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THE GILBERT HALL American Flyer Operating And Assembly Instructions Manual

3/16" scale trains and accessories
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Summary of Contents for THE GILBERT HALL American Flyer

  • Page 2 Suggestions Instructions, and Helpful Hints Planning and Operating your RAILROAD Developed T H E G I L B E R T H A L L . O F S C I E N C E...
  • Page 3 Copyright 1952 THE A. C. GILBERT COMPANY U . S . A . Erector Square, New Haven 6, Conn., Printed U.S.A. M2984...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    C O N T E N T S Planning the Railroad ........... Suggested Track Layouts ..........Wiring Diagram for Train Layout ........ Preparing the Right of Way ..........Using Rubber Roadbed ..........Building Grades ..........Assembling the Track ............Attaching the Track Terminal ........

  • Page 5: Planning The Railroad

    Such a desire can, and probably will, become an accomplishment with you now that you own an American Flyer Train, for you are actually at the very starting point to enjoy all the thrills that such a hobby presents.
  • Page 6 Every bit of this action is automatic or operated from a control board when you use American Flyer equipment. You sit in the dispatcher’s chair with train orders before you and run your whole railroad system by simply pushing buttons and throwing levers.

  • Page 7: Suggested Track Layouts

    SUGGESTED TRACK LAYOUTS On this and the following pages are suggested track layouts showing the number of pieces of track and the size space needed for them. The size and shape of the space which is available to you for your railroading will determine what type layout you can use.

  • Page 9: Wiring Diagram For Train Layout

    METHOD OF WIRING TRACK...
  • Page 10 CONVENIENT METHOD OF WIRING EQUIPMENT...

  • Page 11: Preparing The Right Of Way

    The greatest pleasure is derived from your American Flyer Model Railroad when you have found a place in your home where your layout can be set up permanently. If there is a spare room available it makes an ideal location.

  • Page 12: Using Rubber Roadbed

    The above-mentioned process of making a realistic-looking roadbed is one which takes considerable time and special tools to accomplish. Therefore, American Flyer engineers have developed a very realistic-looking rubber road- bed into which the track is nested firmly and gives the appearance of a real stone roadbed as used by all railroads.
  • Page 13 in the roadbed. The tie can be moved by first loosening the metal clamps with a screwdriver and sliding the tie back on the rail. See Fig. 4. To fill in edges along switches and crossovers, cut the imitation ballast edge from a section of roadbed and tack it to' the table along the edge of the switch so it blends with the rest of the track roadbed as shown in Fig.

  • Page 14: Building Grades

    face through holes at points where controlled equipment is placed. A good temporary arrangement for these lead wires is to wind them around a pencil. When the pencil is removed the coiled wire can be stretched between the two points to be connected without leaving a lot of slack wire on your layout. (See Fig.

  • Page 15: Attaching The Track Terminal

    1/16”, as shown in Fig. 8, then when they are assembled, the results will he a good conection both electrically and mechanically. For the purpose of holding the track together firmly, American Flyer has developed the No. 693 Track Lock, which is a spring clip, packed in most train sets for use when track is not to be fastened to a table or roadbed.
  • Page 16 When attaching No. 690 Track Terminal to section of track, put shoulder shown as “A” against bottom of outside rail as in Fig. 9. Press spring shown at “B” up and around bottom of other rail as in Fig. 10. Take wires shown as “C”...

  • Page 17: Jumper Or Feeder Lines

    JUMPER OR FEEDER LINES In many large layouts it is frequently found that the train slows down when it reaches the part of the track which is farthest from the transformer. This can be remedied by using another track terminal a t that point and running feeder wires from the one terminal to the other, being sure that the BASE POST clips are connected with one wire and the other two clips are...
  • Page 18 on the straight track, which is section As it passes through this section, and into section 2, the double pole, double throw switch is thrown, which changes and section and the track switch is then thrown the polarity of both section to receive the train from section 3.
  • Page 19 Country roads, driveways, and paths can be made by applying a coating of glue or shellac to the surface, and sprinkling American Flyer’s Scenery Gravel on it. Along the highway a fence can be constructed of thin wood shaped up with a penknife and glued together.
  • Page 20 with a green paint, and shake the grass on through a sieve. Allow the paint to dry, then remove the excess grass with a light brush or with a vacuum cleaner attachment. For weeds, select a good variety of weeds from the nearest vacant lot and dip them in green paint of varying shades.

  • Page 21: Transformers

    -25, 75, 100 and 250 Consult the latest American Flyer catalog or your dealer for full information as to the proper transformer to be used with your train layout. I t is always best to purchase a transformer with greater wattage than the one required to operate the train alone.
  • Page 22 Fig. 17. Each throttle operates separately, thus permitting the operation of two or more trains simultaneously on two sections of "A" layout as shown in Fig. 18. AMERICAN FLYER TRANSFORMER DATA A. C. Transformer Variable Volt- Voltage...

  • Page 23: Locomotive Reverse Units

    If permitted to remain in this position the cars or locomotive cause a short circuit and the transformer will burn out. While American Flyer Transformers are built for safety, we recommend disconnecting the transformer from the house current immediately when are not going to use your train for even a short period or when the train jumps the track.

  • Page 24: Switches

    American Flyer switches are very simple to hook-up and operate. Just set the switches in the track layout the same as a piece of straight or curved track and hook up the wires from the control box as shown in Fig.
  • Page 25 When the switches are used for two train operation they MUST be operated in pairs, that is, they must both be set for the same loop, except in the case of spur lines where the end of the track is not connected part of the layout.
  • Page 26 722A Manual Control switch is used the same way as the 720A Remote Control switch with the exception that it operates with a manual lever instead of electricity, and is not lighted. Also, there are no wires to hook up. THE USE OF THE NO.
  • Page 27 Additional information on the 697 Track Trip can be found on page 33. COUPLING AND UNCOUPLING OF CARS American Flyer cars couple automatically on curves, sidings, switches or anywhere on your layout and do so without the use of clumsy and unsightly coupling devices.

  • Page 28: Uncoupler

    The couplers on American Flyer cars are adjusted and tested before packing. The correct adjustment is to have the curved or lowest part of the coupler even with the top of the rails.
  • Page 29 With the locking lever “A” facing left, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 19, insert the fiber base of the special rail section between the first and second ties on the desired section of straight track, at a point in your layout where you want the car to operate.
  • Page 30 Directions for Wiring No. Transformer to a Connect the wires from the transformer to the track terminal, as described on the No. 690 Track Terminal envelope. TWO YELLOW Connect the wires from the Control Box to the Volt Post on the transformer. TWO BLACK Connect the wires from the Control Box to the Terminal...
  • Page 31 Place a small amount of coal in the car, run the train around the track stopping it so that the contact is on the special contact rail. Press the button and the car will tilt, allowing the coal to drop into the tray. Release the button and the door will close.

  • Page 32: Illuminated Equipment

    ILLUMINATED EQUIPMENT American Flyer offers a wide variety of illuminated accessories to help make your railroad more realistic. You will find listed in the American Flyer Catalog, Stations, Signal Towers, Street Lights and various other items which are lighted. These all come equipped with wires and can be attached anywhere along the train layout, but if connected direct to the track, they will not light when the transformer is shut off.

  • Page 33: Operating Equipment

    OPERATING EQUIPMENT Equipment such as the No. 592A Crossing Gate and the No. 761 Auto- matic Semaphore are operated by the No. 697 Pressure type track trip. This trip can also be used to BLOW WHISTLES, CONTROL BLOCK SIGNALS, OPERATE TRACK SWITCHES AUTOMATICALLY, or build a controlled block system in your layout.

  • Page 34: Track Trips

    This very action can be had by using American Flyer’s No. 592A Crossing Gate which has a double gate to protect the roadway and the sidewalk and has a red lantern...
  • Page 35 OPERATING THE NO. 592A CROSSING GATE The No. 592A Crossing Gate is operated by a pressure type track trip No. 697. See information on attaching and adjusting the No. 697 Track Trip on page 3 3 . Study Figure 29 and connect as follows: “A”...
  • Page 36 When Using A Transformer SHORT BLACK WIRE Attach the from one terminal post on the signal to the terminal clip on the track trip. YELLOW WIRE Attach the from the other terminal post on the signal 15 VOLT POST to the on the transformer.
  • Page 37 two fiber pins separated by two sections of track. This called the controlled section because the signal controls whether or not this section has current supplied to it. I f after you have the signal set up and operating you find that the locomotive coasts through the block, increase the distance between the fiber pins.
  • Page 38 #3 CLIP ON THE OTHER GREEN Connect the wire to the TRACK TRIP. Connect the two No. clips together on track trips with a wire. 15 VOLT #1 CLIP Connect a wire from the on one track trip to the POST ON THE TRANSFORMER.
  • Page 39 Connect the two wires which are included to the clips underneath the Lockout Eliminator Box, then hook the other end of one of the wires to the clip on the No. 707 Track Terminal which is located in the dead block. Connect the other wire to the Base Post Clip on the No.
  • Page 40 NOTE: To change the lamp, loosen the small set screw in the lamp housing which will allow the socket to be pulled out to remove the lamp. Use American Flyer Lamp No. for replacement. 4 5 2 ATTACHING THE NO. 596 WATER TANK...
  • Page 41 LISTEN TO THAT WHISTLE BLOW! To every railroad man that deep throated tone of the locomotive whistle is real music, and American Flyer engineers have made it possible for you to reproduce that very soul-stirring sound in your own train layout. The No. 566...
  • Page 42 This, too can be done on your your railroad by use of the No. 583A Electromatic Crane which American Flyer dealer has for You can load steel scrap into a car or out of by simply pressing button.
  • Page 43 WHEN USING A TRANSFORMER 15 VOLT POST YELLOW Connect wire from control box to transformer. BLACK BASE POST Connect wire from control box to on transformer. The crane is equipped with a two button control box and a double wound motor. Pushing the red button will cause the cab and boom to rotate in one direc- tion.
  • Page 44 HOW ABOUT A COAL YARD ALONG YOUR As we travel about the country on our large railroads, we see many coal yards, and many types of equipment for handling coal. American Flyer’s 752A Seaboard Coaler is a towering, coal loader with a giant clam shell...
  • Page 45 type bucket. just pressing a button on the Control Box you drop this bucket onto the coal pile with open jaws Press another button, the jaws snap shut. The load is hoisted to the top of the tower and a moment later the coal is rattling down the chute to the waiting car below.
  • Page 46 GREEN Now press the button, on the Control Box, and the bucket will be lowered to the coal pile. Press the button partially down and the jaws will clamp together. Press it all the way down, and the bucket will be elevated to the tower. Release the button and the coal will fall down into the hopper.
  • Page 47 A STATION THAT ACTUALLY TALKS American Flyer Engineers have developed a prize winning feature year when they brought forth new 755A Talking Station. I t stops the train announces the stations and with a great array of real railroad sounds, it again starts the train on its way.
  • Page 48 BLACK to the Connect the wire from the Talking Station BASE POST on the transformer. YELLOW 15 VOLT POST Connect the wire to the on the transformer. GREEN Connect the wire to one of the clips underneath the control box. SHORT BLACK Connect the wire from the other clip underneath...
  • Page 49 CHANGING THE RECORD To change the record remove the nut on the end of the turntable shaft. See the above diagram. Slide the turntable and the record off the shaft, turn the record over and replace on the shaft with the turntable and washer, tighten up on the nut.
  • Page 50 This same type of action can be duplicated on your layout when you use the new No. 770 Loading Platform. See the freight handler shove the packing boxes down the conveyor chute and into the waiting car. To install this unit place it in the layout so it is along a straight portion of the track.
  • Page 51 the chute end. When the man goes back to his original position he raises the chute end so it will not interfere with any passing rolling stock. To get the maximum amount of play value from this Loading Platform it should be used with the No. 732 or No. 7 3 4 operating cars when doing so be sure that the No.

