Die-cast Steam Locomotives by A.C. Gilbert

A.C. Gilbert

299

300, 300AC

4-4-2

fantasy: American Flyer

AF

1946

299, 300

Die-cast

painted & lettered

AC

AF

Wiring Diagram for #299

Wiring Diagram for #300

Wiring Diagram for #300AC

Wiring Diagram for #301

Wiring Diagram for #302

Parts Diagram

The 1946-47 models have diecast boilers and sheet metal tenders, while the 1952 models typically have plastic boilers and tenders. There are six variations of the 1946-47 models and three variations of the 1952. The unit in the foreground of the photo is an early 1946 with an indented tender with silver lettering that read "Reading". Like the tender shell of the #350, the Atlantic tender shell was also a carryover from 1940. In 1940 tenders had separate numbers and the number for a 4-4-2 tender shell was #421. This unit, along with the next 1946 model in the photo, both have thin-shank link couplers that tended to break so in 1947 Gilbert made the shank thicker. The middle model in the photo is also a 1946 with silver letter, however it does not have the indented tender, which indicates it most likely was produced later in 1946, after most of the indented shell were used up. In the background, that model is an example of a 1947 #300 that has thick-shank coupler. However, the most notable difference is that, instead of the tender having "Reading" printed in silver on the side, the 1947 model has "American Flyer" in white letters with the reading logo. There are two reported variations of 1947 units with silver lettering like the 1946 model except they have thick-shank link couplers one of those two has an indented tender. Photo #2 is of Jack Sudimak's model converted to scale operation with the Nimco wheels replacing the Gilbert ones. Other than its scale wheels this model is pretty much in its original condition except that it has a repainted tender and a Delta type trailer truck added.

A.C. Gilbert

302

4-4-2

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

AF

302

Die-cast

painted & lettered

AC

AF

Parts Listing

Parts Diagram

A.C. Gilbert

303

4-4-2

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

AF

1954

303

Die-cast

painted & lettered

AC

AF

General Wiring

Parts Diagram

This engine was produced from 1954 through 1956 in only one variation. The tender has both the American Flyer Lines and the Reading Lines logos.

A.C. Gilbert

21100

21105, 21106

4-4-2

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

AF

1958

21100, 21105, 21106

Die-cast

painted & lettered

AC

hi-rail

AF

General Wiring

Also marked for the Reading.

A.C. Gilbert

21107

4-4-2

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

AF

1964

21107

Die-cast

painted & lettered

AC

hi-rail

AF

The #21107 was produced from 1964 through 1966 in three variations. In 1964, the #21107 was produced with a PRR Keystone logo and the words "AMERICAN FLYER LINES" imprinted on the tender. The 1964 model has a one-piece chassis, die-cast drive wheels with white tires, and a two-position reverse unit directly wired to the tender. The second variation, shown in the photo, is an example of the 1965 model, which has the "Burlington Route" logo along with "AMERICAN FLYER LINES" imprinted on the tender. The 1965 model has plastic drive wheels with white painted tires. The third variation, produced in 1966, utilized the PRR Keystone logo again along with "AMERICAN FLYER LINES" on the tender. However, the 1966 model has black plastic drive wheels.

A.C. Gilbert

21160

4-4-2

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

AF

1958

21160

Die-cast

painted & lettered

AC

hi-rail

AF

General Wiring

Reading Lines Atlantic locomotive is the uncataloged #21160 which was produced from 1958 through 1960 and has four variations. The first, and most common, variation has a metal bell and whistle with a one-piece chassis. The second, dated May 1958, has a metal bell and whistle. However, it has a two-piece chassis. The third variation, produced in 1959, has a bell and whistle that is an integral part of the boiler with a two-piece chassis. The fourth variation, shown in the main photo, is date-stamped May or November 1958. It has a metal bell and whistle and a one-piece chassis. This variation is exclusive to the #20151 and #20161 Simmons sets produced in 1958. The thing that makes this variation unique is that it has an 8-32 threaded hole centered between the drivers. Shown in Photo #2 are two examples of the #21160. In the foreground is the fourth variation with the 8-32 threaded hole. In the background is and example of a #21160 without the 8-32 threaded hole.

A.C. Gilbert

21161

4-4-2

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

AF

1960

21161

Die-cast

painted & lettered

AC

hi-rail

AF

The #21161 is an uncataloged item from 1960, which has three variations. Two of the variations have the "Reading Lines" logo with "AMERICAN FLYER LINES" on the tender. Both of these variations are common and as such tend to be very inexpensive to obtain. One of these two variations is painted black over a black body while the second, shown in Photo #2, has an unpainted black plastic body. The third variation is painted black and has a tender that carries the "Reading Lines" logo along with the "AMERICAN FLYER LINES" inscription. What makes this variation rare and pricey is that the boiler unit is stamped "PRESTONE CAR CARE EXPRESS". This version is shown in the main photo.

A.C. Gilbert

301

4-4-2

Reading (RDG)

AF

301

Die-cast

painted & lettered

AC

AF

Parts Diagram