Thank You. This is a great site. Very informative. I just looked at your hints about carving scenery. Thank you, thank you for all the step by step pictures. They are wonderful!!!
Awesome, still want to come out and see it. Maybe in November. Hope you are feeling better since the surgery.
Ed Goldin
As a recent convert from those "large" Scale units now being produced by MTH, Lionel, Kline etc, I starting looking at your site and others and am presently liquidating my O Collection for S, thank you for a very informative site. Also the news of Lionel coming our with a S Gauge Mikado with TMCC and Railsounds added to the decision. Jerry Matsick Jacksonville
I enjoyed your website.
Very helpful information. Wish I had the turntable. Your geared motor conversions are great!
Bob Wilson
Your website, layout, and TMCC information is first class. Keep up the good work! Scott Griggs
Amazing. Carl I envy you. I recently dug up several old AF trains in storage from my fathers attic and thought I would do some research on AF. I am getting ready to sell the trains and whatever is left from the original sets. That's how I came upon your site. Enjoyed it very much. Thanks. Pat
This is a great site! I have been a S-Gauge fan since I was 7 years old, (53 years now). I have a few things, and some special cars but only two freight trains. I am not a collector like you - now it is just too expensive.
What I wanted to ask you is where you obtained your turntable and where did you get your roundhouse.
My uncle used to be an engineer on the Soo Line Railroad in Ashland Wisconsin. When I was 6 years old he used to stop the engine on the way to the round house and my dad would lift me up and I would sit on his lap as he drove the enigne. What a thrill!!! It would take some time to gt he engine lined up and backed onto the turntable but it was worth it. He took me down into the pit area and that was really neat. (My mother didn't think it was because of the grease) Then we would get a 5 cent coke from the coke machine and then I would walk the six blocks home.
Some day I am gonig to set up a layout again - now I just put up a figure"8" track for my granddaughter. No basements in Mobile, AL because we are at sea level and because of the 2nd rainiest city in the United States.
I hope to hear from you. I grew up with the Soo Line and the Great Northern railroads and the Duluth Mesaba Range Iron Ore trains and cars.
Thanks, Rick
This is a great site! I have been a S-Gauge fan since I was 7 years old, (53 years now). I have a few things, and some special cars but only two freight trains. I am not a collector like you - today it is just too expensive.
Thanks, Rick
Greetings,
I am in need of some help. This train belonged to my father and I am trying to figure out what I have. I know nothing about trains and was hoping someone could tell me what they are and if they would make a good gift for my son who is autistic or should I sell them and get him something newer. I think just keeping one would be benefit to him to start with. each car weighs about 9 lbs each and thats just about all I know except that dad bought them from Hays brothers returant in the 60's in Texarkana Tx. Any info would greatly be appreciated. Thank you so much in advance for your help.
Debby
Very nicely done.
Mark D Smith
Hi Carl, I am enjoying your website and have it book marked for information and hints. I had Marx when I was young (now gone) and the first flyer went to my son when he was three. He still has it! I have became reinspired to AF possibly due to ebay, not sure. Either way my dreams are at http://www.trainweb.org/omaha and would appreciate some feedback. 7 grandkids so far and planning on some leisure and interaction time when I retire. The layout shown was originally configured in HO but is being converted to S-gauge. 14 engines and 70 plus cars with a few action accessories will demand a layout that is easily accessed. Thanks for your help with everything. I keep coming back...Great Job! Any thoughts on MTH vs TMCC? Doug (alias redned1951) omaha@rrmail.com
Carl --
Your web site is the finest AF resource I've ever seen. Thank you for all you do for us "Flyer Fanatics!"
Phil K
Thoroughly enjoyed Carl's site. That "crossover" is just gorgeous. The layout only better. Revive's my interest in "S" gauge.
Mike Spanier
Awesome work ! Tom
Hi, You have a terrific site! Lots of information and pictures. Thanks for letting me visit. Bill
Kennebunk2002@yahoo.com
Very informative especially to newer developments. I am an old AF fan. I still have original train I received Christmas 1946.
Hi I think your web site is terrific, I enjoy hints & tips also your Memories section. I'am from canada I can't find any thing like this up here. thank you for the beautiful location.
Carl After 45 years of O gauge 3 railing it, your layout was an encouragement in seeing the light and converting to S gauge. Not too many people sell 60 plus engines, 150 freight cars and 8 passenger sets in O GAUGE and sell all and convert to the Best Scale "S". Thanks J. Matsick Jacksonville
Carl, enjoy your site very much. Particularly enjot the HInts & Tips. You make it easy to understand. I've used several of your tips already. Thanks.
Very nice photos, text and train layout. I'm sure people who see your S guage empire are impressed. Looks like you can now enjoy the effort you put into designing and building your RR empire.
