All Aboard Sets Digest 300 to 151

Message 300

Re: Nice Looking Champion 800 set with trains

From: freddok1 / c/o myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 10:05 AM
Comments

Date: March 25, 2002 Time: 04:30 PM Chuck: Thanks for the heads-up. Put in a bid for this and am waitching it carefully with the wife's approval. I would've had a Champion 800 set in the box last summer, save that a car accident and the attendant extra expenses (read: rental car) popped in and kept me from bidding further on the set when the bid went up higher and higher. Now, with my car long repaired and some excess $ in my paycheck, maybe the Panel Gods will smile on me and finally let me have my childhood All Aboard set back again in the form of this set (it even has the same cars I had as a kid!) BTW, nice job on that layout, Gene! I am planning a 5' x 9' layout for the apartment that will get built this summer when my work bonus hits as a combined home for both my S and O gauge stuff. My plan is to put the All Aboard panels in the center with illuminated buildings and one working accessory (barrel or oil drum loader) mounted strategicially by a straight track, with the 3-rail stuff running around the Flyer on a homemade scenic base that would continue the "look" of the Gilbert All Aboard scenery for the rest of the layout, such as whitish-grey ballast for the 3-rail, the grey Gilbert roadways extending out into the O portion, etc. If I get this Champion set, the "look" would be carried over into the rest of the layout with some of the trees and fences from my Pioneer 600 set. Two last things...like the club, and BOY are those snow panels expensive! Well, of course they're rare, so.... Later, Frederick P. Kopetz freddok1@comcast.net 

Message 299

Nice Looking Champion 800 set with trains

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 10:04 AM
Comments

Date: March 21, 2002 Time: 08:43 PM Here is a nice looking set complete with the engine and rolling stock for sale on eBay... Item #1715272950 Good Luck should you decide to bid! Chuck..... 

Message 298

Re: Snow Switch Panel

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 10:02 AM
Comments

Date: March 23, 2002 Time: 07:08 AM It is a lot of money, but apparently a very rare panel. If you have a snow panel set that needs a switch, I could see how the thought of adding a brand new one would be quite appealing. I thought about bidding on this auction, but I am saving for York. I am just trying to get my first snow panel, so that we have an example of the painting so we can make some repro snow panels for use at Christmas. I hope to pay a lot less, but would settle for a curved panel... Chuck..... 

Message 297

Re: Snow Switch Panel

From: belairchevy / c/o myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 10:01 AM
Comments

Date: March 23, 2002 Time: 04:06 AM Well, that snow switch panel on ebay went for $227.50!!! Is this what these things actually bring in other parts of the country? Personally, I wouldn't pay that much for one if it was the last one on earth. Anyone else have an opinion on this???????? 

Message 296

Re: New layout photos

From: belairchevy / c/o myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 09:59 AM
Comments

Date: March 21, 2002 Time: 03:48 AM That has to be about the neatest thing I've ever seen with the All Aboard Sets. My idea with All Aboard was always to keep everything original but I'm about to change my mind. The best part of the whole thing is the kids are involved. What a great way to share your trains and especially when it's All Aboard. 

Message 295

New Layout Photos posted! Impressive!!!!

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 09:58 AM
Comments

Date: March 20, 2002 Time: 09:02 PM Hey folks, either from the photos section, or "Gene's Layout" below, you will find photos of Gene's Steffan's exceptional 18 panel Train Show All Aboard Layout. This really shows the potential of All Aboard panels, and should give the "green Plywood guys" something to think about! Thanks very much for your photos Gene, you have raised the benchmark for the rest of us, and given us something higher to aim for! .......Chuck 

Message 294

re: Snow Panel God Smiles Again!

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 09:56 AM
Comments

Date: March 18, 2002 Time: 05:04 AM Brad, it seems to me that the All Aboard Panel God smiles on you way more than anyone else I know! How do manage to get all those deals when you live way out west? Maybe I need to go west for my train buying trip, instead of York! :-) Right now, I just would be happy find one snow panel of any kind to own. We have a ton of curved panels, and my wife and I want to try to make some reproduction snow panels, but we don't think we have much of a chance doing that without having a sample in hand so we can get an exact match. Oh, well ... Patience is a virtue. In the mean time, the only thing keeping me from bidding on the panel on eBay is that I am saving money for York, now just over a month away... 

Message 293

Snow Panel God Smiles Again!

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 09:56 AM
Comments

Date: March 18, 2002 Time: 05:04 AM Brad, it seems to me that the All Aboard Panel God smiles on you way more than anyone else I know! How do manage to get all those deals when you live way out west? Maybe I need to go west for my train buying trip, instead of York! :-) Right now, I just would be happy find one snow panel of any kind to own. We have a ton of curved panels, and my wife and I want to try to make some reproduction snow panels, but we don't think we have much of a chance doing that without having a sample in hand so we can get an exact match. Oh, well ... Patience is a virtue. In the mean time, the only thing keeping me from bidding on the panel on eBay is that I am saving money for York, now just over a month away... 

Message 292

Re: Snow Switch Panel

From: belairchevy / c/o myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 09:55 AM
Comments

Date: March 18, 2002 Time: 02:33 AM Nice panel but the price seems a little steep. I just purchased one exactly like it for $60.00 brand new in the box. 

Message 291

eBay SNOW / WINTER SWITCH PANEL!

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 09:53 AM
Comments

Date: March 17, 2002 Time: 05:13 PM An eBay auction for a SNOW / WINTER Switch Panel in LN condition. Check it out... Item #1713807762 

Message 290

cross over panel

From: judgeatkck / c/o myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 09:49 AM
Comments

Date: March 11, 2002 Time: 10:08 PM The question has been raised as to what I will do with the pristine cross over panel. I have taken it out of the box(the box wasn't sealed although in excellent condition) The parts for it and the accompanying straight panel were in a "Spencers" box with a 1983 postmark. It would appear that the item has been undisturbed at least since 83. The large tree is still attached to the plastic "tree" and the connectors for the panels don't appear to have ever been attached to the track. The rails are shiny silver as opposed to the rest of my panels many of which I have had since 1965. My plan is to add this cross over to my layout and possibly operate with it and my original cross over from 65. 

Message 289

Re: Crossover Panels

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.26.38.153
Date: April 27, 2002
Time: 09:47 AM
Comments

Date: March 10, 2002 Time: 08:29 PM At my favorate train store do a search on Item # 1709097363. It is a crossover panel that sold for $247.49 !! Maybe a bit extreme, but Porlines bid $65, and there were 3 bidders who bid over a hunderd bucks... This panel I do not believe had a box, but looked to be in good shape. Crossover panels are hard to come by.. A better solution for someone who needs one, is maybe to build the combo panel that you can find in an earlier message by jfred436, or in the photo section. Back to your rare find, as far as straight panels, it probably depends on which house is with it... If it is the 1 1/2 story colonial, it is worth a little more. I think $35 is plenty for a new straight panel. Some may disagree.. The crossover is worth $100 easy, and they often bring $150 on eBay. I bought a 12 panel sets once on ebay for a hundered bucks.... I all depends on whose bidding... If you search the sellers other closed auctions after you find the crossover panel, you can see what he got for the other panels he had, straights, curves, etc.. So what are you doing with your prize panels? Collecting, selling, are you going to open the boxes if sealed? Inquiring minds want to know! Chuck 

Message 288

cross over panel and straight panel

From: judgeatkck
Remote Name: 64.197.198.254
Date: March 10, 2002
Time: 06:57 PM
Comments

I purchased a new in box cross over panel and straight panel at the Great American Train Show here in KC yesterday. Both boxes are excellent and the track looks new. Any recent experience with prices for these pieces. All accessories were included with the possible exception of one street light. Thanks for your input.

Message 287

Speaking of MINT switches...... see eBay...

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: March 06, 2002
Time: 06:57 PM
Comments

A club member has an eBay auction for new / mint switches, left and right....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1711511749

Good luck.......Chuck

Message 286

Re: Panel Gilbert Never Made

From: belairchevy
Remote Name: 199.174.226.35
Date: March 04, 2002
Time: 02:12 AM
Comments

That's a neat idea...3 panels in one...a curve, crossover, and switch. Very versatile for the layout. Wonder why Gilbert never thought of that?...Brad

Message 285

Re: Panel Gilbert Never Made!

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: March 03, 2002
Time: 05:14 PM
Comments

Fred, this looks like a GREAT idea. What a way to use those left over curved panels. You would seem to have invented a panel that would result in "turning the train around", if I am visualizing it correctly... You could pick up a couple of those orange plastic bridges from Hobby Surplus like are on the real crossover panels, and use them under the track where it leaves the roadbed. Makes me wish my current layout had a spot for a crossover...Chuck

Message 284

 Panel Gilbert Never Made!

From: jfred436@yahoo.com / c/o myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: March 03, 2002
Time: 04:51 PM
Comments

Here's an idea what I was thinking of doing.

switch motors

From: belairchevy
Remote Name: 199.174.228.243
Date: March 03, 2002
Time: 02:58 AM

Comments

Try using the superglue method and see what happens. The only problem might be that the throw of the motor may be different than the motors designed for AF. I would think if it is designed for HO the throw would be less but the extra length of wire might compensate for that. Other than that lets hope HSS can come up with reproduction motors for the switches....Brad

Pioneer 600 Set on eBay...

From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 25, 2002
Time: 06:04 PM
Comments

Another Pioneer set...

