Finally have my new American Flyer train layout in workable shape. It's nowhere near complete, and has a few issues, but I'm really happy with the possibilities it provides me as an operator.
your new layout looks good..i hope you get the switch problem worked out..i see that daves af trains has offered advice and i love his videos .he helped me with a k5 once and tks to him its still going strong..i have just a 4x9 layout in my living room but i want to build a nice layout upstairs but due to health problems i have to count on help but it will be worth the wait for me..happy railroading ..willie
Hi John, enjoying the video, I’m about half way and will watch remainder later but want to comment with feedback on the derailing locomotive. I’ve experienced this too and corrected it. First, operate other steam and diesel locomotives to determine is it the switch or locomotive types. Check the switch for anything that might be protruding above the rail height. Run your fingers down the rails, back to front (same angle as the video), do you feel any anomalies in the track? Check the locomotive tow bar, it needs to have a relationship with the tender that does not introduce a strange angle, the tow should be from to back on a straight line, check the tow studs too. Next with power off place the locomotive away or behind the switch (same angle as the video). Using your fingers grab the cow catcher or other convenient place forward of the pilot truck and pull the locomotive without any downward force. In other words you’re trying to emulate the pull of the locomotive, yes, this will “drag” the drivers but that’s ok. Sit down at eye level and “pull” the locomotive and observe the tender trucks. In addition to obstructions, or anomalies with the tow bar, I find that the gauge set on the tender wheels and axle can be problematic, adjust and retest. I have found that carefully correcting this on diesel locomotives have improved or corrected operation consistently. If you want we could to a mobile FaceTime session. Switches can be problematic but adjustments work wonders. Let me know what you think, and look forward to your update, thanks! Dave
New subscriber to your channel. I have my Dad's 1950's American Flyer Circus Train that I am planning to un-pack and set up. I may need suggestions and guidance in re-wiring it and also figuring out which power supply to use out of a box of about half a dozen old ones. Looking forward to more of your videos!
I believe the Circus Train is a highly sought after set. I would check with Dave AFTrains before making any modifications to the engine or cars that might affect its value for collectors.
New subscriber here. You are far braver than I to use vintage equipment to demonstrate a derailment problem at the edge of the layout. I know you are planning a new layout, but could you please give the dimensions of this layout for those whose layouts are still be in the planning stages.
Hi Bill! You'll be glad to know that I have since fixed the issue with the turnout, there was a key piece missing from this particular turnout that was causing the 326 to jump like that. One of the unfortunate side effects of switching to the Lionel turnouts is they can be a little more finicky. As to grandad's 326, it continues to run well and do so beautifully! Thank you for commenting and subscribing! More videos coming soon!
Great lay out Johnny, It' going to be really fun when you finally get it completely up and going. Thanks for sharing, and "Happy Rails" GMan
your new layout looks good..i hope you get the switch problem worked out..i see that daves af trains has offered advice and i love his videos .he helped me with a k5 once and tks to him its still going strong..i have just a 4x9 layout in my living room but i want to build a nice layout upstairs but due to health problems i have to count on help but it will be worth the wait for me..happy railroading ..willie
Willie Evans thank you! Dave is a fantastic advocate for American Flyer collectors and operators, I agree! More updates will be coming soon!
Hi John, enjoying the video, I’m about half way and will watch remainder later but want to comment with feedback on the derailing locomotive. I’ve experienced this too and corrected it. First, operate other steam and diesel locomotives to determine is it the switch or locomotive types. Check the switch for anything that might be protruding above the rail height. Run your fingers down the rails, back to front (same angle as the video), do you feel any anomalies in the track? Check the locomotive tow bar, it needs to have a relationship with the tender that does not introduce a strange angle, the tow should be from to back on a straight line, check the tow studs too. Next with power off place the locomotive away or behind the switch (same angle as the video). Using your fingers grab the cow catcher or other convenient place forward of the pilot truck and pull the locomotive without any downward force. In other words you’re trying to emulate the pull of the locomotive, yes, this will “drag” the drivers but that’s ok. Sit down at eye level and “pull” the locomotive and observe the tender trucks. In addition to obstructions, or anomalies with the tow bar, I find that the gauge set on the tender wheels and axle can be problematic, adjust and retest. I have found that carefully correcting this on diesel locomotives have improved or corrected operation consistently. If you want we could to a mobile FaceTime session. Switches can be problematic but adjustments work wonders. Let me know what you think, and look forward to your update, thanks! Dave
New subscriber to your channel. I have my Dad's 1950's American Flyer Circus Train that I am planning to un-pack and set up. I may need suggestions and guidance in re-wiring it and also figuring out which power supply to use out of a box of about half a dozen old ones. Looking forward to more of your videos!
I’ll be glad to help in any way I can! Look forward to hearing about your Circus Train!
JF
I believe the Circus Train is a highly sought after set. I would check with Dave AFTrains before making any modifications to the engine or cars that might affect its value for collectors.
New subscriber here. You are far braver than I to use vintage equipment to demonstrate a derailment problem at the edge of the layout. I know you are planning a new layout, but could you please give the dimensions of this layout for those whose layouts are still be in the planning stages.
Hi Bill! You'll be glad to know that I have since fixed the issue with the turnout, there was a key piece missing from this particular turnout that was causing the 326 to jump like that. One of the unfortunate side effects of switching to the Lionel turnouts is they can be a little more finicky.
As to grandad's 326, it continues to run well and do so beautifully! Thank you for commenting and subscribing! More videos coming soon!