jhz563 posted:Greg,
I tend to like the larger, non-streamlined pieces. And I am steadfastly sticking to O gauge. (For as long as I can hold out
)
What are the ones from your picture I put red boxes around?
The last thing is that I prefer 6 and 7 cars or more in my trains as opposed to short 3 car trains. So if any of these are considered to be better pullers than others please let me know.
Thank guys and gals
JHZ563,
You ask what on the surface sounds like a simple question, however we run into the craziness of American Flyer's numbering system. Here goes:
The top engine and its tender are known as the 4622-6 Combination (1938).
4322-6 Type XV Locomotive (Type XV was used as an Atlantic or a Pacific - confusing eh?)
1623 Type XIII tender
Lower engine and tender are the 1680 Combination (1936-1937)
1681 Type XII Locomotive (Type XII boiler casting is what Flyer called their Hudson)
1623 Type XII tender
This is the 3310 engine and tender combination (1934)
3315 Type IX locomotive (it has a ringing bell and those snazzy brass running boards)
3194 Type IX tender (only available in 1934)
I have changed the display since the photo that I posted was taken. I am not sure which engine was in front of the 3315. I can't quite make it out in the photo and I don't remember what I had there. 
It is matched up in a box somewhere with appropriate passenger cars.
As far as pulling power; most of these engines are over 75 years old, so I would say that it depends on how well they are maintained and serviced. I think that with work any of them could pull a consist of the length that you describe. However, remember that my main interest is collecting and identifying equipment and learning its history. I am not primarily an operator. I always consider it a bonus when an example of an engine that I have acquired runs well. I have raised my standard for buying a prewar engine since I began collecting. If it doesn't run I will think twice about buying it. There are still thousands of them out there. Others might comment on their experience with the pulling power of Flyer engines.
I hope this answers some of your questions.
Northwoods Flyer
Greg
