Western Coil and Electric Zephyr

I have a Consoli set.  My understanding is that the Consoli set is two-thirds original Western Coil, the family having purchased all of the remaining stock and materials from Western Coil before resuming production.  The head-end and observation units are original Western Coil, with the middle coach unit being a reproduction (apparently they didn't have enough coach castings to make complete trains).  I also have a vista-dome add-on car that was a modification of the coach casting.  The set came with all of the original paperwork from Western Coil, including postcards and a neat set of blueprints.

The thing I've always disliked about the Western Coil/Consoli Zephyr is the cardboard diaphrams that slide between the cars.  They don't look great, and are very fragile.  If you don't have them, you're hosed.

Jsfro can weigh in on this with far more details...he provided me with alot of additional info, including an article on the subject from the TCA Quarterly.

Hope this helps...PD

Hello.

I have an original WC Zephyr, and a "gold" Consoli. As story has it, for the Consoli, the lead and observations were left over WC cars, and the Consoli family used the WC molds and made coaches, even some with Vista Domes. They also learned how to make the diaphragms, which, again has become a lost art.

The Consoli Family Trains even went as far as to find an original style Barber-Coleman motor for use on their train. And they packaged the trains in left over WC boxes.

A couple ways to tell an original from a Consoli. Take a look at the lighting. The Consoli has wires through the cars that connect with a barrel type connector. The WC does not. Also, the Consoli trains basically had the shell setting on a pivot through the stacks, while the WC version had it cotter pinned in place.

Actually, compared to a Lionel Flying Yankee and the AF 9900, I like the WC version better. Granted that it is cast aluminum, and maybe not a polished, finish wise, but I like mine. The Barber Coleman motor, while being single direction, is bullet proof. It's a train you can run and run without consequence.

I'll try to find pictures of my original, but in the mean time...

The gold Consoli:

"A couple ways to tell an original from a Consoli. Take a look at the lighting. The Consoli has wires through the cars that connect with a barrel type connector. The WC does not. Also, the Consoli trains basically had the shell setting on a pivot through the stacks, while the WC version had it cotter pinned in place."

Well........ Mine must be an original because as you, jsrfo, stated above, the lighting on mine does NOT have the barrel connector, but the pivot for my motor comes through the roof of the power car, amongst the stacks, and IS cotter pinned in place.  I do not have the diaphragms, unfortunately, but the look so ungainly anyway.  I am in the process of making a different type of diaphragm for mine.  I will take pictures when completed.  Getting back to my Western coil Zephyr, I paid $400.00 for it and it is in near mint condition.  How did I do?

@George - Curious to see what you come up with for diaphragms...the originals are tough and my Consoli's are deteriorating fast...

@jsrfo - Was the Gold Consoli the last of the line, or just a limited edition?  Mine is silver aluminum, and after a few minutes with a gentle buffer, it really gleams.

PD

Post some pictures! I'd say that you did pretty well. The prices of trains lately are all over the map.

I paid $450 for original, with two rough set boxes, and $380 for the gold Consoli.

To me, they are an undervalued train. I forget the production numbers, but 1000 sticks in my mind.

I think it kills a Flying Yankee and the AF 9900, but that's just my opinion.

My Original, showing the rollers on each car for lighting and the cotter pin holding the motor in the engine shell:

That is exactly like mine.  Mine is nearly mint or better, original box included.  The box is like a brick.  The trains are not even oxidized.  Looks like it has never been run.  Gorgeous set.  I agree, the Western Coil blows the Flying Yankee out of the water, and is at least as nice, if nicer than the Flyer Zephyr.  I will post pics by tomorrow.

If I remember correctly, it was a "Special Edition". It's more of a brass, and it shows it age a little bit. It is different, in that the lettering is stamped into the finish, and it appears that it was wiped down with black paint or something, such that the grooves remained black. It's OK, but I like the aluminum ones better.

Still a really cool train, and a unique piece of history.

PD, do you have the date of the TCA article I referenced you to? It's a cool story. If I remember correctly, Lou Redman found the left over WC supply before the Consoli family bought them. I may be wrong. Gotta find that old article.

@jsrfo - I went digging around...I couldn't lay my hands on the TCA Quarterly article you sent me...I thought I had stuck it in the box.

However, while I was digging in there I found a flyer for "The Consoli Bronze Zephyr".  It was a limited edition of one hundred sets, priced at $850.00.  Delivery date was set for September 1988.  It was their tenth anniversary special.  Can't remember if I sent you a copy of this when we exchanged data...if you want a copy let me know and I'll burn you one.

When I get a minute, I'll look on-line and see if I can find that article in the Quarterly.

PD

@jsrfo

The article on the Consoli family's resurrection of the WC Zephyr was in the October 1986 TCA Quarterly, vol. 32 no. 5, page 24.

Good stuff!

PD

http://www.tcamembers.org/memb...nly/tcq/tcq32-5a.pdf

link to pdf copy of issue October 1986

jsrfo -

I'll scan it and send it over via your email account.  Give me a day or so and it'll be on it's way.

PD