I'm new to this forum, but not new to "O" gauge. I have, however, been inactive for roughly 65 years. That's about how long ago my Gilbert American Flyer train set has been packed away. I didn't even know I still had it until I found a very strange carton as I was cleaning the garage. The carton was definitely old and the hand writing was not that of my wife or me, rather it was my father's. Needless to say, the carton came into the house for further investigation. Imagine my surprise as I unwrapped the J 4-8-4, the tender and all the cars... It was much like that Christmas morning so long ago when I was but a lad and looked upon that train for the first time under our Christmas Tree. The train was special then and remains so to this day, for you see it was a gift from one S. Claus, another forgotten chapter from so very long ago. Everything appears to be in reasonably good condition, and I imagine a little lubricant will solve whatever woes the locomotive and rolling stock might have. The transformer, a 75 watt model 7B is a horse of quite a different color. Here the years have taken their toll. The power cord was so rotted that I cut it off rather than risk some inadvertent plug-in by my wife, or a friend. Of course it was covered with the dirt and grime of the ages, and inside some spider from eons past had made her web and nest in there. It all cleaned up easily enough, and the clean-up revealed some darkened areas (I'm no electrician so I cannot even give a reasonable description) inside. There were also a couple of broken solder connections that are reasonably straight forward, as is the power cord replacement, so... My questions are these. Once I replace the power core (what gauge wire?) what can I expect besides a.) a working transformer, or b.) a series of sparks, crackles, and a small explosion? Would I be better off looking for a new (or reconditioned) replacement? If that is what I should do, where would I look? I'm slowly getting into "N" gauge now, but I would dearly love to see that "O" gauge beauty run again,perhaps under my 73rd Christmas Tree? Thanks, KCD
You can easily have that cord replaced. If you'd not wish to do so yourself, it can be done by any authorized Lionel service outlet. They can also test the transformer. It might be worth while, simply by virtue of this being such a memorable artifact. They can also test and lubricate your engine. You can do so yourself, just please be certain to use a proper lubricant. Something designed for such use. Keep us posted on this, and also your N scale. Photos would be a lot of fun to see! Welcome to TrainBoard! Boxcab E50
Welcome KCD, I model (well, play with trains) exactly as you describe. During rthe year I have some N setup and for 2 months around Christmas a growing O layout appears in the living room. Thats awesome that you came across a piece of childhood. Like Boxcab said, I'd have the transformer looked at by a Service Rep. You could pick up a new or used one for under $100, but I'd talk to a Service guy first. You might find info on this site: http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/saf.html Enjoy!!
Pre WW II American Flyer Thank you all for your thoughts. After reading your replies and doing a little research, I will not attempt to refurbish the original transformer. It would appear that this A.C. Gilbert American Flyer is "prior to WW II". The Gilbert company shifted to war work at the very beginning of the war (1942) and didn't return to general market product manufacturing until 1946. Furthermore, when they started making model trains in '46, they abandoned the old three rail "O" gauge in favor of a more realistic twin track "S" gauge. All this means that my train, while probably purchased late in the war, was already in inventory when Gilbert switched production to war work in '42. The transformer that came with the train says, "Model 7-B Transformer, A.C.Gilbert Co., 75 Watts." but there is no serial number or date. I have been warned by a knowledgeable guy that, "...the enamel coating on the coil winding is very likely to have begun to break down, which would cause a short in the main coil." While I would like to keep this all original, I'm not inclined to take chances with a faulty transformer. Thank you for the advice on lubricants; I will take your advice and use caution when buying the lubricant. Finally, I think this train, if it does run again, will probably be relegated to a few annual turns around the Christmas Tree, something my six grandchildren have never witnessed. I will continue to pursue my growing interest in "N" gauge. Thanks again, one and all! KCD
KCD-I am new here now, just looked at your post. I might suggest just buying a new/used Lionel transformer..or looking on the "net" for AF packs. They are out there. I would save the old pack and put it carefully away. As for lube-try some LaBelle oil and gear grease, on an old girl like this one, I shouldn't imagine you would need "plastic compatable", but maybe it would be a little safer...your call. If you want to make the stuff look like new, try some.....PLEDGE spray cleaner/polish. This works, it was shown to me by an old repairman and I have been repairing old stuff like yours for over 40 years. Just get a nice old clean shop rag, spray the model with a light coat, and watch TV while rubbing the loco/car with the rag. It's great therapy and I promise it will look great. Take care of the treasure, they don't make anything like that now...and the way things are going, never will again. Good luck. Woodie
Congrats on the discovery!! I have been searching ebay for prewar AM Flyer, Lionel, and Marx pieces for some time now (Especially Lionel). As already said, keep the transformer carefully packed away for possible restoration. Heck, I'm currently restoring all of my dads old postwar Lionel equipment. I sit here in my basement and repair everything myself (Okay, not everything... there are some things that just plain need to be repaired by an actual serviceman). But either way, even if the transformer has disintegrated beyond all use, you can probably pickup a reasonable or exact replacement for anywhere from $50 to $100 bucks.:tb-biggrin:
