How can you tell if the cream colored flags for the 262 steam loco are original or repro?
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Originals that I have seen are a one piece die cast metal. The repos are 2 piece and the staff is usually not die cast, but turned metal
No question, repo. I have never seen a real flag with a rolled pin, also the flag was always even with the top of the staff.
Original flags we're stamped and formed with the top closed but the stem hollow. I will get some good pics for you
Then there must have been 2 types, as the original flags on my 262, the die cast 'pole' has broken off in the boiler front. From the metal swelling and trying to be removed. The paint on Eddie's doesn't look right.
I have both types. It appears the 'hollow' style were used on the O gauge and the cast type for standard gauge. 
Harry
The Roll pin is a great idea in making my own. just put a thin piece of brass in and solder it in place, then paint.
By using the roll pins one can make the two sizes for "O" and Standard. If you get bit creative you could bend a waves in the thin brass making it look like the wind is hitting it. Thanks for the idea
I have made them in the past with roll pins and brass sheet, then dip to paint. You can even close the top of the pin with a little solder or jb weld for effect. If pin is a little wide a little tapping with a light hammer while rolling on anvil closes it up nicely.
What size roll pins do you use?
Size needed for the two size flag holders ( "O" and Standard Gauge).
I see that McMaster Carr has them and they are in stainless, steel and zinc plated.
I have a special stainless steel flux for soldering as I solder stainless to other metals before. Purchased the flux from McMaster Carr years ago, great stuff.
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McMasters Carr is GREAT, have fillister head screws, etc and ship FAST. zinc plated can be soldered with a little filling. I will check my stash at home tonight and get the size for this. Brass sheet can be bought precut in strips that is awfully close to correct width,
Chuck Sartor posted:Then there must have been 2 types, as the original flags on my 262, the die cast 'pole' has broken off in the boiler front. From the metal swelling and trying to be removed. The paint on Eddie's doesn't look right.
In Lionel's Parts List for 1933 and 1935, in both the "0- gauge" and Standard Gauge sections, there are two different part numbers listed: 390-76 (set of two) and 381-93 (set of four). The only flags offered in the 1941 parts list was 390-76 (set of two). IMHO I believe that only physical difference between these different P/N was QUANTITY!
BTW all the listings were for 'white' flags.
Ron M
The 381-93 set of 4 was for electrics. the pole was thinner. There was also a version that had threaded pole for the O gauge 256 electric
Chuck Sartor posted:The 381-93 set of 4 was for electrics. the pole was threaded. Also used on the O gauge 256 electric.
The 1933 Lionel parts list stated that the 390-76 and the 381-93 were for ALL 0-gauge locos. The Std. gauge listing states that the 390-76 was for ALL steam locos and the 381-93 was for ALL electric style locos. The same comments appear in the 1935 listings.
Ron M
So are they original or repro??????? I think they are original. I can tell you this, The color is correct. They are very light beige. my pictures don't show the real color. White ones are repro's.
