@Don McErlean posted:Well here is a short post of an item that I think is cool although probably not either unique or very valuable. It is a #612 American Flyer Station with Crane. This was made between 1946-1951 and then available again in 1953-54. It's condition is good, all the controls on the crane work, even the string is intact . The station house itself is very good but it is missing the green window pane's on the inside and one "Mystic" sign. All of the doors on the other hand are in place and intact. The windows were sheet stock plastic pasted on the inside, hopefully someone on the forum makes a reproduction replacement. I sort of bought it on a lark, mostly because of the crane, and it was quite inexpensive ($22) So this was made when I was between 2 (1946) and 10 (1954) years of age...I got my first train in 1947 at age 3 (or maybe Dad did ) from Santa like many other boys and it was Lionel, but these accessories seem to work fine with either Lionel or AF (I have a #593 AF switch tower of the same vintage on my current 0 gauge layout).
Front view, showing the "ticket booth"
Rear view, showing the other freight door and the ramp down to the crane area. The large baggage door is intact but I just left it open.
Non crane end showing the "Mystic" sign
Crane end with better view of the crane. The "rope" or "cable" driving the crane from the control wheels is well aged, but intact, the hook is complete and all the control wheels work and are functional.
Here is the American Flyer trademark on the end of the platform.
Best wishes
Don
You can google mistic station window set. E-bay has a set for 12.99 + 1.50 shipping. I got a set from Port Liones Hobby years ago. I didn't see it listed now at PLH, but you could call Doug @888-708-0782.
Chris