UNBOXING & RUNNING RARE AMERICAN FLYER SET: NEAR DIASTER!

[@josephschuster1494]

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. 🚂

[@MygrandpasTrain]

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.

[@StatusFaction]

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!

[@michaelgmoore5708]

Lol​@@StatusFaction

[@michaelcurrie6008]

Dude you're killing me

[@joezuccardo3245]

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

[@StatusFaction]

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!