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1709011701

....Chuck

Message 275

From: twobeerjohn
Remote Name: 216.214.209.64
Date: February 24, 2002
Time: 09:07 PM

Hey guys, I have a train #4644 American Flyer. It has been stripped down many years ago. The original owner had painted it red with a brush. I would like to put back the original green paint, and stickers. Any ideas where I can pick this stuff up. I figure it is a good project for me and my son. I found the train 32 years ago in the alley. It was being thrown away by somebody. It still runs and has all the track. I was only 10 at the time, and a train collector tried to buy it off me for $2.00 right after I found it. I'm sure that it is not worth a lot, but it sure looks cool. I would appreciate any help with the restoration. John

Message 274

Switch Panels on eBay, Left & Right with OB!
From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 24, 2002
Time: 06:57 PM A Couple of "hidden" eBay auctions... Left Panel: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1708428622 Right Panel: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1708429808 Good luck! Chuck

Message 273

eBay Auction for Pioneer 600 set - NICE!
From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 23, 2002
Time: 10:16 AM

Looks like a Pioneer set with an original box. This set looks to be almost Like New! Take a look...Chuck 

Message 272

eBay Auction for Pioneer 600 set - NICE!
From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 23, 2002
Time: 10:16 AM

Looks like a Pioneer set with an original box. This set looks to be almost Like New! Take a look...Chuck 

Message 271

eBay Auction for #26122 Whistle Control
From: myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 23, 2002
Time: 09:47 AM

A whistle control button. Not a very common item... http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1706707229 Good luck...

Message 270

Newest Site
From: Firex43@aol.com
Remote Name: 205.188.199.51
Date: February 22, 2002
Time: 09:51 PM

Thanks again, Chuck for all your hard work. Hope when all the start-up work is completed that you can sit back and enjoy the results. John

Message 269

"Search eBay For All Aboard" (left) without leaving the site!
From: Chuck / myflyertrains.com
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 22, 2002
Time: 06:08 PM

The left frame now has the search for All Aboard in it. You can click the "Search eBay for All Aboard" link at go to eBay. Work continues on the site. I still need to digest the remaining messages from the old All Aboard Club. Only 140+ left to do! Enjoy......Chuck

Message 268

LINKS from the old club are now here!
From: Chuck / myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 18, 2002
Time: 07:08 PM

You can now see / use the links from the old club, and add new ones. Work on the site is continuing! Chuck

Message 267

WANTED / NEEDED YOUR ALL ABOARD LAYOUT PICTURES!
From: Chuck / myflyertrains
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 16, 2002
Time: 05:32 AM

Hello everyone, I am trying to improve the web site in order to fill some of the void that exists from the loss this week of the other two All Aboard web site's photos. I am DESPERATE for your All Aboard photos, both of equipment and your layouts. please just email them to me at myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com Thanks, Chuck

Message 266

Club From: David Garber
Remote Name: 68.1.180.58
Date: February 14, 2002
Time: 09:17 PM

Chuck: if you think it will work it OK with me. you have my vote.One + side of yahoo is that it is easier for a person trying to find an area of interest.

Message 265

Yahoo group membership
From: Dave63126
Remote Name: 204.32.60.1
Date: February 13, 2002
Time: 10:26 PM

I'm hanging onto mine for now. I like this site better. This site seems more user friendly than Yahoo Group. Much easier to get into. This has been a most informational site for me with regards to the All Aboard Sets and what others have done and are doing. Sharing ideas benefits everyone. Thanks for all the work you and the others have put in to make it what it is. I'm new to this club, but I think I'm going to like it. Thanks again.

Message 264

All Aboard Sets Group at Yahoo - Don't withdraw membership yet!
From: Chuck H.
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 13, 2002
Time: 09:56 PM

Please do not remove your membership from the All Aboard Sets group yet. I am hoping to transfer the membeship information over here, so that all existing members of the All Aboard Club, are automatically registered over here. Thanks, Chuck

Message 263

Photos Wanted! From: Chuck H. Remote Name: 24.27.196.56 Comments Please email me your All Aboard releated photos at myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com Thanks, Chuck

Message 262

Added Time to message list.
From: Chuck H.
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
This message should have subject, Time and date...

Message 261

Why change the track?
From: jfred436@yahoo.com
Remote Name: 24.52.182.198
Date: February 13, 2002
Time: 02:20 PM

If you are going to use the same tight curves, what does changing the track get you? I can see where fewer joints may help a little, but that seems to be all. The Pikemaster switches can be used to make curves into switch panels. What we need is more straight panels, and perhaps some more with the crossing, but I can't see how changing the track has done much for you. What am I missing? jfred

Message 260

Re: New Club Site From: Chuck H.
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 13, 2002
Time: 05:37 AM

Hello Karl, Thanks for the kind words! I spent a pretty long day yesterday putting the new All Aboard site together. Not much work left to maintain, except I have to keep the site backed up in case the server goes down, and I will be adding pictures manually. Please email me any pictures you from the old site, the L shaped house, etc, and any pictures of your layout if you would like that posted. There will be a place on the site to register, in time, but it may remain unncessary to register to do everything the club has. I am impressed with the fact that two or three people just stopped by last night, who are new, and one of them not even an All Aboarder. I know a friend of mine kept having trouble with Yahoo not remembering who he it, and he has already used the site without problems. Thanks,

Message 259

VEHICLES FOR USE ON THE PANELS
From: dave63126 - Copied from Groups by Chuck H.
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 13, 2002
Time: 05:34 AM

I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR AUTOMOBILES AND TRUCKS TO USE, BUT MOST OF THEM HAVE THOSE AWFULL TAMPOS ESPECIALLY ON THE NORMAL VEHICLES. I WAS GIVEN THIS SUGGESTION FROM A WRITER AT TOY CAR & VEHICLE MAGAZINE ON HOW TO REMOVE THOSE TAMPOS WITHOUT REMOVING THE PAINT TOO. I JUST COMPLETED ABOUT TEN VEHICLES AND THEY CAME OUT LOOKING REAL GOOD. THE PRODUCT I USE IS A "NON-ACETONE" NAIL POLISH REMOVER PAD BY CALICO LABS. ITEM NO. 5075. THREE PADS TO A BOX. FOUND AT WAL-MART IN THE HEALTH & BEAUTY DEPT. IN THE BINS THAT HAVE THE SMALL TRAVEL ITEMS. IT'S A WHITE BOX WITH FUSHA PRINT. COST IS $0.78 / BOX. THE ONLY INGREDIENTS ARE: ETHYL ACETATE, IPA, CDP CONDITIONER, FRAGRANCE. I HAVEN'T TRIED ANY OF THE LIQUIDS, BUT THEY HAD A LOT MORE INGREDIENTS THAN THIS. ONE PAD DOES ABOUT 2 - 3 CARS DEPENDING ON HOW LARGE THE TAMPOS ARE BEFORE IT EVAPORATES. TAKE THE PAD A RUB GENTLY OVER THE TAMPO UNTIL THE TAMPO DISAPPEARS AND THEN WIPE WITH A SOFT CLOTH. WASH IN SOAPY WATER, DRY AND THEN I POLISH WITH NEUTRAL SHOE POLISH TO BRING OUT THE SHINE. PRACTICE ON SOME CARS THAT ARE REPLACEABLE UNTIL YOU GET THE HANG OF IT. WATCH OUT FOR THE PLASTIC WINDOWS, IT FOGS THEM UP.

Message 258

From: Chuck H.
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 13, 2002
Time: 05:11 AM

Hello Brad, Glad you found the new location. Pictures, will go in thumbnail form, in the left frame, as Chuck's Layout did... Clicking on a thumbnail will open a particular album, as Chuck's picture does, and then you will be free to page though them. To post pictures, email them to me as attachments, without shrinking them... I will resize them to fit the site. I have some more features to add, but the site did come a long ways yesterday. Thanks for your support! Chuck

Message 257

I like this!
From: Brad (belairchevy@onebox.com)
Remote Name: 199.174.229.61
Date: February 13, 2002
Time: 02:35 AM

Chuck...I like this new site....will there be a place to post pictures also?...I have most of the pics I had posted at the original site....For what it's worth I got an "adjustment" from the guy who sold me the snow panel set....without going into detail, let's just say I won't be buying anything site unseen anymore and won't be renewing my TCA membership....Brad

Message 256

From: Karl Raab, Frilen@aol.com
Remote Name: 152.163.213.77
Date: February 13, 2002
Time: 12:03 AM

Hi Chuck I received your email, your site really looks great, Ive visited before. The information on both All Aboard Sets and Kris Models is outstanding. Both of these areas in American Flyer Lore have been overlooked for too long. If you would like copies of the photo's that I had posted on our old club site just let me know. Maybe an independent site would be better than all the popup adds, but does it require a lot of maintenance to keep updated? Let me know if I can be of help. The main thing is that the Club stays together no matter which site is utilized. Fifty people with a common interest in All Aboard American Flyer Sets and information may not be very large but we are a dedicated group. So here's to the future no matter where it takes us... Karl Raab, Frilen@aol.com, Chicago

Message 255

Re: New Site From: Chuck H.
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56
Date: February 12, 2002
Time: 10:56 PM

John, Thanks for stopping in. I am glad you found your way... Chuck

Message 254

New Site From: firex43@aol.com Remote Name: 205.188.197.162 Comments Thank you Chuck for flushing the pop-ups and starting anew. Sorry that you have to do all this work but thanks again. John

Message 253

WINTER SCENE PANELS
From: Chuck H.
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56

Dave, We are planning on doing exactly what you are. The problem is, I really need at least one real snow panel in my hands in order to make sure it's a good paint match. The paint is not just white, it has some sparkly stuff in it. My wife has done a good job repainting damaged regular panels with kraft type paint that she bought at Walmart. You can't see the repainted spots, no matter how the lights hit them... So again, we want to make some snow panels, but we are waiting to get the sample. Thanks for stopping by and using the message system here.. Much appreciated! Chuck

Message 254

WINTER SCENE PANELS
From: DAVE63126
Remote Name: 204.32.59.43

2/12/02 9:25PM I WAS JUST CURIOUS IF ANYONE HAS ATTEMPTED TO MAKE THEIR OWN WINTER SCENIC PANELS AND IF THEY DID HOW DID THEY DO IT? WHAT DID THEY USE? WHAT TYPE OF PAINT, GLUE, SNOW, ETC. I HAVE AN IDEA OF HOW TO DO IT, BUT I HAVEN'T GIVEN IT A TRY YET. MINE WILL CONSIST OF FOUR CURVE PANELS AND FOUR STRAIGHT PANELS WITH THE CENTER OPEN TO PUT THE CHRISTMAS TREE STAND. PERHAPS THIS SUMMER I WILL WORK ON THIS OUTSIDE SO I DON'T MAKE A MESS INSIDE. I LIKE THIS WEBSITE MUCH BETTER.

Message 253

All Aboard Sets Club

From: R Sharkey
Remote Name: 216.68.208.82

It's great to see the name of A C Gilbert being kept alive by sites like this. I'm not an All Aboard collector but it's always fun to learn new things about American Flyer equipment. The links are some of the best.

Message 252

Nice Job!
From: Tom Westhelle
Remote Name: 65.34.28.45

Looks good, glad you were able to resurrect your site. And by the way, nice job on those Kris cars, WOW

Message 251

Welcome to The New All Aboard Sets Club!
From: Chuck Harrington
Remote Name: 24.27.196.56

Comments Hello, I want to welcome you to the new club here at MyFlyerTrains.com. I was very disappointed in what Yahoo did to our site at formerly at Yahoo Clubs. The advertising that we had to put up with, and the loss of our entire photos section was quite upsetting. Here, hopefully, we can enjoy discussions at our own web site. And believe me, after what just happened, I will be keeping the site backed up so that we do not lose any more data! I have decided to try giving access to the site, including the ability to post, to everyone without the need of any passwords. This solves certain techinical problems I have at the moment, and in the past, some people had difficulty logging into our group at Yahoo, so lets see how this works. I will in the near future though, ask you to join. I am considering attempting to transfer over here, the bulk of our message files that are currently at Yahoo groups. We WILL have a photo section, but for now I will need to post the photos manually, so I ask you to email by attachment your All Aboard Photos. If you look in the left frame, you will see a picture to Chuck's (my) Layout. I would like to put such a picture there that shows YOUR All Aboard Layout. So email me some photos, and I promiss we will have a photos section that is much nicer than we had at Yahoo! Please, don't shrink the photos before you send them. I will format them to fit the site. Thats about it for this post. Please give the site a try, and I will try and continue to add features and improve it! Thanks, Chuck myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com

From: Chuck Harrington
<myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com>
Date: Wed Feb 13, 2002 2:12 am Subject: Re: All Aboard Sets New Site

Hello Karl, Thanks for the kind words! I spent a pretty long day yesterday putting the new All Aboard site together. Not much work left to maintain, except I have to keep the site backed up in case the server goes down, and I will be adding pictures manually. Please email me any pictures you from the old site, the L shaped house, etc, and any pictures of your layout if you would like that posted. There will be a place on the site to register, in time, but it may remain unnecessary to register to do everything the club has. I am impressed with the fact that two or three people just stopped by last night, who are new, and one of them not even an All Aboarder. I know a friend of mine kept having trouble with Yahoo not remembering who he it, and he has already used the site without problems. Thanks, Chuck

Message 249

From: frilel
Date: Tue Feb 12, 2002 9:15 pm
Subject: New Site

From: Karl Raab, Frilen@aol.com Remote Name: 152.163.213.77 Date: February 13, 2002 Time: 12:03 AM Comments Hi Chuck I received your email, your site really looks great, Ive visited before. The information on both All Aboard Sets and Kris Models is outstanding. Both of these areas in American Flyer Lore have been overlooked for too long. If you would like copies of the photo's that I had posted on our old club site just let me know. Maybe an independent site would be better than all the popup adds, but does it require a lot of maintenance to keep updated? Let me know if I can be of help. The main thing is that the Club stays together no matter which site is utilized. Fifty people with a common interest in All Aboard American Flyer Sets and information may not be very large but we are a dedicated group. So here's to the future no matter where it takes us... Karl Raab, Frilen@aol.com, Chicago

Message 248

From: dave63126
Date: Tue Feb 12, 2002 8:28 pm
Subject: VEHICLES FOR USE ON THE PANELS

I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR AUTOMOBILES AND TRUCKS TO USE, BUT MOST OF THEM HAVE THOSE AWFUL TAMPOS ESPECIALLY ON THE NORMAL VEHICLES. I WAS GIVEN THIS SUGGESTION FROM A WRITER AT TOY CAR & VEHICLE MAGAZINE ON HOW TO REMOVE THOSE TAMPOS WITHOUT REMOVING THE PAINT TOO. I JUST COMPLETED ABOUT TEN VEHICLES AND THEY CAME OUT LOOKING REAL GOOD. THE PRODUCT I USE IS A "NON-ACETONE" NAIL POLISH REMOVER PAD BY CALICO LABS. ITEM NO. 5075. THREE PADS TO A BOX. FOUND AT WAL-MART IN THE HEALTH & BEAUTY DEPT. IN THE BINS THAT HAVE THE SMALL TRAVEL ITEMS. IT'S A WHITE BOX WITH FUSHA PRINT. COST IS $0.78 / BOX. THE ONLY INGREDIENTS ARE: ETHYL ACETATE, IPA, CDP CONDITIONER, FRAGRANCE. I HAVEN'T TRIED ANY OF THE LIQUIDS, BUT THEY HAD A LOT MORE INGREDIENTS THAN THIS. ONE PAD DOES ABOUT 2 - 3 CARS DEPENDING ON HOW LARGE THE TAMPOS ARE BEFORE IT EVAPORATES. TAKE THE PAD A RUB GENTLY OVER THE TAMPO UNTIL THE TAMPO DISAPPEARS AND THEN WIPE WITH A SOFT CLOTH. WASH IN SOAPY WATER, DRY AND THEN I POLISH WITH NEUTRAL SHOE POLISH TO BRING OUT THE SHINE. PRACTICE ON SOME CARS THAT ARE REPLACEABLE UNTIL YOU GET THE HANG OF IT. WATCH OUT FOR THE PLASTIC WINDOWS, IT FOGS THEM UP.

Message 247

From: "myflyertrains" <myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com> Date: Tue Feb 12, 2002 7:04 pm Subject: Possible move of the ALL Aboard Sets Club Hello all, Please go to http://www.myflyertrains.com and click on THE NEW ALL ABOARD CLUB. This is an experiment! Post a message there, and tell me what you think! Thanks... Chuck

Message 246

From: Chuck Harrington
<myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com>
Date: Mon Feb 11, 2002 3:04 pm
Subject: Yahoo Strikes - It is worse than I thought!

It appears that in "Migrating" us to Yahoo Groups, that all of our uploaded photos have been lost! I can't find any photos at all! Later, Chuck

Message 245

From: Chuck Harrington
<myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com> Date: Mon Feb 11, 2002 2:58 pm
Subject: Yahoo Strikes the Club!

Well, they warned us it was going to happen, and it has. We have new features on the club, like those nagging camera ads, and I have already been offered many opportunities to purchase a valentine! I have to say, I am a little disappointed that our club is now a group! Chuck

Message 244

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Feb 10, 2002 10:34 am
Subject: This eBay Auction is really something!

Ok, since I am saving my money for York, I will share this one with the club. It is incredible! If you win this auction, I hope you are prepared to lay down some money for shipping! "Trains: these are Pikemaster trains. 2 # 21165 engines and tenders. Both run well in forward and reverse but one has to be manually switched. Both in good condition. 1 #24533 service car w/ die-cast frame. Excellent condition. 1 # 24422 box car, in very good condition. 1 #24569 crane car, in very good condition. 1 #24549 spotlight car, spotlight works, near excellent condition, a small burn mark on bottom edge of frame. 1 #24125 sand car, car is excellent on one side and with melted plastic in spots on the other side. 1 #24325 Gulf tank car, good condition minus the wire rail. 1 #930 caboose, this is lit caboose that works in very good condition this is not pikemaster. 1 100 watt #22030 transformer. We have six boxes. All are in very good condition with shelf wear no missing flaps or major rips. One left switch box, one right switch box, two straight panel boxes, one switch panel box and one main set box. One nice booklet with track layout and trains. Panels: one left switch panel new, one right hand switch panel new, two crossover panels used very good condition, 9 curved panels and 4 straight panels all new. 15 or 20 more used curved panels (some damaged) I will send if top bidder wants them. We have two large bags of trees signs telephone poles fences etc. that have never been used, another large box of same item that have been used. 20small gray bridges, 5 good houses a small box of 4 more houses with some damage for extra parts. We have five tunnels and 18 mountains. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1703386356 I counted a total of 37 panels!? Enjoy thinking about this one! Chuck...

Message 243

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Feb 10, 2002 8:48 am
Subject: Re: Need an opinion

Brad,< In similar problems on eBay, I was able to negotiate a partial refund and keep the goods, when they were not properly represented. Generally, sellers say they did not realize there was a problem with the item, and offer some money back. This has worked for me two or three times. Like the time the seller just put All Aboard panels in a box without any packing, and one of the panels was completely broken in half when received. (The straight panel, wouldn't you know it!). I had another "AF Expert" that sold me a 360 Santa Fe with only one motor in it. Said he forgot that it was supposed to have two, and refunded $25 or so. I felt a lot better about the transaction at that point. Sellers usually do not want to take an item back, because then they have to deal with selling the item and its shortcomings, what ever they may be, all over again. Of course sellers on eBay fear bad feedback, and TCA sellers fear complaints to headquarters, so you have a little leverage anyway... Just a thought... Chuck

Message 242

From: belairchevy Date: Sun Feb 10, 2002 12:12 am Subject: Re: Need an opinion Chuck...yes it is a wonderful problem that didn't have to be. I bought this set sight unseen from a guy in the TCA with the idea of running it. There was not supposed to be anything damaged on the panels. My choices are to return the set and get a fairly substantial amount of money back or keep the set and deal with it. Because it is a very nice set otherwise I will probably keep it and fix the track. I'm more of an operator than a collector although I try to strike a balance between the two.....Brad

Message 241

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sat Feb 9, 2002 4:09 pm
Subject: Re: Need an opinion

Brad, I would think that would have a lot to do with what you intend to do with it. If you want to use it, than repairs are needed. If you are planning on selling it, than leave it alone. If you are just "collecting it", and are not going to run or sell it, than again leave it alone. If you are going to keep it, do what ever pleases you! Seems like we had this discussion once before when you had a mint set :-) and were trying to decide whether to run it. As I said then, who are you saving it for? Sad to say that the next generation does not care much for trains. The last train collecting old guy to die from our generation is going to have one heck of a collection for little money. That is my guess.. I will say this. It is a wonderful problem you have! I almost started my snow panel collection with a switch panel, but I think that particular deal fell through... I am keeping my eyes open for a set, and we have been kicking around the idea of repainting some regular panels to look like snow panels. I am overstocked on curved panels, and I may try that on a couple of those. It is a shame that snow panels are so rare, because they would be great under the Christmas tree with some of that Snow Village stuff that is so popular now. Oh well.. Chuck....

Message 240

From: belairchevy
Date: Sat Feb 9, 2002 1:09 pm
Subject: Need an opinion

I have a pretty much complete boxed Winter Wonderland set. The panels are in excellent shape except for the track. Three panels have broken track ends and one has the track broken away from the eyelet. From a collectors standpoint it's still original but from an operators standpoint it would be almost impossible to run it. It's a really nice set other than the track. My question is do I replace the track with original type and paint the snow back on the tie strips or should I just leave it alone. It would grade TCA Excellent if the track was replaced but would not be original. Your opinions would be appreciated...thanks...Brad Message 239

From: belairchevy Date: Sat Feb 9, 2002 1:10 am Subject: New page added to All Aboard Site A new page about the patent for All Aboard Scenic Panels is available at http://www.geocities.com/belairchevy/ab/patent.html 

Many thanks to John DeTreville of the club for providing the information.....Brad

Message 238

From: myflyertrains
Date: Wed Jan 30, 2002 2:18 am
Subject: Re: Using curve panels for switch panels

Hello Dave, And welcome to the club! In the photos section, you will find some pictures where I made switch panels out of curves, but I am using Gargraves track. Your conversion is different, and I would request that you continue to share with the club and upload photos of your converted panels! :-) Thanks much, and once again welcome to the club. Chuck Harrington

Message 237

From: dave63126
Date: Tue Jan 29, 2002 8:04 pm
Subject: Re: Using curve panels for switch panels

By:dave63126 Date: 1/29/02 10:02pm Hi everyone. New to club so bear with me. I read all the messages but no one seemed to have tried what I did so I thought I would share. I ended up with an excess of curved panels so I made several of them into switch panels which worked quite well. I bought several pikemaster rh & lh switches from Hobby Surplus sales, some extra track and a number of the red railroad bridges. I removed some of the curved track off of the panel and put in a switch depending on which panel it was. I then glued two of the railroad bridges together and laid straight track on top of them to the next panel. There is some test fitting and trimming to get it right. When completed it looks like the bridge is crossing over a dry creek bed. The curve of the switch just follows the curve on the panel. Another thing I did was take thin piano wire and cut and bend it to fit into the rivet holes between panels to hold the panels together. Thanks for letting me share this with you.

Message 236

From: ssolderitch18014
Date: Thu Jan 24, 2002 9:32 am
Subject: Lionel coal tower review

It is a 752A with door. The coil for the door was moved up and had a metal cover added. was it added to keep coal from jamming? heat from the coil from melting the plastic coal or a safety concern? the frames around the windows are a separate piece of metal so they can paint them a different color. Originals were embossed and stamped printed. the window material is held in place with metal tabs, not glue. the door was closed on the house, so you don't see the motor, but you see a door frame with no door punched out. wires are attached with four binding posts on the end of the base. I think some of changes are good, however some are bad.

Message 235

From: ssolderitch18014
Date: Thu Jan 24, 2002 9:19 am
Subject: Lionel Gabe review

They are out and here is some of the differences compared to the originals: Gabe has only two buttons. the lights go on automatically when he reaches the top and will only go off when he climbs up again to turn them off. they will go off when the power is turned off (if they were on, they will not come back on when the power is turned on. Lionel warns that to not climb Gabe too fast the coil will get too hot. they also warn not to turn the unit off when the lights are on because the switch for the lights will be out of sequence. How many of us will turn off the main layout power when Gabe is on? Packaging is poor! overall appearance is good. big wire going up the one corner is readily seen. the red roof does not come off the house. Green is a little light in color.

Message 234

From: ssolderitch18014
Date: Thu Jan 17, 2002 9:23 am
Subject: Lionel 2002 items

NYC Pa-Pa 4 car pass set- gray lighting stripe Gp-9 RI red & black, red deluxe caboose 6 colorful freight cars bubbling checker board tower

Message 233

From: ssolderitch18014
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 9:22 am
Subject: WINTER WONDERLAND SET FOR SALE

SET LISTED IN TCA NEWS FOR $800.00

Message 232

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sat Jan 12, 2002 7:29 pm
Subject: Re: Pioneer 600 Set on eBay

Here is the link to this set. Looks pretty nice! http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1688910526

Message 231

From: firex43
Date: Fri Jan 11, 2002 10:02 am
Subject: Pioneer 600 Set on eBay

Pioneer 600 set on eBay at item# 1688910526. Six panel set

Message 230

From: firex43
Date: Sun Jan 6, 2002 6:36 pm
Subject: 6 Panel Set at NETTE

A 6 panel set is advertised as auction lot # 288 at New England Toy Train Exchange and can be viewed at http://www.newenglandtoytrainexchange.com . Approximately 40 lots of other AF trains are on the site. John

Message 229

From: kaufu2001
Date: Sun Jan 6, 2002 6:17 pm
Subject: Re: Nice All Aboard Set on eBay!

It looks great, but unfortunately the seller does not ship to Canada, and with the exchange rate, it makes it tough to afford. But, I can still dream.

Message 228

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Jan 6, 2002 8:51 am
Subject: Nice All Aboard Set on eBay!

This a a 6 panel set with 5 extra panels, including switch panels and accessories. This one is tempting, but I currently have 50 panels... http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1685841044 

Chuck... Message 227

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Jan 6, 2002 6:27 am
Subject: All Aboard Club Newsletter #1

Happy New Year to all! It is time to get things going again in the club. Surely, everyone does not have their trains parked!? I see people visiting the club, but nobody has anything to say. How about some layout pictures from you guys? Pictures are easy to upload to our club's photo area! Its a new year, lets post post post!  Does anyone have pictures of the All Aboard houses with unusual colors they could post? A ranch house with windows colored other than red, or a colonial house windows colored other than blue? I know they exist, and have been wondering what other colors Gilbert made? I have a new Micromark model saw, and am getting ready to start cutting on Plasticville parts to make my first L shaped house. During the Winter months, my layout shrinks to 14 panels and more pictures of it can be seen at http://www.myflyertrains.com I have been working on repairing a junker 336 that I have owned a couple of years. If anyone wonders, I can confirm that a 336 Northern will NOT run on All Aboard Track radius! (yea, I really tried it) I have also noticed that my S-Helper SD-9 runs on the panels, but the gears make a grinding noise on the curves, so I don't run it either. Happily, most every other trains I have tried run fine, even Alcos. I have to wonder though how the crane was packaged for All Aboard use, as it is not real compatible with the layout's mountain tunnel piece! I am currently running a train with 14 cars on my All Aboard layout, pulled by a 21085. I have had to lock the reverse unit in forward, because sudden direction changes on a long train make for a catastrophe. Lately I have been ignoring my wife's objections, and filling up the smoker and letting her puff. (The engine puffs a little too :-) I really love that smoke! If you didn't order eyelets to attach your track to All Aboard panels I still have some left. This was a special All Aboard Club member price of 30 cents per dozen! The same price you would get if you walked through the door of the Surplus house here in Orlando to purchase them! You will see a notice at the top of the All Aboard Club's home page from Yahoo that they are merging Yahoo Clubs, and Yahoo Groups into one. I am not sure what this is really going to mean for our club meeting place, but there will probably be some small changes at the least. You may wish to click on the "Special Announcement" at the top of the club page and read this... There has been a real shortage of All Aboard stuff lately on eBay. Have club members bought it all up? Well that's it for Newsletter #1. Hopefully I have generated some kind reaction that will result in message postings. If not, hopefully it is because you are all too busy with your All Aboard Sets to play on the computer! Later.....Chuck

Message 226

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Dec 30, 2001 8:52 am
Subject: You Are Invited to MyFlyerTrains.com

Hello everyone. I would like to invite everyone to visit my new website at http://www.myflyertrains.com which is dedicated to American Flyer Trains, but in particular All Aboard Sets and Kris Model S Gauge trains. The site is being improved every week, and there is much more to come. Many articles will be posted there in the future regarding the restoration and kitbashing of All Aboard, so stay tuned! Happy New Year Everyone! Chuck

Message 225

From: belairchevy Date: Tue Dec 25, 2001 11:10 pm Subject: Re: WTB All Aboard Stuff You might check with the guy listed in message 217. He had several panels for sale including switches. Also try Doug Peck at Port Lines Hobby Supplies..........Brad

Message 224

From: dsimon55
Date: Tue Dec 25, 2001 8:02 pm
Subject: WTB All Aboard Stuff

My son just got into American flyer. I am trying to revive my old All Aboard set. if anyone has any extra panels, or parts please let me know. I am looking for the switch panels as well as whistle. Have been looking at eBay with no luck. please let me know what you have for sale and how much. thanks Dave

Message 223

From: myflyertrains
Date: Thu Dec 13, 2001 5:52 pm
Subject: All Aboard Book $27.00! Please read...

