AF OPERATING MILK CAR MAN

There is an exploded parts diagram in the Factory Service Manual in the Accessories and Action Cars section. The manual is online at www.myflyertrains.net. The solenoid (plunger) moves the man, the spring retracts him.

I see that Tom and appreciate it but that diagram, as far as I can tell, doesn't explain what causes the man to move forward.

The plunger moves and opens the door but the man does not move. Thank you.

Just thought I'd share that although Lionel trains are in my genes and blood (my parents, aunts and unces and cousins loved them), i also believe that American Flyer S Gauge is charming and wonderful too. I have a small dormant collection of them. Arnold

@Arnold D. Cribari posted:

Just though I'd share that Lionel trains are in myvgenes and blood (my parents, aubts and unckes and cousins loved them), American Flyer S Gauge is charming and wonderful too. I have a small dormant collection of them. Arnold

Arnold,

I, too, appreciate American Flyer S gauge and also have a small collection as well as a small operating loop.

Check out: Two layouts in an unexpected space (warrenvillerailroad.com)

tom.....I think I have it PARTIALLY figured out......looking at the pix I provided I presume there might be a piece missing connecting the plunger (1) to the man's spring-loaded, moving metal piece. So when the plunger at top moves it is also suppose to catch something below it to move the man's mechanics. Thoughts?
Ray

Not easy to tell by the photo but #1 looks to be a tad too high and not striking #2 when operating.

The other problem could be your hook up, are you operating it on a full 16V supply? It needs full voltage/current to open the door and follow through to operate the man’s linkage.

u da flyer man!!!! There is indeed a bracket that I can negotiate and that LOWERS the entire plunger mechanism.

Glory b I knew it was something terribly simple...but I'm not smart enough to figure out...thought I was re-inventing a AF toy for the company. Thanks again...works wonderfully.

I also have a Lionel merchandise car that needs similar attention. Is that in your realm?

Thanks again.

Ray

It does not look to me like a piece is missing. The plunger should open the door and then move the man to toss out the milk can. As Ukaflyer says, there may be a slight misalignment or the plunger hangs up on the wiring. It should be possible to tell by operating the car with the shell removed. I always operated these on the full 16V to 17V output and made sure all the contacts and wheels were clean to get full current flow through the solenoid coil.

Ok, you fixed it! That always feels good.

@rayj posted:

I also have a Lionel merchandise car that needs similar attention. Is that in your realm?

Thanks again.

Ray

Sorry, my knowledge doesn’t extend much into Lionel repairs.