Looks like you're having fun. Keep up the good work and I hope to look into TMCC some more when I get the chance. I know you're offering something for TMCC and flyer. Regards, Ron Kemp
Found your website this morning and have enjoyed visiting it and seeing all the great stuff. Have marked it as a "favorite" to visit again. Thanks! Dick Wholf, Pagosa Springs, CO
Outstanding websie, one of my favorites, Hope to meet you one day. Always a help to research on your site.
Jerry Matsick jacksonville
Neat website. I found some of the articles very useful.
I was wondering if you have had a chance to check whether the new Lionel 4-8-2 can run on code 125 track? Many AF engines will run on this track and not hit the plastic tie plates. Lionel diesel engines did not clear and I can't run them.
I would order a Lionel 4-8-2 if I knew the wheel flanges would clear code 125.
My E-mail address is bruhill@optonline.net .
This site, knowledge and pictures of your layout are absolutely awesome !!!! I would be great to see sometime !!! Also thanks for answering my email !!
Great site. I wish I had the room for a layout this size. If I laid this out in my downstairs my wife would have something to say. I enjoyed looking immensely
Wonderful site, lots of good info. I'm starting a new layout and appreciate the info especially TMCC
Thanks,
Jack Lucot
Hi Carl,
Your web site is good. I was interested in AF hudson TMCC conversion. I would like to do this conversion on an American Models pacific. Will the electronics fit inside the tender? Would you be able to provede a specific parts list and source for the components required?
Thank you, David Aanerud daanerud@usfamily.net
Just wanted to say what a great web page you have..Being new to S scale trains it is great to find someone like yourself who helps out with information on places to look and find ideas for my own layout.
All I can say is your web site is one of the best I have seen. Congrats on a fantastic job!
The best "S" site. Wow! Great Job! Amazing! Carl if you ever sell anymore can motor kits. PLEASE include me. Ted Turczak Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Carl - your website has been a great inspiration to this former 3 rail O gauge guy, who just loves his S scale alyout - are you going to be at York next month Jerry Matsick
Carl - I have seen many websites and though I am not an "S" gauger I have seldom found one with the outstanding content and ease of navigability. Thank you for all your hard work that enables us to enjoy your layout.
Very best, Mike Spanier (hspanier@aol.com)
This is a great web site ..nicely done!
I revist it occasionally.
Am interested in the motors, bulk lot, you had...shows sold out on site page...are you going to be getting more?
Also interested in the "Lionel" reversing units for replacement of old AF ones. I would be purshasing a bulk lot at a time. as I repaire and recondition original AF
Want to know more about signal bridges.. how did you make them and what about signaL MASTS AND LIGHTING THE SIGNALS? what do you use to control the signal lights?
Thanks for your web site, I really enjoy it.
Dr. K. Trains... Peter Loeb email: rr4u@charter.net
Thank you for the excellent quality of your Hints & Tips. I re-geared my LTI AF New Haven EP-5 using your tips & illustrations. Made & used the wheel puller - a great idea. Used a dremel drill press with tunsten carbide cutters to bore out the AM brass worms. I did the last of the boring by hand with a small round file. I over-bored one and recovered by fluxing & dripping solder thru the worm bore, then re-filed. New AM worms now fit well on shaft. The EP-5 runs politely like an AM diesel now. This is a very workable solution for re-gearing the EP-5 at a low cost; I had been looking for an answer to the LTI AF gearing problem for years. Hope others will try this particular solution. (H. H. Apgar, Virginia)
Carl Very interesting and informative website. I live in a small house with no basement and my brother lives in an apartment so our AF have been display only for over 30 years. AF wasn't as popular here in Ontario Canada but luckily our uncle owned an appliance store in Royal Oak Michigan where he sold AF. Christmas 1955 saw a Pennsy K5 Pacific freight under the tree for my brother and 1957 saw a NH Alco passenger train under the tree. We had a typical train table 5'x9' layout for a few years but eventually packed them all away in boxes. We had Plasticville buildings and our Dinky toys(which we still have as well) and the layout brought raves from those who saw it at the time. Bye the way we always kept our stuff mint. I've almost got my wife talked into putting my train around next years Christmas tree. I love your layout pictures,track,rolling stock etc.,it looks real. Keep up the good work. Paul
i thought it is great
Excellent site!
We have enjoyed looking at your layout. It is FANTASTIC. We are at work on our three rail layout and find yours of great inspiration. Thank you for sharing it. Bobby and Ian Everson
great ideas you have here. I am hoping to be able to incorporate some into a future layout in the basement. Al Rawdon Golden Spike American Flyer Club Layton, Utah
Very nice website. I plan to visit weekly. I presently have no layout as we recently moved and my old layout will not go up the attic stairway. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to build a new one. I have a mixture of AF, AM and S Helper. Do you have any info on adding DCC to the AM 4-8-4? Does the Lionel Dockside have a DC can motor? I expect so though I haven't dis-assembled it yet. Joe Kimber jkimber_dli@yahoo.com
Carl, You have helped me with several problems so here is the next one. I have a 302 that I am turning into a Christmas engine. It does not have a tender. I have the parts to create a tender but will need to add an e-unit. If I use the original motor and want TMCC and full sound, what would you recommend in the new electronic parts? Thanks for the help. Clifford Manning clifma19@cox.net Topeka, Ks
This is by far the most informative S-gauge site on the web. The hints & tips section have greatly helped me. Thank You and keep up the great work.