Ok folks, I hope that the people that have bid this All Aboard Manual up to $27.00, are not club members. Hobby Surplus sells these brand new for $7.99, so Caveat Emptor! The auction is below for your inspection, I am NOT recommending you get involved in this bidding frenzy! http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1674646496

 Enjoy.............Chuck

Message 222

From: myflyertrains
Date: Tue Dec 11, 2001 7:34 pm
Subject: Champion 800 8 panel set on eBay

Here is an 8 panel set which includes two switch panels. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1675693004 Enjoy.....Chuck

Message 221

From: myflyertrains Date: Mon Dec 3, 2001 2:46 pm Subject: Re: Panel Eyelets John, I got over to the store today and looked at the eyelets. They have one eyelet exactly like the sample you sent me, and another eyelet just a little longer. They have shorter ones, but assume you don't need shorter. The cost of these eyelets are 30 cents per dozen, plus cost of postage. Anyone that wants them, email me off list and we will work it out. Later....Chuck myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com

Message 220

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Dec 2, 2001 5:38 am
Subject: Sealed Box of Westerner Accessories

Another sealed box of accessories on eBay, with a little more than two days to go.  http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1670235553  Enjoy....Chuck

Message 219

From: ssolderitch18014
Date: Thu Nov 29, 2001 6:14 am
Subject: WINTER WONDERLAND RH SWITCH PANEL

A few years ago I ran across separate sale boxes of rh & crossover WW panels. they were in a plain brown box with the part number stamped on end flap. They were left over store stock and are new, however the boxes were badly damaged but the panels were mint.  Looking to trade a rh ww panel for any other ww panel in E condition or better.

Message 218

From: myflyertrains
Date: Mon Nov 19, 2001 7:52 pm
Subject: Re: Panel Eyelets

John, I got the eyelet sample. I will take it by the store that has them later this week. It looks like a size they would have, and I will also look to see if they have it slightly longer. We are talking 30 cents per dozen here! Will keep everyone posted.....Chuck

Message 217

From: belairchevy
Date: Thu Nov 15, 2001 11:35 pm
Subject: All Aboard Items For Sale

I received this in an email. He prefers to sell these items as a lot. Please contact Ralphiej@aol.com for price and other details. E-mail message From: Ralphiej@aol.com Date: Thu, Nov 15, Gilbert American Flyer All*Aboard landScaped Scenic Panel Train Sets 20811/20812 Panels in Excellent Condition w/original Cartons (Cartons are beat up and taped but intact) Complete Inventory As Follows: Panels( All exc to like new) 8 26101 Curve Panels 4 26121 Straight Panels 1 26141 Rt Switch 1 26142 Lt Switch 1 26151 Scenic Crossover Panel 38 Track Pins 19 Track lockons Trains (Good to VG, minor rust but should clean up) 1 21107PRR 4-4-2 Loco and Tender w/smoke 1 21165 Erie Casey Jones 4-4-0 Loco and Tender 1 24076 UP Reefer Yellow/Gold w/working doors (1 coupler broken ) 1 24054 ATSF Box Red Super Shock Control 1 24127 Monon Gondola 1 24569 AF Industrial Brownhoist Crane Car 1 24549 Erie Spotlight Car (Spot Light inner lamp missing) 1 24636 AF Lines Caboose Yellow w/silver roof 1 24636 AF Lines Red Caboose Accessories 2 Tunnels Complete 2 colonial 1 1/2 story houses complete 1 ranch house complete 3 foot bridges 3 large put together trees 3 1 1/2 inch, 2 inch small trees 4 3 1/2 inch poplar trees 10 Stop Signs 4 split rail fence 3 picket fence 1 long, 2 short 5 railroad crossing signs in tact 5 railroad crossing signs (panel insert piece broken) 6 street lamps in tact 3 street lamps (panel insert piece broken) 1 22034 Transformer (don't think it works, but hums) 1M6788 All Aboard Booklet w track plan diagrams(wrinkled but clean)

Message 216

From: firex43
Date: Tue Nov 13, 2001 1:30 pm
Subject: Re: All Aboard Whistle Panel

Hello Bill, Regarding the whistle panel, I suggest that you test the panel by itself with a transformer, connecting the outside rail of the panel to the base post and the constant voltage from the transformer to the center (yellow) wire of the panel and try the whistle button. If this works, you will have to track down a loose or missing connection in your panel set up. Has the whistle worked at all? 

Good luck, John

Message 215

From: myflyertrains
Date: Tue Nov 13, 2001 8:28 am
Subject: Again, eBay Hidden All Aboard Auction

A lot of All Aboard sets are being hidden on eBay these days in the "O Scale: American Flyer" category. Here is another one.... http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1662754264

Enjoy............Chuck

Message 214

From: judgeatkck
Date: Tue Nov 13, 2001 5:38 am
Subject: All Aboard Whistle Panel

Group I hope you can help me. I recently acquired a whistle panel, it appears complete, all the wires appear correct, but I am unable to get it to operate. I have two switch panels on the same layout and they both work flawlessly so I don't believe the problem is with the transformer or the layout itself. Any suggestions? I will be in South Beloit for the S-Fest this weekend with a group from KC. So if you are there and have any ideas look me up. Otherwise I will plan on responding to e-mails Sunday night or Monday. Thanks, Bill Hutton(JudgeatKCK)

Message 213

From: belairchevy
Date: Mon Nov 12, 2001 12:15 am
Subject: Panel Restoration

Here are some things I have used or done when working on my panels. Model Master makes a spray paint color called Light Sea Gray (FS36307) that is a little lighter than the original road color but will work. I did a switch panel with it and was satisfied. A trick on the switch and crossover panels if the track is removed is to solder the fold over tabs that make the electrical connections on the switches and 90 degree crossing. If your train is slowing down on the curved section of a switch or one side of the crossover this should solve the problem. If you remove the track always drill the eyelets from the bottom. Hold the yellow wire so it doesn't wrap around the drill bit if it grabs the ring terminal. What does the yellow wire do? It conducts the stationary voltage (hot side) to the switch motors and the whistle on the whistle panel. The spring wire connectors that hold the panels together make the electrical connection for the yellow wire between the panels. Keep your spring wire connectors tight and you should have no problems throwing the switches.....Brad

Message 212

From: belairchevy
Date: Sun Nov 11, 2001 11:30 pm
Subject: Re: Panel Eyelets

Here is what I have been using taken directly from the Stimpson catalog. The eyelet that works for most applications is a GS4-8 outside diameter .121 length under flange .250 In some cases on the switch panels I have used a longer GS4-9 outside diameter .121 .281 length under flange or a GS4-10 .121 outside diameter .312 length under flange. For the ring terminals that attach the yellow wires under the panels I used a copper D1269 ring terminal. Not exactly like the original but works very well. The length of the eyelets is ample to allow use of the ring terminal. My experience is not to set the eyelets too tight. Just snug enough to hold the track in place without bending the ties. A "Brakeman" rivet tool has an attachment for this using a backing plate. I set mine with a pop rivet tool using a modified nail for a one hand operation. Stimpson is located on 900 Sylvan Ave. Bayport, NY 11705-1097 (516) 472-2425. I got samples from them for free otherwise you have to order thousands of them...........Brad

Message 211

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Nov 11, 2001 6:58 pm
Subject: Pioneer set with original packing? eBay!

Here is a neat Pioneer set hidden in the O scale group of eBay. This one seems to have some of the original packing! Trees still not broken off there holders, original craft paper, etc.... http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1662587483 

Enjoy......Chuck

Message 210

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Nov 11, 2001 6:45 pm
Subject: Re: Panel Eyelets

John, I would be happy to check for the eyelet, if you can supply a sample(s) and tell me exactly what we are looking for. I can then send you several samples to find out which one you like the best. I supplied one train parts dealer with thousands of eyelets to be used as truck bushings. A surplus house here in Orlando has all kinds of eyelets. The only ones I have not found yet, are the ones to mount Pikemaster trucks. They don't have anything quite that large so I am having to buy my eyelets elsewhere for 25 cents each! Ouch.... I do have All Aboard panels that still have eyelets in them, but have no idea what length we are looking for to have an accurate match for restoration purposes. Of course, I commit the ultimate heresy, and remove the pikemaster track from my panels and use Gargraves attached with screws that are the same color as the wooden ties. My snail address is: Chuck Harrington 1565 Brazilian Lane Winter Park, FL 32792 ....Chuck<br>email: myflyertrains@cfl.rr.com

Message 209

From: firex43 Date: Sun Nov 11, 2001 4:25 pm Subject: Panel Eyelets Chuck- If you would like to compare an eyelet I will send you one if you contact me. Perhaps in comparison we can find a better length eyelet to compensate for panel thickness variations. John [firex43]

Message 208

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Nov 11, 2001 3:28 pm
Subject: Re: All Aboard Panel Eyelets

I have a source for eyelets that is quite inexpensive. I am not exactly sure what an uninstalled All Aboard panel eyelet would look like, but we could look into it. I suspect I can get something pretty darn close at a price that would be about $.30 per dozen! Regarding restoring panels, I would love to see this discussed openly here in the club, as many of us are interested in it. My wife has done some remarkable paint restoration using acrylic paints that are sold in craft stores, and even the craft department of Walmart. She mixes paints together to get the exact shade she wants, and has managed to exactly match the greens and the white-gray of the road bed. We have not tried to match the gray color of the streets yet. This type of paint has a flat finish, and you really can't see where the paint was touched up, even if you look closely........Chuck

Message 207

From: belairchevy Date: Sun Nov 11, 2001 1:38 am Subject: Re: Thank you An unopened box of All Aboard accessories is an excellent and somewhat rare find and a nice addition to an AB collection. I think you pretty much answered your own question. Get that box of accessories, open it and save the box and packing. Put the accessories on the panels and go run your trains. Have fun!!!!

