 ай бұрын
@@StatusFaction as was I, I can’t even tell you how much fun it was to have a microscope,erector set,chemistry set to experiment with!
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
I agree! I had all three, though may favorite was the erector set. I loved making all sorts of things with it, including a monorail system that was part of what I called "The City of the Future," that I made for the NY Science fair in the 6th grade. Alas, on the way to the fair the person driving us went over a railroad crossing too fast and the whole layout went up in the air, hit the roof of the station wagon and then crashed down. I was unable to get it to work in time for the fair. My city of the future became a disaster of the past!@@karlreinke9653
@karlreinke96537 ай бұрын
I totally forgot about the monorail . My set wasn’t big enough to b7ild one however.
@stepinfetchit93947 ай бұрын
I lasted :23
@gusshadleythelunaticfromar71257 ай бұрын
Hey I Like That Turntable. On That Display.
@gusshadleythelunaticfromar71257 ай бұрын
I Like That Adapter On The Locomotive, You Can Use The Knuckle Couplers And The Hooks. Cool.
@gusshadleythelunaticfromar71257 ай бұрын
Just Subscribed. So This Layout is Called The "Westerner". With The Buildings And All. Thats A Nice One.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for subscribing! It means a lot to us! American Flyer made three All Aboard layouts, which I described and showed pictures of in another video, and the Westerner was the biggest and included at least one of each type of panel. They also produced the smallest one in a winter scene. The sets are a nice way to get an S gauge layout in a relatively small space.
@gusshadleythelunaticfromar71257 ай бұрын
Like That Layout, I Have Never Seen One In Operation.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
I found the All Aboard set on eBay. It's the biggest of the three Gilbert made, the "Westerner." There usually are some of the smallest sets (Pioneer 600) listed on eBay and, at times, the specialized panels, such as turnouts and, much rarer, the crossing panel and the whistle panel. I have a couple of other videos on this site that show the pros and cons of the All Aboard system and what to look for if purchasing. Thanks for your comment!
@radarhec7 ай бұрын
Good deal !
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Thank you for your comment!
@robertmyers52697 ай бұрын
As I was watching the unboxing, I wondered if with she small locomotive and late production date, if thiis was All-Aboard compatible. It was a treat to see it on your AA layout. Are the curves AA radius? It is a really nice looking piece, and the condition is incredible. Have fun with iit
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
The All Aboard panels are 17 inch squares and the curve radius is a little tighter than the standard American Flyer track. I can run Pacific class steam engines on it but not the passenger cars that come with the newer Lionel American Flyer sets, such as the Blue Comet, or the American Models passenger sets. The coaches are too long to negotiate the curves. The civil was set runs well on the AA panels! Thanks for the comment!!!
Anything bigger than a Pacific class loco will probably not negotiate the curves. At least the Civil War set does!!!! Thanks for the reply!!
@radarhec7 ай бұрын
Nice stuff ! Your a good hunter , stay on track .
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
If I really want something, I check eBay daily. I've seen All Aboard sets on eBay since the 90s but the one you set in video is the first time I saw a complete Westerner set. And, the Civil War set was the first time I saw one in that condition at an incredible price - I got it for a tad over $200! Thanks for your comment!!!
@michaelgmoore57087 ай бұрын
That is the Civil war Special Freight set made in 1960 with KC. I want one but cannot afford it now. Çant remember the name of that set, It's not Frontiersman only!
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Just keep checking eBay daily, especially on weekends. I found this one for a tad over $200 and could not believe my eyes! Thanks for your comment!
@rvnmedic19687 ай бұрын
I had a friend in the early 60s that had a large American Flyer layout. It was amazing and I was extremely envious as I had a Lionel set and loved the tracks on the Flyer. NO MIDDLE RAIL! LoL And the ties looked like real wood. I would sell my HO layout if I could find/buy a Flyer set. Cheers, Bob
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
I too was a child and had a Lionel set and met someone with an American Flyer layout and sure wished I could have one. However, my family was not well off at the time - my Dad was a WWII vet and had difficulty getting a career after the war - so, it was not an option. It was not until my 40s when I purchase my first S scale trains. BTW, there are usually All Aboard sets for sale on eBay. I did a video on what to look for and what to avoid with these sets, as the quality varies greatly. Thanks for your comment!!!
@rvnmedic19687 ай бұрын
@@StatusFaction Same here, my Dad retired from the Navy in 1957 and the Navy pension wasn't that great. There must be thousands of us Boomers with the same American Flyer dreams. LOL Cheers, Bob
@angeloavanti25387 ай бұрын
You are a sick man. 🖖🤣😉
@Cbtrainnut8 ай бұрын
Beautiful train. Love the Royal Blue. Also like the All aboard panels. Thanks for sharing.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
The original Royal Blue train set was a freight set, not a passenger set. I purchased the coaches separately, though they are not a perfect match. Nevertheless, I'm not a perfectionist and it works out fine for me. The All Aboard panels were a great idea by American Flyer; however, the company folded within a couple of years after introducing them. The panels themselves are nice, the Pikemaster track is not well made. I think after A.C. Gilbert passed away, the quality of American Flyer items significantly decreased. Thanks for the comment!!!
@Shipwright19188 ай бұрын
We mini train guys get no respect, I tell ya, no respect.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Yah! Mini trains: mini respect! :) Thanks for the comment!!!
@angeloavanti25388 ай бұрын
Great idea and execution. Love 'Flyer.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Thank you for the comment! I too love AF!
@jameshein-jo8je8 ай бұрын
I also collect A.F. trains, you got a very nice one. Happy Holidays
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Have a great new year! I don't have a whole lot but I really value what I have!
@jodysmith80488 ай бұрын
This set is very rare I've been looking for this set for years great score
@StatusFaction8 ай бұрын
Keep checking on eBay, I’ve seen these sets popping up occasionally!
@plunkervillerr15298 ай бұрын
That`s a nice.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Yea, the set is a keeper! Thanks for the comment!
@malcolmboynton76528 ай бұрын
WOW!!! a lot of us had af sets as kids. mine was different but same vintage. like most it got played to death and thrown away. NICE!
@StatusFaction8 ай бұрын
All I had was a black Lionel diesel and a year later a black 2-4-0 steam engine! I had no idea when young that locos came in anything but black! It wasn’t until late childhood when I got an HO diesel in blue that I realized engines could come in different colors! Thank you for watching the video and your comment!
@donaldwiller92388 ай бұрын
Cool train 🚆
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Yes, I did not know how good it was until I opened the box and checked it out. Thanks for the comment!
@arthurleino8 ай бұрын
Awesome video! Like American Flyer.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Thanks for the comment. American Flyer is a lot of fun!
@ronalddevine95878 ай бұрын
Beautiful set, a lucky find. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
@StatusFaction8 ай бұрын
The set exceeded my expectations! I’ve had the converse experience, such as an American Models loco with no drive bar from the motor to the drivers; so, this was quite a blessing. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
@paulbervid16108 ай бұрын
Great video
@StatusFaction8 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it.
@huntercoleman4608 ай бұрын
Great find friend.
@StatusFaction7 ай бұрын
Sometimes one lucks out and finds a treasure when least expected. Thanks for the comment!