George S posted:Steve "Papa" Eastman posted:Will posted:Nation Wide Lines posted:Picked this one up a few weeks ago. A 7010 engine, which would be a Montgomery Ward's special engine from American Flyer, c. 1929-1930. I had one, but its paint was not as nice as this one.
NWL
NWL,
Do you or does anyone know if there are any parts suppliers that would carry the handrails for these?
I'm not aware of any, but I've certainly needed some in the past. Also there a couple of distinct styles.
Steve
I think they could be made pretty easily from brass stock with a nipper and a Dremel grinder.
George
I would be easier and less time consuming, and probably cheaper, to find a junker. If you try and make one, you will likely have a lot of time into trying to cut it and get it correct. The originals were made from steel and trying to make one out of a cheaper metal like brass is going to lead to one that will not hold up to lots of handling over time, as the brass will have a greater likelihood to bend and/or deform.
I have a very nice one that is missing a single handrail and I have owned it for over 15 years, and it is still missing the handrail. I just don't see a need for it to be perfect, it is a toy after all, and the 1201/1218 engines are the lowest of the low, when it comes to American Flyer. They were the cheapest and most mass produced electric engine, with one being able to find very nice examples for around $100 maximum.
NWL
