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Hi all - first post.  I just received a lot of AF trains from my father when I was about 4-5 (about 55 years ago.  I still remember my father buying them in St. Louis.  We had a small layout on either a 4x8 or 5 x 9 plywood.  Standard ovals and trestle set.  Anyway, I have gotten a series of accessories and operating accessories that I would like to set up on a layout.  I do not know the condition of the engines (steam and diesel), however, when my brother and I would set them up on a 5 x 9 sheet over the pool table, they worked.  Many of the accessories work - like the talking Union train station, etc. 

That said, I am not a scale type person.  I like watching the trains move around the loops and I also like operating and the puzzle of switching to make consists and delivering in proper order. 

I have been trying to come up with a proper layout using the passenger trains, with coach yard, as well as freight operations.  This is my first layout and trying to figure out all the things that have changed since the early days.

What suggestions do you have?

 

Scott

 

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Here are my suggestions...

1. Determine how much space you are willing to provide for your layout (4X8 feet for example).

2. Lots of free material and advice on the internet, give yourself time for exploring (You Tube has a great selection of videos).

3. This forum has multiple experts, enjoy their input and have fun building your layout.

 

I just received them from my father.  We moved him to an assisted living facility and I was given these trains that were sitting in the attic for many years.  Probably the last time they were run was 12 years ago. 

I have approximately 5 x9 for now , although I could take much more space as I have an entire basement.  I just dont want to take on more than I can chew and get frustrated.

Hello KBOFHP ( Scott) I hope will have a lot of fun building your American Flyer 4x8 layout in s scale. I also have American Flyer trains to play with on a small layout. They run great too I think you will enjoy them too very much too. I just love small layouts too. I also run my Marx trains on a small layout as well I have 2 small layouts one for Marx trains and the other for American Flyer trains. I really enjoy running my trains it is very relaxing and also fun too. Thanks longbow57ca.

In my limited experience, American Flyer "S" gauge trains that have been stored for a long time will need to have the track and the wheels that pick up power cleaned thoroughly in order for them to run properly.
The locomotive motors and reversing mechanism are likely to need cleaning and lubrication. The cars will need lubrication too.

When lubricating your trains, don't overdo it.

Enjoy your trains!

Check out the original 4x8 HO plan at the centre of this Ed Vondrak plan. I don't know if it's all do-able with AF track geometry, but it offers the kind of operation you might like in close to a 5 x 9 in S gauge. The original stand-alone layout had a locomotive spur at the bottom, plus there's a passing loop. The loop allows you to switch the sidings and accessories while having another train run on the outside main line. 

http://www.wymann.info/Shuntin...hics/Vondrak-TPI.jpg

 

I agree with Firewood, start small, get some trains up and running so you can enjoy them. Then you can plan an expansion and add on from there. You can also do your expansion in stages. I am doing the same thing with my O gauge layout.

Also a request for help in the Track/Layout Planning forum might get you some help with your specific plan. There are some pretty good track planners there that like to draw up track plans. You will need to tell them the size and what you are wanting to do with your trains and they will probably give you some options to use.

Last edited by rtr12

I have been looking through those websites and trying my own versions of various designs.  Some work out well - others fail miserably.  Here are a couple of ideas that I am considering.  Some use all AF track, and other use mostly AM track.  I find the MTH and AF track to be similar in size.  I have also noticed that there are some S gauge turnouts in various radii from different sources that the standard 54 or 40".  Mostly available from Trout Creak:

http://www.troutcreekeng.com/bks.html

I need to figure out how to make templates to bring into SCARM - but that is another discussion.5 x 9.V9 All AF5 x 9.Version 55 x 9.Version 8

 

Attachments

Images (3)
  • 5 x 9.V9 All AF
  • 5 x 9.Version 5
  • 5 x 9.Version 8

You found SCARM, thats great. I agree with getting a loop down to test and tune what your trains can do first. Especially before committing to so many switches, unless on hand already, and also before commiting to a graded line (are they under 2%?) See what kind of grade your worst engines can handle with a good long  load. While exploring the equipment (again), SCARM will keep you busy, lol.

If you find operations iffy for tons of switching, a pull through ladder yard would give easier storage and retrieval of whole trains by even a single loco.(top edge of firewoods example. An in&out on each yard track, "stacked"

Oil is love for trains; love your trains. Brushes should be checked right off too. And asap, worm gears cleaned of old greases and replaced with fresh, improved, modern grease (like Red & Tacky by Lucas) If the grease is dry, you can do ten years of running wear in a single night.

Look into reversing loops too. An HO type relay set up would be needed but you don't need to rerail everything just to change directions.

 

Regarding getting the engines up and running, I received a lot of advice from folks but also found the following very helpful:

http://aftrainmaster.com/repair.htm

- Tom Barker's operating and repair guide available on amazon

- YouTube videos by Barker and others

8 months ago, I had never even owned an ACG loco. Now I have purchased a few and have performed a number of maintenance tasks and repairs.  Of course there's been lots of trial and error in my learning, but I had much guidance from an expert I met on the yahoo s group and from these sources listed above.

 

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