  • Page 52: Operating Instructions

    HOOK UP OF NO. 771 TO A TRANSFORMER BLACK WIRE BASE POST Connect from Stock Yard to transformer. RED WIRE Connect from Stock Pard to wire clip under the red button on Control Box. YELLOW WIRE Connect from Stock Yard to remaining spring clip on Control Box.

  • Page 53: Scenic Structures

    When the Bumper is snapped in place and the transformer is turned on, the red lamp will light. SCENIC STRUCTURES Four scenic structures in the American Flyer Line, which add much the realism of any train outfit, are: 769A Revolving Aircraft Beacon...

  • Page 54: The Airchime Whistle

    I t is fast replacing all other types of horns. The American Flyer engineers acquired a recording of the famous Nathan airchime whistle, and duplicated it in miniature for the users of American Flyer Trains.

  • Page 55: Using Equipment With 3-Rail Track

    THE USE OF AMERICAN FLYER EQUIPMENT WITH 3 RAIL TRACK Most all American Flyer equipment can be used with layouts having 3 rail track. Any information needed on the hook up of the equipment to 3 rail track will be supplied by the Company a t your request.
  • Page 56 I t is important to keep track clean and free of oil. Clean the running surface regularly with a fine sandpaper, then clean rails with a rag dampened with NON-INFLAMMABLE No. 2 7 American Flyer Track Cleaning Fluid. This will insure a good electrical contact to the pick-up wheels on the tender at all times, Always make sure transformer is turned off before cleaning track with cleaning fluid.
  • Page 57 LUBRICATION OF YOUR ROLLING STOCK I n this age of machines, everyone is familiar with the importance of proper lubrication. Every garage and gas station has complete facilities for lubrication of automobiles, and we know if the auto is not kept well lubricated, it soon will be in the scrap heap.
  • Page 58 2. Turn the locomotive on its back. Back of the rear axle is a steel cover plate that can be removed by unfastening one screw. This exposes a drive gear which should be lubricated with a small amount of vaseline. The cover plate should be replaced to keep dust and dirt out of gears.
  • Page 59 American Flyer has added smoke and choo-choo sounds to some of its trains. The smoke and choo-choo unit in the American Flyer trains is a gear driven piston located in the front part of the locomotive boiler and forces the smoke directly out of the stack.

  • Page 60: Testing The Locomotive

    TESTING THE LOCOMOTIVE a locomotive refuses to run, first see that current is being supplied to the track. After checking the track for shorts as described on page 00, and k., be sure all connections from transformer to track are correct and it is firmly fastened.

  • Page 61: Miscellaneous Tips

    piece of sandpaper on the commutator until all the dark film has been removed. Then, with the current turned off, clean the slots with a needle point. Rotate the commutator manually to reach all three slots. See diagram below: TO CLEAN THE COMMUTATOR ON A STEAM TYPE LOCOMOTIVE (Fig.

  • Page 62: Lamp Data

    MOUNTING All units that operate from Control Boxes have a package of wood screws included. These screw are to be used in CONTROL BOXES : mounting the Control Box to the panel board, the control section of the layout. WIRE Various types of wire connectors are used American Flyer equipment.
  • Page 63 Replacement Lamps STEAM TYPE LOCOMOTIVES Some locomotives have separate boiler fronts, which are held in place by spring clips. T o change lamp, remove boiler front by pulling it straight out of the boiler. You will find the lamp socket fastened to the boiler front. Other locomotives have solid boilers, and the lamp bracket is mounted to the underneath side of the pilot by a screw.
  • Page 64 Wipe the tracks regularly with American Flyer Track cleaning fluid and fine sandpaper. DO-- . Clean wheel rims and tires regularly with rag and American Flyer Track cleaning fluid. Clean metal tender wheel rims and flanges so they do not become pitted or dirty, using No.
  • Page 65 KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND DON’T--Over oil your locomotive or smoke unit. DON’T Put oil on commutator. DON’T Put oil on the brushes. DON’T Get sand or dirt into the locomotive. DON’T Store the train or equipment in damp places. DON’T Get water on the train or tracks.

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