Message 206

From: kaufu2001
Date: Sat Nov 10, 2001 12:30 pm
Subject: Thank you

Just a great big Thank You to every one trying to help me finish my train set. I really appreciate all your help, and with any luck, I will soon have all the pieces to finish my set.  Now, what would happen if I bought an unopened box of accessories? I want to play with my trains, not sit and admire them? Would it be more economical to seek out bits and pieces?

Message 205

From: belairchevy
Date: Thu Nov 8, 2001 12:36 am
Subject: Re: All Aboard Panel Eyelets

firex...thanks again for the info. I've not been able to find an exact duplicate of the brass terminals from any of the electronic supply stores here. What I have been using is a small copper terminal from the company where I got the eyelets. Since you are into panel restoration, have you been able to find a paint color that matches the gray used on the roadways? Model Master has a Light Sea Gray (FS 36307) that I used on a switch panel. It's very usable but just a shade lighter than the original. Perhaps we could discuss restoring panels further. If you like you can email me at belairchevy@webtv.net I would be very interested in any methods or tips you have for fixing up the panels........Brad

Message 204

From: firex43
Date: Wed Nov 7, 2001 11:50 am
Subject: Re: All Aboard Panel Eyelets

As far as I can find out, Hobby Surplus does not have the brass eyelets for replacement. They do, however, sell eyelet terminals for use on late AF steam and diesel locomotives, the part number is PA 6173. These are a good replacement and save trying to replicate the eyelets from brass sheet stock.

Message 203

From: belairchevy
Date: Wed Nov 7, 2001 11:02 am
Subject: Re: All Aboard Panel Eyelets

firex43.....Thanks for the info....I had been getting them in various lengths from a source in New York. Do you know if they have the original ring terminals that went on the yellow wire underneath the panels also?........Brad

Message 202

From: myflyertrains
Date: Wed Nov 7, 2001 6:39 am
Subject: Re: Just found my old Pioneer

The house that Hobby Surplus does not sell, is listed now on eBay in the following auction. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1658766389 This is the 1 1/2 story brown house with blue roof. Later, Chuck

Message 201

From: firex43
Date: Tue Nov 6, 2001 9:23 pm
Subject: All Aboard Panel Eyelets

Hobby Surplus in New Britain, CT, has original eyelets to reattach track to the panels. The part number is 6152. They can be secured with various types of tools for small eyelets and using a backing post.

Message 200

From: myflyertrains
Date: Tue Nov 6, 2001 9:06 am
Subject: All Aboard at York - Part 2

One of the things I really wanted, was a nice HOOKER Pikemaster tank car. I wasn't seeing them at all. Finally I found one, but it had broken steps, and a missing marker. I closed the deal anyway. The tank part was nearly perfect, though the wire railings at the top of the platform were missing. Suddenly, I realized that if I found the Hobby Surplus booth, that I could purchase one of those Yellow Shell Tankers, and by removing one screw, have a whole new frame on my Hooker! I stopped at the Hobby Surplus table and chatted with Steve Amatto while purchasing a couple of Yellow Shell Tankers. I asked if he had ever seen in their AF stuff this other L-shaped house. He told me that the only house they had, or had ever seen where the two common ones we all have. He continued that those two houses did come in a variety of colors, but that he had never seen a third house. He further speculated that they may have never actually been sold. Here and there around the meet, I would see a complete All Aboard set. Most were not cheap, and none of the complete sets were mint or in unopened boxes. I never saw a Westerner set with accessories, or did I see the box of Westerner accessories that has been showing up on eBay lately. You would see an All Aboard mountain or house here and there on tables. I looked for the L-shaped house, but never saw one... I looked everywhere for the L-shaped house. I never saw a sign of it. I did talk to some people that could be considered experts in AF though, a the opinion that it had never actually been produced prevailed. My best All Aboard related purchase strangely enough, was not at the train meet at all. Prior to the meet, I had stopped at Strasberg (as usual) to visit the TCA headquarters and train museum. We always stop at the the CHOO-CHOO barn down the street, and a little antique mall a block or so away from that, that sometimes has a little train stuff upstairs. On the Tuesday before the meet, we stopped at the antique mall, and there in a glass case was a train with a 21165 and 6 Pikemaster cars. The cars looked nice, and included a Bordens car, track cleaner, crane car, GN reefer, spotlight car and the common red caboose. Most of the pieces looked good. The asking price was $95. Because it was before the meet, I passed on it. Later, at the meet, I was seeing the Bordens car alone for $55 or more. During the week that followed the York meet, we drove around rural PA enjoying the fall colors. (PA is beautiful in the fall!) I kept thinking about the train I didn't buy. On the day that we were going start heading in the general direction of home, I decided that we would "swing by" Strasburg, and see if the train set was still there. When we got to Stasburg, I decided to make a pit stop at the Choo-Choo barn before going to the antique store. They have some used trains upstairs, and always have some AF, so I went to take another look. To my horror, there was what looked like part of the set from down the street. I thought, they must have bought the train for resale! The Bordens car was priced at $85!<br><br>When finally I got to the antique store, I nervously climbed the stairs to the second floor, and approached the glass case where the train had been. It was still there! The engine and all 6 cars. My wife had learned on a TV channel at our motel one night, that antique stores expect you to bargain with them; we hadn't know that! The price for the set was brought down to $85. The deal was closed, and the cars wrapped and boxed and added to "the haul" in the back of our car. Most of the pieces were really nice. Some oxidation of some of the rolling stock axles, but we can deal with that! The engine, ran perfectly the first time I put it on the track. The L-shaped house was not found, but then again, the mere search for it has been a lot of fun. It was in fact the original reason that this club was formed, so what can I say. The fun goes on! Chuck

Message 199

From: myflyertrains
Date: Tue Nov 6, 2001 8:47 am
Subject: All Aboard at York - Part 1

I went to the York train meet looking for All Aboard stuff. The pre-meets at the hotels had been somewhat disappointing. Prices had been way to high on most items.  On Thursday night, I attended the "Gilbert Get-together" that was held at the Four Points hotel. The night started, with a meeting with our own David Garber, a charter member of our club. We had a good time chatting AF for an hour or so, and then it was time to go across the street to the other hotel for the Gilbert meeting. I would say that there was around 50 people there. There was a table up front with quite a few AF items that people had brought for the "show and tell" session. Bob Tufts, the author the the new AF set book and writer of the column in S Guagian magazine, explained the significance of some of the items. There were also comments from several of the other people in the room who attended, and I came to realize that many hundreds of years of AF knowledge was in that room with me. Listening to some of these people was an interesting and humbling experience. Unfortunately, I couldn't really get any more All Aboard information here. It was a great couple of hours anyway, and I would highly recommend it to any AF fan that makes it to a future York meet. Friday, at the actual meet, things where quite a bit better. I was looking for All Aboard sets, accessories, Pikemaster rolling stock, and most important of all, the mysterious L-shaped house. In the Silver hall I heard a seller complaining. "I offered him the entire layout for $60 and he still didn't buy it." I looked at his table only to see a Pioneer set piled on the table with a selling price of $125.00, but the whole table marked half-price. <br><br>In the White hall I stopped at a table where a fellow was holding out an All Aboard street lamp. He seemed to have several dozen of them, and crossing signs too. $1.00 each, I thought that sounded good. Kind of wish I had bought the street lamps! Oh well...  At another table I saw a single Cross-Over panel mint in its original box, though slightly shelf worn. $125.00 asking price, I passed by. Back in the Blue hall I happened upon a 12 panel set being lifted off the table by its happy new owner. I congratulated him and invited him to join our group. At another table a man saw the All Aboard billboard I had in a lanyard I was wearing around my neck. He stated that he owned over 150 panels, and showed me photos of a layout with a large portion of them set up. I would have loved to been able to get a copy of those pictures for this group. When I invited him to join us, I got kind of a lecture about how he didn't own a computer, and never would because of the large number of people who had lost their jobs because of them. He was nice about it, in fact most people at York are nice, and one of the best things about the show are the people you meet there. End of Part 1

Message 198

From: frilen2 Date: Mon Nov 5, 2001 11:34 pm Subject: Re: Just found my old Pioneer Check the "Links" button There is a Link on this club page to Hobby Surplus Sales Web site, and Vince Amato's story. I just received their latest catalog on Saturday, there are still new All aboard items available...Ranch House still listed at $9.95...They sell online also.. Also another invaluable link is to Doug Peck's Portlines Hobby. Doug carries an extensive line of American Flyer and scarce All Aboard items. Including track and panel connectors...Doug is always great to deal with... You won't be disappointed. Enjoy...Karl

Message 197

From: firex43
Date: Mon Nov 5, 2001 4:31 pm
Subject: Panel Parts

An excellent source for some panel parts is Hobby Surplus Sales in New Britain, CT, they advertise in hobby magazines and they put out a Flyer & Lionel parts catalog. It's worth looking at.

Message 196

From: kaufu2001
Date: Mon Nov 5, 2001 3:18 pm
Subject: Just found my old Pioneer

After my mother mistakenly told me my trains had been given away, it recently resurfaced during a clean out session. It is the 6 panel Pioneer set, missing some accessories. Where can I find the bungalow, the ranch house(?) and some of the signs, lamp posts and telephone poles? I also need some track connectors. Now I have some loose Pikemaster ( same track that is on the All Aboard set ), and I am unwilling to make the track connectors the way I did to get the All Aboard set going. I also have some Greave track, and need some more to complete a set up. Any body know where to complete this stuff? Both trains run after a few repairs, and it is just as much fun as when I was a kid.

