Greetings: I have been primarily a Marx & Lionel hobbyist, but always loved the AF trains that two of my friends had. So a few years back I started collecting from the 1956 catalog. A recent post here referred to an AF "Baldwin fiasco", or some such. May I ask:
-What was the problem(s) referred to?
-Is this by chance referring to Baldwin diesel #355 pictured on P.4 of the 1956 catalog?
Many thanks for any help.
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I don't know which post you're referring to but yes, the AF 355 type baldwin can be labeled a fiasco. In new condition they are slightly noisy and extremely fast with a tendancy to overheat as they wear. The wheels ride in a truck casting made of a metal that used to be called Zamac. When the axle holes wear they turn from a rough half circle to an oval with a lot of wheel slop accompanied with reduced speed and increased noise. The new original Lionel design was a better runner but the power pick up mechanism was complex and toublesome. Newer vesions supposedly feature a newer vertical engine design and hopefully a better electrical pickup design.
Rich
Thank you, Rich. Your information is exactly what I was looking for. I won't make adding a 355 to my collection a priority. I like all my stuff to run well, and am very impressed by how smoothly and quietly my few AF engines do run.
SNS Trains has a new can motor retrofit for the Baldwins and they also do rebushing, however, that might be somewhat pricey by the time you are finished.
Mike A.
Mikeaa - How gratifying that such services exist for a 58-year-old toy. Thanks for your post.
Another website to be aware of is portlines.com. They have a number of helpful online repair clinics and they also offer the can motors and conversions.
Mike A.
Thanks again, Mikeaa. This forum is truly amazing for the help by the members.
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