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You might say that I am discovering American Flyer operating accessories for the first time.  While I have been familiar with some, over the years, there are a few that have come to light recently.  One that I discovered only this morning is the Piggy Back Loader/Unloader.  Being a Lionel operator I must say AF hit this one out of the park.  The only addition I think is missing would be automatic raising of the ramp, in order to reload the trailers onto the flatcar.

https://youtu.be/CXlc5MhNRkY

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Although we were definitely a Lionel family, my father took a part-time job during the Christmas season of 1956 (which was when my sister was born) in the toy department of a local hardware store.  Ironically, he was assigned to the American Flyer toy train section.

I'd go down to visit him now and then, and the Flyer accessory that fascinated me the most was the Oil Drum Loader.  It operated so smoothly and realistically that I stared at it for what felt like hours.

Never did get one for our Lionel layout, though.

Balshis posted:

Although we were definitely a Lionel family, my father took a part-time job during the Christmas season of 1956 (which was when my sister was born) in the toy department of a local hardware store.  Ironically, he was assigned to the American Flyer toy train section.

I'd go down to visit him now and then, and the Flyer accessory that fascinated me the most was the Oil Drum Loader.  It operated so smoothly and realistically that I stared at it for what felt like hours.

Never did get one for our Lionel layout, though.

Do you own one now ?

I have the MTH version of the Coaling Tower or Coal Loader.  It works rather well.  The only thing is that the clamshell doesn't pick up much coal.  I haven't tried to use a deeper container for the clamshell to dig into, yet.  The trick is to let the clamshell down all the way and then some.  Because as soon as you press the button for it to start raising, it closes it's jaws.  So by letting it down with some slack in the hoisting lines, it seems to be able to grab more coal.  

I have all the others you mentioned with the exception of the track gang.

I'm looking at the Cow on Track and trying to figure out a way to use the Guilford Station with Lionel.  

Dan Padova posted:

I have the MTH version of the Coaling Tower or Coal Loader.  It works rather well.  The only thing is that the clamshell doesn't pick up much coal.  I haven't tried to use a deeper container for the clamshell to dig into, yet.  The trick is to let the clamshell down all the way and then some.  Because as soon as you press the button for it to start raising, it closes it's jaws.  So by letting it down with some slack in the hoisting lines, it seems to be able to grab more coal.  

I have all the others you mentioned with the exception of the track gang.

I'm looking at the Cow on Track and trying to figure out a way to use the Guilford Station with Lionel.  

Dan, I just bought the same coal loader. I'm very happy with it but I agree it does not pick up much coal. If I find a solution I'll let you know. 

I also just picked up a cattle corral and car. Its in great shape with great looking car, corral and cows. I got all of it for $10 bucks! I was looking for just the car to add to a beat up corral I already have. 

I'm a 3 railer just getting into American Flyer. I'm having a lot of fun with 3/16th! 

Dan Padova posted:
Balshis posted:

Although we were definitely a Lionel family, my father took a part-time job during the Christmas season of 1956 (which was when my sister was born) in the toy department of a local hardware store.  Ironically, he was assigned to the American Flyer toy train section.

I'd go down to visit him now and then, and the Flyer accessory that fascinated me the most was the Oil Drum Loader.  It operated so smoothly and realistically that I stared at it for what felt like hours.

Never did get one for our Lionel layout, though.

Do you own one now ?

Not that I haven't toyed with the idea, but there just isn't room on my small layout for even my Lionel operating accessories.  If I ever encountered one for sale at an irresistible price, though, I might be tempted to spring for one anyway.

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