Skip to main content

Reply to "2021 is S American Flyer 75th Anniversary"

@Ukaflyer posted:

Do any photos exist of the Gilbert mock up which can be uploaded here to see what it looks like. I have never seen one published anywhere that I know of.

There was a photo in one of the Thouy-McComas books.  The mock-up itself is really underwhelming.  A detail-less turned wood boiler and cab (painted black) over two partial Hudson mechanisms.  Last I heard it was in a private collection.

However, the fact that Gilbert even entertained the thought of doing such a monster in the late 1950's is significant.  Given the likes of the Challenger, Y3 and Legacy Berk, it's well within the abilities of Lionel to build such a model.

I suspect one of the reasons it went no further was the mechanics of the time.  Probably only the rear engine would have been powered.  Small motors and the two-point articulation commonly used today weren't available back then.

Rusty

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
×