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American Flyer trains 1950

Dan’s been back in touch with some pics of some American Flyer trains 1950 is the date line – how things have changed:

“Al, this set of photos was taken in 1971. Unfortunately they were taken pre-digital, low light and no flash.

Many years ago when I was about 13, a church member told me he had a train layout. He knew I liked trains. I did not take photos then. Many years later after he passed, his son wanted me to see the layout before it was taken down. So, when home from college one weekend I took these photos.

The layout was American Flyer. In the 50’s you had to just about scratch build every thing. There were some kits. If you will indulge me, I will show you some very interesting photos.

The icing platform was based on the one at the Santa Fe yard in Kansas City. It is all scratch built. I believe the string of Santa Fe reefers were car sides, roofs and details from kits to put on an AF car frame.

Stock pens

Note the storage tank in the photo. This was a coffee can. In those days coffee came in cans.

Modeled after the engine house in Argentine Yard Kansas City.

American Flyer trains 1950:

All scratch built structures.

Station and tower scratch built

Another view of the icing platform

Lumber yard

More coffee cans. The silos were made from mailing tubes.

Area near the stock yards.

I do not remember the size of the layout. It took up a large part of the basement.

I hope the AFers like these,

Dan*”

A big thanks to Hall of Fame Dan for sharing these American Flyer trains 1950 seems so long ago – probably because it is…

Here’s a page of American Flyer layout if that’s your thing:

American FLyer Model railroad.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.

Got a model train question?

Model train landscaping

Rob’s been back in touch with some very impressive model train landscaping – he has finished bridge project.

He think it ‘looks okay’. I think it looks amazing.

To be honest, the pics below do not do it justice, so please don’t miss his youtube. I love the way the bridge arches (next to the trestle bridge) frame the oak tree and the cottage. It’s some really clever model making.

Rob’s youtube also shows some details he’s added to his London Underground scene. Again, it’s amazing modeling:

“Hi Al,

I have completed the bridge project. It is done and landscaped. It came out okay and very works well.

I made a couple mistakes on it which I detail in the video, nothing major.

I certainly enjoyed the experience and I am looking for something new to work on. I think my better half has come up with a couple of things to keep me busy for a while. That’s good, it will give me time to dream up my next Farland build.

Rob”

Model train landscaping:

If you missed Rob’s earlier posts on the bridge, they are here:

How to scratch build a bridge

Build a model train bridge

Model railroad bridge

Rob’s also been busy adding to the London Underground side of his layout too – his detailing really is stunning:

A huge big thanks to Rob for sharing his model train landscaping – it’s always a treat when I see his name in my inbox.

(If you missed his London Underground post, it’s here: Model London Underground.)

You can also see more of Rob in the Hall of Fame.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming because it’s getting a bit thin on the ground again this end.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

PS Rob’s also reminded me of Joe’s post: HO scale landscaping.

PS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.

Need buildings for your layout? Have a look at the Silly Discount bundle.

HO model train log cars

Al’s been in touch with his HO model train log cars.

It’s a stunning layout and I’m really hoping Al can send us some more pics and details because I absolutley love it:

“I look forward to your site every morning. This is a fantastic hobby and it is so nice to see what others are doing, the ideas are almost endless.

I model in HO and have been working on the AT&C for several years, it is my fourth layout and keeps me out of trouble with the better half.

I am sending along a few pictures of what is done so far, as we all know a layout is never truly finished.

It is freelanced and based in the early part of the twentieth century. I have more photos of the construction from the beginning if interested. Keep up the good work.

Al”