Message 195

From: myflyertrains
Date: Wed Oct 31, 2001 10:22 am
Subject: Sealed Westerner Boxed Accessories!

On eBay for your enjoyment, a sealed box of accessories for a Westerner set! http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1656864216

Enjoy, and let the games begin! 

PS: My post report of All Aboard at the York train show will be coming. We just got back this weekend and I am still trying to get caught up. Thanks, Chuck

Message 194

From: belairchevy
Date: Thu Oct 18, 2001 9:51 am
Subject: It's the scenic panel gods again!

Group.....I went to the model train store after work last night to pick up some Lionel items I was having repaired. Just happened to look through some of the "sale" items at the front of the store and back where you almost couldn't see it was a complete boxed Westerner 1200 set! To make a long story short I ended up buying the darn thing. It's in excellent shape with most of the original packing material. The set has been run but well cared for. Even has the auto carrier with all its cars. The store owner said it had been there for quite a while and was happy to find a good home for it. The first thing I checked was the houses hoping to find the "L" but no such luck, ranches and colonials only. The search continues.............Brad

Message 193

From: myflyertrains
Date: Thu Oct 18, 2001 5:07 am
Subject: Re: All Aboard Panels on eBay

Brad, And if you noticed, this set of panels includes 3 crossover panels! That should get somebody interested! Chuck

Message 192

From: belairchevy
Date: Wed Oct 17, 2001 10:31 pm
Subject: Re: All Aboard - Report #1 From York

Chuck......Thanks for the report. I've always heard that York was a good place to find All Aboard. Hope you bring back an "L" house............Brad Message 191

From: belairchevy Date: Wed Oct 17, 2001 10:21 pm Subject: All Aboard Panels on eBay This looks like it would be a nice addition to someone's collection....Brad<a http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1650925284 

Message 190

From: myflyertrains
Date: Wed Oct 17, 2001 4:13 pm
Subject: All Aboard - Report #1 From York

Perhaps some of you club members would be interested in the All Aboard Sets at York. I attended two of the pre-meets today. The "Billy Bud" and the "Holidome" are two Holiday Inns which have toy trains shows during the week of York. Today is Wednesday, and I spent most of the day at these two meets. One observation I and many others have had, is that attendance by both buyers and sellers is considerably down from the past. I have attended the previous two FALL Yorks, and the attendance this meet is the smallest. I expected that the condition of the economy might yield many bargains to be had, but that does not seem to be the case. If anything, asking prices are up. I spotted several All Aboard pieces at the the Billy Bud. First, a Champion 800 8 panel set, with no trains. Panels only, some accessories, and a beat up box lid. Asking price $100. Pricey I thought. Later, I found a box of curved panels, about 10 I would say for $5 each, with no accessories. I have a lot of curved panels so I passed on this as well. I searched for the L-shaped house. I did see some Plasticville New England Ranchers, but the fabled All Aboard L-Shaped house was not seen. I did see one Red & white ranch house, roof and walls, but no windows or doors. Asking price, 4 bucks. I passed on this too. Bob Tufts, the author of the new AF set book, was present, and had a nice table of American Flyer trains. I did pick up a nice Peabody Hopper (with pikemaster trucks of course) from his partner, and then on to the Holidome. The Holidome also had a reduced attendance, and people were already packing up and leaving by 2 pm or so. I saw a nice crossover panel in an original box, $85 asking price. Another seller had a Pioneer 600 set with original box, in used condition. Asking price $350. My All Aboard purchase of the day was a yellow and silver "radio equipped" caboose 24631. It should have been an E+ piece, but has a corner broken off the roof, a real shame. I picked it up anyway. We may try and fix it or use it as is, but I wanted one of these cabooses and it was the nicest one I saw all day, even with its flaws. I looked all day for a Hooker pikemaster tank car for my All Aboard layout. I never found worthy of purchase. All in all, the day was a lot of fun, but many items I have been looking for and seen on eBay were not around. The big York show is Friday, and I will report on that later in the week. The pre-shows will continue Thursday, but I am going to take the day off from trains and enjoy the PA Dutch country with my wife and rest up for the big day. Will report later... Chuck

Message 189

From: belairchevy
Date: Mon Oct 15, 2001 7:21 pm
Subject: Game Train

Came across this on eBay. This is the set that included the L2001 Casey Jones engine that cricket1164 has. According to the TM price guide a complete #20800 Game Train Set has a value of $250.00........Brad http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1019100716 

Message 188

From: firex43 Date: Sun Oct 14, 2001 7:47 pm Subject: Pioneer 600 eBay # 1649661374 This item was listed recently under AF "S" and I don't believe the reserve was met.

Message 187

From: cricket1164
Date: Sun Oct 14, 2001 1:47 am
Subject: Re: Casey Jones

Thank you, I now have a little more insight into it. The person I got it from did say something about a "game" engine, but I did not understand them at the time. I paid an extra $15.00 dollars and they added the engine, so I guess it was a good deal.  Thanks again,  cricket1164 Message 186

From: myflyertrains Date: Sat Oct 13, 2001 9:24 am Subject: Re: Casey Jones Hello, and welcome to the All Aboard Club! The L2001 Casey Jones according to the TM price guide (the one that I trust) has a book value of $40 in excellent condition. It is a little less common than the 21165, which would have a book value of $25 in E condition. The book also says if it is VG (very good) condition, subtract 30%, and if it is G (good) condition, subtract 60%. I believe the engine you have came with something that was know as the "GAME TRAIN SET". I hope this helps you... Chuck

Message 185

From: cricket1164
Date: Sat Oct 13, 2001 7:46 am
Subject: Casey Jones

I recently bought some Flyer items, and received an engine that I don't know about. I have just recently gotten into Flyer, and know nothing about it. The engine looks like a 21165 style, but has L2001 on it, and Casey Jones on the tender. It is in pretty good shape, and I assumed it was from some type of set, so I thought someone in this club would know what it is. Does it have any value beyond the regular type of engine, it does look like a cheaper style? Thanks, cricket1164

Message 184

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sat Oct 13, 2001 7:30 am
Subject: Pioneer 600 Boxed Set Hidden on eBay

Here is one my wife found, hidden in the OO scale area? http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1649661374  Enjoy...

Message 183

From: belairchevy
Date: Sat Oct 6, 2001 3:46 pm
Subject: Re: Question for group on AB set prices.

Chuck....I have two books called The Toy Train Department vols.1 & 2. Basically it's the toy train pages from the old Sears and Wards catalogs. The 1965 Wards Christmas Book shows the Pioneer 600 selling for 34.99 and the 1966 Sears Christmas Catalog has the Winter Wonderland for 29.99 with individual snow panels selling from 4.97 to 6.99. Wards has a picture of the Champion 800 but lists only the price for the Pioneer 600.There is no mention of the 12 panel set in either one. I can remember going to the main Wards store on South Broadway in Denver and seeing the All Aboard sets in an operating display. Pretty impressive when you are 10 years old. Looking through my books here you can see how the trains were being replaced by the slot car sets especially after 1963. Now some of those are collectors items too!....Brad

Message 182

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sat Oct 6, 2001 7:16 am
Subject: Re: Question for group on AB set prices.

Brad, According to the Greenberg Vol. III. Set book, the prices were as follows: Pioneer 600 - $50 Champion 900 - $85 Westerner 1200 - $125 I don't know of another source for these prices, but they seem reasonable to me. I am sure that these "list" prices were discounted at times, in that trains were not very popular at the time, some retailers probably had to drop the price to move them out.< My Frontiersman Washington set I recently bought had an original price of $34.99, but had been marked down on the box to $14.95! Later,  Chuck

Message 181

From: belairchevy Date: Fri Oct 5, 2001 11:33 am Subject: Re: Winter Wonderland Set - $810! A Winter Wonderland for $810 and a Westerner 1200 with no scenery or train for $255!!!! And who says All Aboard isn't collectable?........Brad Message 180

From: belairchevy Date: Fri Oct 5, 2001 11:15 am Subject: Question for group on AB set prices. Does anyone in the group know what price the Champion 800 and Westerner 1200 sold for at Sears, Wards etc. I have a book that shows the Pioneer 600 and Winter Wonderland Sets but not the 8 and 12 panel sets. The prices listed in the Greenberg (Sets) guide seem a little high. Any information is much appreciated.....Brad

Message 179

From: myflyertrains
Date: Tue Oct 2, 2001 9:27 pm
Subject: Winter Wonderland Set - $810!

Wow, even after losing over $200 of bid the day before, this auction still brought in over $800! P.S. Is anyone out there?<br><br>Later, Chuck

Message 178

From: myflyertrains
Date: Mon Oct 1, 2001 8:32 pm
Subject: Winter Wonderland Set - Bid Retracted!!!

In looking at eBay tonight I see that the auction of the Winter Wonderland set that was over $500 is below $300, with less than 24 hours to go. I have listed the URL again below for anyone who might be interested. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1642730172

Message 177

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Sep 30, 2001 8:17 pm
Subject: New Photo - S-Helper Flex Track

Many thanks to Paul Yorke who has put a picture in the Photos section of his miniature S layout. A picture of the new S-Helper Flex track bent to a 6 inch radius, which means that it could easily be used on All Aboard panels. This is an outstanding development!<br><br>It was suggested tonight in the S-Chat, that this track could also be used to make a turntable, perhaps even one small enough for an All Aboard layout! I am dreaming of a turntable centered on 4 kitbashed curved panels! Any thoughts about this?< Thanks again Paul... Chuck

Message 176

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Sep 30, 2001 8:00 pm
Subject: FLASH - NEW WINTER WONDERLAND SET!

