1960 American Flyer Arrow set: Theme and variations.

[@willamettevalleyAFtrains]

Great fun. Nice variations.

[@AustinsAmericanFlyertrains]

Thanks.

[@MarkWick]

This was fun to watch, thank you. I had to chuckle at the derailment. It got me thinking that if I had a nickel for every derailment that has happened when I was recording video, I could probably buy a very nice Hudson.

[@AustinsAmericanFlyertrains]

I'm with you...video cameras always trigger weird accidents.

[@josephschuster1494]

Nice set, Austin! My favorite AF engine is also the Atlantic 4-4-2…clean, simple, lots of fun running them. I think I own all the variations, too… 4 piece diecast, single piece diecast, plastic 3 digit & 5 digit engines, running and not running. Enjoy! 🚂

[@michaelgmoore5708]

Yes I have the white and black painted L&N. Belonging to the TCA has the best ads to find the right engine for you!

[@steelcityrailroad5095]

I really need to find me a Dixie line car and a Sante fe hopper. Nice set Austin!

[@AustinsAmericanFlyertrains]

They are around. Boxcars tend to be $.

[@michaelkunkel6264]

Steel, I agree. Both are sharp looking. I was able to find a lot of the SF hoppers, but most were of the pike master variety and those with knuckle couplers usually were in rough shape and with broken steps. Eventually I found a nice KC version at a show a few years ago and paid $40 for it and had no problem doing so. The L&N car is one of my favorites, but so far what I have found out there in my price range is not in good shape. It appears though that the ones in rough shape are still rare, but the SF KC hoppers in good shape are out there.

[@michaelgmoore5708]

The boxes make the sets more collectible. That set is more in demand because it has the 21005 Atlantic.

[@markchriestenson3257]

My box car is a little different. It has sliding doors and little metal latches that keep the doors shut.

[@AustinsAmericanFlyertrains]

I would like to see pictures!

[@michaelgmoore5708]

Yes , that 293 set came with a Silver meteor box car with walking brakeman açtioñ boxçàr, can't remember the 1957 set name

[@jackdepalma]

I was a child and did not get a box or a chance to ask my dad about my flyer set. Now, during covid, I revived a NY, NH & HARTFORD AF 293. I do not know when it was purchased. But I did look to see from the AF offerings the rolling stock that may point to what my dad purchased. Not a Mountaineer set (what i saw) and maybe 1957 or 58. Any ideas?

[@AustinsAmericanFlyertrains]

One thing you could try that has often helped me I'd to look through the old flyer catalogues. This helps narrow the search. Some Facebook flyer groups have these listed, or the eli whitney museum has them online.

[@jackdepalma]

Thanks for a push to search further. Pagec13 1956 AF catalogue seems the fit. A set called the New Meteor set, 1956.

[@jackdepalma]

Just to add my cousin also had a set. The same story. His dad and my dad were brothers, both gone by 1975. Sad memories but cousin Jimmy still has his AF set.

[@michaelkunkel6264]

I always thought the Atlantic's were good looking engines, but they seemed to be missing something eye-catching. I have several Versions and added Delta trailing trucks to a few of them and that seems to make a huge difference visually. I also added a 1oz lead weight to the underside of the very light lead truck on all of my Atlantic's and they track much better now.

[@plunkervillerr1529]

Marx guy here, candy makers display boxes were designed that way for years. I have a SKYBAR box just that way. On Classic Music, lessen to Ray Conniff`s An Improvisation On " None But the Lonely Heart" , now on U-tube. I own two such LPs in my collection. Interesting video.

[@ronalddevine9587]

They all seemed to perform the same. Excellent choo choo sound and good smoke. Any idea what caused the derailment? York is on right now.

[@AustinsAmericanFlyertrains]

Derailment was caused by excessive speed...the plastic type 3 is able to go much faster than the others since I have been operating it more.

[@ronalddevine9587]

@@AustinsAmericanFlyertrains Maybe the plastic drivers are just too little weight. Maybe the metal drivers lower the center of gravity.

[@michaelgmoore5708]

No, the five digit engines are faster with higher rpms. The reefer is supposed to be the 24066 L&N boxcar.

[@stevegerber2076]

AH yes. The hand of god in action. I thought your trains never derailed!:-). My first steamer I bought at auction was a 21105 Type 1. Had no idea. Still a great running loco.

[@AustinsAmericanFlyertrains]

Lol...I have very little trouble with derailments. However ...rough track on a curve and way too fast speeds is a recipe for trouble. Another thing of interest is that the plastic delivered engine runs quite a bit faster than the other two. I've done nothing to any of them other than a few drops of oil. Something to explore...

[@8avexp]

That was the only set that had the 24066 - and that car was not sold separately! I have that car, but not the set. Variations in sets are not uncommon. If they ran out of a particular car, they would substitute another one.

[@michaelgmoore5708]

Yes I have the white and black painted L&N. Belonging to the TCA has the best ads to find the right engine for you!

[@michaelgmoore5708]

No, the five digit engines are faster with higher rpms. The reefer is supposed to be the 24066 L&N boxcar.