A.C. Gilbert fantasy: American Flyer Lines Lightweight Observation Passenger Cars
Prototype Info
Era:
lightweight
Car Type:
observation
Doors:
1
Windows:
11
Road Name:
fantasy: American Flyer Lines
Road Number(s):
663
Model Manufacturer Info
Manufacturer:
A.C. Gilbert
Manufacturer ID:
663
Gauge:
AF
Introduced:
1950
Product Type:
plastic
Finish:
painted & lettered
Wheels:
hi-rail
Couplers:
AF
Lighted:
yes
Supplemental Part:
Supplemental Part:
Supplemental Part:
Notes:
These were produced through 1952. This photo is of the factory-error car made from extruded aluminum. The main body was shortened such that when the curved end was added, it would wind up being the same length as #660. The nameplate is not centered in the side of the car. By measuring the hole locations for the nameplate with and without the added observation end, the holes needed to be shifted to the right to compensate for the length of the added observation casting. In order to get the holes drilled in the correct position, Gilbert created a jig to insert the extruded body into, for drilling. It appears that the wrong end of the car was inserted into the jig, shifting the nameplate holes the wrong way. Only 4 of these factory-error cars exist.
(image copyright © Ted Hamler; used by permission)
Fix the lights and replace the silhouettes