John Smatlak posted:A while back I picked up an O gauge Flyer Hudson loco (1680/4680-1681 Type XII) with a sheet metal "flat top" fluted-roof (Type XI) tender. I just found a set of the 6-axle streamliner cars (in chrome) Ca. 1938-39 to go with it. I've always liked these cars, but have noticed they're hard to find in good condition. This particular set is a little played with, but overall has a quite satisfactory appearance. The celluloid window inserts (with the blue window shade stripe) are happily still in good shape, which is a really nice feature.
Looking at examples of this set owned by other collectors, and photos on the internet, the Hudson I have apparently does not have the correct tender for the sets with the chrome cars. The Greenberg American Flyer Prewar O gauge book, page 210 discusses "sets with chrome cars"- the No. 20 and 321 sets in which these chrome cars were paired with the Hudson came with the Type XII tender, which has a coal bunker and 6-axle trucks. The 6-axle trucks make sense as they match the cars, although a tender with the flat top roof (instead of the coal bunker) would match the profile of the passenger cars. I'm still digesting the info on page 72 re: the tenders. More info would be welcome.
AF Celluloid tends to stay better than Lionel. Thankfully! Greenberg book is correct. The ribbed top tenders were 1936-1937 and the Die cast tenders with the Chrome cars came out in 1938 (4 car set) and 1939 (3 Car set). The ribbed top came with the green cars with black 4 wheel trucks and belly pans. Note that the stripe on the tender is similar to the green cars...
