A.C. Gilbert #24631

A.C. Gilbert (click for web site)

24631

center-cupola

steel

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

AF

1959

24631

plastic

painted & lettered

hi-rail

AF

S Gaugian, May 2013 (history of the models)

The #24631 was produced twice. The first time was from 1959 through 1961 in three variations. The second time from 1963 through 1965 in four variations. In the front row of the first photo are examples of two of the three 1959-61 cabooses with knuckle couplers. On the left is the first variation, which has flat yellow finish, red-orange stripe, and grabs irons. The second variation on the right is similar to the first except it is a bobtail style caboose meaning it has just one coupler (see Photo #2 for the underside view which shows this clearly). The third variation of the 1959-61 group has a shiny yellow finish with red-orange stripe and grabs irons instead of the red-orange as on the two previous cabooses. In the back row of the first photo are two examples of the four variations of the 1963-65 Pike-Master #24631 cabooses. On the left is the first variation, which has red-orange strip and grab irons. The second variation, shown in the back row on the right, while it has grab irons they are not painted and the caboose also lacks the red-orange stripe. The third and fourth variation both have maroon painted grab irons and stripes. The third variation has both of the top steps on one end filled in (The step being filled in is a result of an older mold). The fourth variation does not have the steps filled in.