A very unusual set, especially in this condition is currently selling on eBay. It is worth a look, but already fairly pricey! http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1642730172

Message 175

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Sep 30, 2001 4:27 pm
Subject: 12 Panel Set w/crossover & whistle!

Here is a 12 panel set on eBay with just over a day to go! http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1642370606 

Good luck! Chuck

Message 174

From: belairchevy
Date: Thu Sep 27, 2001 2:40 pm
Subject: Re: Pictures Added

Chuck....The scenic panel gods have been smiling on me lately I guess. At some point they will get set up in a layout but right now I don't have near enough room for all of it. On top of that I stumbled onto a Lionel D-164 factory display layout that ended up in the dining room because it won't fit up the stairs in my townhouse. Good thing I'm single or it would be divorce court for sure.....Brad

Message 173

From: myflyertrains
Date: Thu Sep 27, 2001 11:21 am
Subject: Re: Pictures Added

Brad, This is really neat. How do you manage to keep coming up with these kind of finds? Are you going to just leave these in the box, or are you planning on using them? Later, Chuck

Message 172

From: belairchevy
Date: Mon Sep 24, 2001 10:01 pm
Subject: Pictures Added

Hello all...I added some photos of the carton of 26121 straight panels I acquired earlier this summer. All panels are new in the box with ranch houses and the blue lake.......Brad

Message 171

From: myflyertrains
Date: Thu Sep 20, 2001 8:01 am
Subject: All Aboard - YORK?

Hello members. I was just wondering how many All Aboard Club members are planning on attending the York Train Show next month. I expect to be there! Best Wishes to All! Chuck

Message 170

From: myflyertrains
Date: Mon Sep 3, 2001 9:52 pm
Subject: Re: All Aboard on eBay

Yes I have been watching this one, but didn't get around to posting the link here. I have 50 panels at present, and I am trying to behave myself and save a couple of bucks for October York.

Message 169

From: myflyertrains
Date: Tue Aug 28, 2001 10:37 am
Subject: Re: Plasticville USA???? What did I buy?

Karl, Thanks for the info on the Plasticville store. Very interesting! Chuck

Message 168

From: frilen2
Date: Sat Aug 25, 2001 10:26 pm
Subject: Re: Plasticville USA???? What did I buy?

Hi again<br>In looking further into your King #300 Newstand Mike Cedro's Collectors guide shows that only 1800 were ever made. It's actually based on a Littletown Structure and a mint in box one (such as yours) has a value of $100. I'd say you did pretty good in the "S" eBay category... Did you also notice that "S" finally had more listings than "TT" Enjoy...Karl

Message 166

From: frilen2
Date: Sat Aug 25, 2001 10:17 pm
Subject: Re: Plasticville USA???? What did I buy?

Hi Chuck It' real Plasticville but with a bit of history all it's own. The way I understand it, there was a time in the 80's that Plasticville was out of production by Bachmann. However Bachmann produced Plasticville items under contact to a company called King Distributing. King had these items produced as the "New Plasticville Collectors series", with your corner store being one of their first offerings. Later as King became successful, Bachmann rethought their deal and once again resumed Plasticville production under their own name. Lionel produced AF rolling stock for I believe Kris Models and Downs under a similar contract arrangement prior to producing their own American Flyer Products in 1979. Hope that helps...Karl

Message 165

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sat Aug 25, 2001 9:29 pm
Subject: Plasticville USA???? What did I buy?

Ok, I bid on and won the first auction on eBay in the new S gauge category. I thought this corner store would look great on my ALL ABOARD layout, but the piece seems to be counter fit or something. It was made by KING DISTRIBUTING instead of Bachman. So what did I buy? http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1625268253

Message 164

From: firex43
Date: Tue Aug 21, 2001 6:24 pm
Subject: 2 Story House Variations

Thanks for the info, Brad. John

Message 163

From: belairchevy
Date: Tue Aug 21, 2001 3:00 pm
Subject: Re: All Aboard 2 Story House

John.....I have a light brown and blue roof, a light yellow and brown roof, a light brown and darker brown roof, and a cream and brown roof version of the colonial houses. The light brown and blue seems to be the most common. The other colors I acquired in 12 panel sets and 12 panel scenery kits. The whistle panel is supposed to have the "L" shaped New England Rancher but this has not been confirmed. All of the whistle panels I have encountered had the light brown and blue Colonial house with them. Again, this would be the most common but it is entirely possible that there may be exceptions......Brad

Message 162

From: firex43
Date: Tue Aug 21, 2001 8:51 am
Subject: All Aboard 2 Story House

Hello, I am curious to find out the various colors this house came in. I recently acquired a version with light tan/cream walls with brown roof and trim. This is a variant from the light brown with blue roof and trim that I have. Did this color come on the Whistle Panel? Thank you, John

Message 161

From: frilen2 Date: Mon Aug 20, 2001 8:40 pm Subject: Re: Tree bases Hi Roy In checking Autumn Tree bases vs original large green tree bases, the only two differences are color (Brown plastic on the new releases, Green on the originals) and there is a short plastic pin sticking out from the base of the originals. I'm not aware of any source for these trunks, maybe some one will resin cast them. That probably wouldn't be too difficult. I was very happy that Bachmann re-released these even if not quite like the originals used by Gilbert. Here in the Chicago area one dealer at the GATS show was asking $60 for a set of 3 original Bachmann trees. The originals sold under the Bachmann name in the '60s appeared to be identical to the Gilbert ones (Green trunk but no locating pin) only that they were cast in a different (stiffer less rubbery) grade of plastic. Hope that helps...Karl

Message 160

From: rep928
Date: Mon Aug 20, 2001 12:37 pm
Subject: Tree bases

I have some of the multipart large trees that are missing their bases. Any sources for just the trunks? Ate they exactly the same as the PV autumn tree bases (I have some of these) Thanks! -Roy

Message 159

From: frilen2
Date: Sun Aug 19, 2001 4:26 pm
Subject: Re: Plastic Village Gazette Article

Hi Chuck I had been in contact with Mike Cedro shortly after my original inquiry posting on the Plasticsville Group website. He provided me with additional information on the New England Rancher. I had sent him pix of the "L" house and he agreed that it sure looked like a kitbashed New England Rancher. The article re-states that theory. ...and speculates that the "L" house may not exist, except for prototypes. Karl

Message 158

From: myflyertrains
Date: Sun Aug 19, 2001 6:23 am
Subject: Re: Plastic Village Gazette Article

Does the article mention the L shaped house? Still wondering if we are chasing a unicorn! Chuck...

Message 157

From: frilen2
Date: Thu Aug 16, 2001 9:35 pm
Subject: Plastic Village Gazette Article

I just received the July-Sept copy of Plastic Village Gazette published by Mike Cedro. Very nice 2 page article about the American Flyer All Aboard houses. Lots of pictures...neat way to get part of the American Flyer story out to people that may not be very familiar with the origin of these sharp little houses. He ends the article with "...These fellows do turn up on eBay occasionally and (until now) don't usually sell for too high of a bid, especially if the seller has not properly identified them." Mike goes on to say that he thinks "...that this is a real sleeper of a collectible, so get them while you can find them!"<br>For those of you not familiar with Mike or his fine New magazine check out his website at http://www.plasticvillagegazette.com He also is the moving force and publisher of a Plasticville 2001 Price Guide, that covers info not only on PV but also Marx, Littletown, Skyline, K Line, Ideal and Connecticut Hobbies - American Flyer. <br>Nice guy, very helpful, great information...Karl

Message 156

From: jfred436
Date: Thu Aug 16, 2001 9:48 am
Subject: Re: Another Obscure All Aboard Item?

Or,,,did Gilbert sell ad space on billboards like the 12 inches = 1 foot scale? If a store could get sets with their name on a boxcar, why not a billboard? Gilbert, and the people who ran the company at the end were looking to make money on selling the trains. jfred

Message 155

From: frilen2
Date: Wed Aug 15, 2001 10:44 pm
Subject: Re: Another Obscure All Aboard Item?

Do you think that there was some what of a hidden message in the choice of bill board art ....or were the Gilbert designers caught in a moment of nostalgia for days...and cars gone by?  ....or were they just surrounded by a stack of old magazines? Hmmmmm...Karl

Message 154

From: jfred436
Date: Wed Aug 15, 2001 3:55 pm
Subject: Re: Another Obscure All Aboard Item?

It's neat that Joe's has stickers for a "Nash" billboard for that matter. Nash and Hudson formed American Motors in the mid 50's and by '57 were only selling Ramblers. So, by the time All Aboard came out, Nash was history too. jfred

Message 153

From: frilen2
Date: Tue Aug 14, 2001 9:51 pm
Subject: Re: Another Obscure All Aboard Item?

Hi jfred Packard did merge with Studebaker in the mid-50's and ended production in 1958. The last couple of years they were pretty much Stude's in diguise. ...but I agree a Packard billboard face even repro would be neat...Karl

Message 152

From: jfred436
Date: Tue Aug 14, 2001 7:13 pm
Subject: Re: Another Obscure All Aboard Item?

A billboard for the "New Packard Clipper" would be very interesting. Didn't Packard merge with Studibaker in 1955? At least by 1965 they were gone. jfred

Message 151

From: frilen2
Date: Mon Aug 13, 2001 11:04 pm
Subject: More All Aboard on Ebay

Sorry...Just found a couple more items posted on eBay. Auction #1626380392 AF All Aboard 26141 RH Switch Panel $18.49 3 Aug-18 16:17  ...and Auction #1626382696 AF All Aboard 26141 Right Switch Panel - OB $25.49 4 Aug-18 16:26  Enjoy...Karl P.S....Has anyone had any success with other auction sites besides eBay?? Just wondering if there are other sites to recommend.