American Flyer Trestle - Short Tutorial

Follow along and learn how to install American Flyer Trestle set. This will replace the pink foam ramps that my train used before to elevate it over the HO Track.

[@josephschuster1494]

Great info! I have a trestle set with track clips on my AF layout, and it really adds to the enjoyment. Your videos are wonderful! Keep them coming! 🚂

[@jeffreystpierre6898]

Gilbert made awesome trains

[@seeburgm100a]

Although, like most of us I like raised areas of track to add interest to a layout I was never comfortable with the wide open look of standard american flyer track on trestles. I found a solution that works for me and I think looks quite well. I found a box of used gargraves track on marketplace cheap. I found that you can pull the wooden ties off the gargraves rails (wear gloves). Once I had assembled enough wooden ties I got out the hot glue gun and glued ties to the AF track to give it a more realistic look. I have to say it looks much sturdier now (even though it probably didn't make a difference) but at least the kids from "Stand By Me" can walk the trestle without falling through.

[@MygrandpasTrain]

Running my favorite engines over the trestle made me nervous, although I never had any trouble with it. However, my latest railroad setup doesn't have the bridge anymore.

[@donaldlamendola8294]

Beautifully done! I like how you mixed the two scales together. You really do have a "Vintage layout." Thank you for sharing!

[@MygrandpasTrain]

I found that often times the "vintage" trains are easier to work on, more durable, and cost less to acquire than new models, even if they lack some detail or "scale realism"

[@donaldlamendola8294]

@@MygrandpasTrain I completely agree. Nice post!!!

[@SugarBushBoys]

I like how the ties snap on to the trestle pieces.

[@jamesbuckley6118]

They aren't supposed to go into just the one tie, they are made to be used between, where the track pieces join together. each track tie sits on top of each side of the tressle piece.

[@davesaftrains4368]

Tim, Thanks for sharing. Couple of thoughts and observations. I eliminated grade changes on my layout. I had them on two previous layouts, they were problematic especially if the grade changes began or ended adjacent to a switch or special track section, for example, re-railer. Grade changes on curves were the most difficult to manage, changes on straight section less of an issue. I also discovered that each steam and/or diesel locomotive had different operating characteristics and challenges on grade changes and elevated sections. Maximizing railhead at-grade allowed me to use foam, indoor/outdoor carpet, and rubber roadbed to minimize sound and extend power cables to every 4th or 5th track section fed by a bus or backbone cable. On my current layout I did not nail trestle to table so as to minimize sound transfer and improve maintainability. In some locations I pinch the trestle between adjacent track section rather than snap them underneath a single rail tie. I reinforce this connection with track clips, this keeps elevated track sections including grade changes from separating at adjacent track sections. Finally when you feel your trackage is in position I recommend operating every locomotive up and down each grade changes and observe performance, response and operation. I experienced some diesels, for example, that can separate and raise above the railhead at the at-grade/grade-change section transition. This is because some diesels might not have good back-to-front range of (rocking) motion needed for to keep all wheels on the railhead during the transition. Ensure elevated track section pins and railhead receptacles are thoroughly cleaned (degreased etc) and slightly bent consistently laterally to maintain best connection. I am subscribing to your channel. Thanks, DavesAFTrains

[@MygrandpasTrain]

Thanks for your suggestions! That's great information. Interestingly, I agree that the layouts operate better without grades, although I did not have any trouble with any of my steam engines, but the diesels were problematic. (Actually the diesel I had derailed on the corners, because the trucks would pop up and cause a short. I think in part that was because the motor mounts were loose on the frame.) Recently I decided that it was necessary to make repairs on the old section of my layout so the Flyer track was re-routed around the "hill" and the trestle set removed, at least during construction. I also found some cheap rubber material to use as an alternative to "real" rubber roadbed, it probably doesn't work quite as good but it does help dampen the noise.

[@paulmatulavich7321]

When I see a train speeding up and slowing down as it makes its way around a layout, it is indicative of the need for additional feeder wires to more distant points on the track. Of course it will do the same thing while climbing and descending grades, but I observed sudden acceration on the straightaway. Feeder wires should be placed every five feet.

[@MygrandpasTrain]

Yes, the train speed was quite inconsistent with only one track power wire. Literally right after making this video I did add feeder wires, although not every five feet. They are spaced equally every third around the track. It's not perfect but it made a huge difference in speed consistency.

[@jameshochstein9780]

Since I play with my layout by changing it often, I've numbered my trestles 1 to 12, so I can find the right one easily. If you put the trestles at each rail joint, you can then use the locks to keep the rails together.

[@MygrandpasTrain]

Numbering them is a good idea! It is sometimes difficult to tell them apart. I have a bunch of the locks, just have to find them.

[@MarkWick]

My second American Flyer train, the Frontiersman, had the cardboard trestle set. I had only seen photos of this plastic set. I am curious about the passenger car in the train you ran. Is that a custom paint job?

[@MygrandpasTrain]

I know that Flyer made several kinds of trestles, I opted not to get the cardboard one, not sure if it could support the weight of my heavier engines. The passenger car was custom painted, it was a junk box find, and I was able to restore it enough to use. Very unique. (Sorry for the late response)

[@jockellis]

I’ve got a 290 that seesaws on the center driver. Did these engines have traction tires or did the 1,000 or so miles I put on it as a kid wear down the metal?