Excellent site and great pictures! Lots of information. How about adding a "basic" wiring section (for beginners like me) with pictures and comments about how and why you did it the way you did.
I am very interested in how you put your turntable together. I just got a 24" Bowser and it came with "O" roller boggies in the pit. I would like to see details on how yours. Thanks for the great site! Warren Allen Evans Crescent City S Gaugers New Orleans, Louisiana
I'm a long time HO modeler with a 10 yr. layout but if I had to do it over I would definetly change to S scale. Your layout is really nice and well thought out. I would like to see it in person. What is the deminsions of it? An admirer of your hard work and dedication to detail. Dennis Vallance, Shepherd,Mi.
This site is the BEST I have ever seen. I can see that a lot of work has gone into it. Thanks from a baby boomer now full of hope that I will be able built my own Layout one day. The information is just fantastic! God Bless You and Yours
Hi Sweetie Just was showing off your trains at work!!! Love ya Me
Carl, I met your wife at the doctors office this morning and she gave me the web site after I told her that I was going to start a train layout. I can only hope that some day mine will be half as nice as your. That is some neat piece of work. I enjoyed looking at the pages and will pass it along and return in the future. Thank you! Jerry Rutkowski, Granger, IN.
Carl, Thanks for sharing all that you do. It is great to come to a place where one can get good information on all the electronics and new "stuff" on all the items out today.I really appreciate the color pictures you enclose with the instructions. It takes a lot the fear out of opening these new engines. Sincerely, Lou Templeton
Great layout, I wish I could find the room for one. Can't wait for the landscaping to complete it.
Carl, My name is Joe Craig. I am an ooficer with CASG. Thanks for being at our S-fest. I want to send something to you so can I obtain an address? I would also like your phone# just for my afteraction report. Hope to have you back infour years. Like your web site also. Will paste it into my favorites. Joe Craig 602 S. Garfied Ave. Hinsdale Ill 60621 630-789-0979
Nice layout I had AF since I was 3 I'm 57 now. I have a large collection myself. I did enjoy your photos, really neat Lionel factory photos. Keep up the good work on that layout! John
Hi Carl, I like your website and your layout. I plan on going with S scale as the size appeals to me. My room is about 15'X17' not conducive to an elaborate track plan but still big enough for some fun. I'm more of a scenery guy anyway. I would like to go with a minimum of a 30" radius. What type of track are you using and will a 30" R be ok? Thanks
Great website! Love those trains!!!!!!!! Regards, Jerry Brush Wauchula, FL
Great Website! Lots of good info for a newcomer to the hobby like me. Thanks!! ....Dan A. Donald,OR.
Carl, your website is great. I have two questions: Who makes the dwarf signals and signal bridges that are on your layout? Also, regarding the new Lionel/AF northerns: did you consider (or try) replacing the smoke units with the "angel hair" replacement smoke kits that are sold by Portline Hobbies? The lionel/AF northerns are wonderful to run but the smoke output just doesn't cut it. (why didn't lionel make them with TMCC?)
Great layout Tom Donovan
I have really enjoyed your web site! Very enjoyable and easy to use. I got some good ideas from your tips on scenery! thank you
Hello I seen your site mentioned in the TCA Quarterly. So I thought I would check it out. It is truly a great site and full of information. I am presently involved with assembling my 70 Cuda(money pit). And will be building a new S layout. We bought a new home 3 Years ago. Disassebled the old one which was not built to move. Now I have the basement to build what I have wanted for 60 years. Also I have had my eye on the AM northern, so your review of the engine sold me. I will be checking your site frequently. Thank you. John 88-27314
Carl, I've been meaning to check out your website, so I did this evening....my oh my! I'm IMPRESSED!!! I always knew you liked to tinker on things, but this takes the cake. Your attention to detail is awesome. I always like to play with my model railroad track when I was little. But can you imagine seeing this when you were a little one. Your grandchildren must think your Santa. Maybe someday I can have you repair a couple of train cars that I had when I was little. They need some repair. Take care and keep on chugging. Paul Stage
I have a copy of this document that was printed on a color copier and has faded and is hard to read, I am unable to fine it on your web page. Can you help me get a readable copy. http://www.tuveson.com/minidriveracdc/tmcc-ac-dc-boardmain.htm Thanks, John A. Salzetti
Hi Carl, I thoroughly enjoy your site. You've done a wonderful job. I appreciate your hints and tips. I just received an 809 Gray Northern. I have all the problems that you wrote about. "No smoke and sqeaking choo choo sound. I would like to know if you had any suggestions on restoring the mechanical Choo choo. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the help, Jack Lucot
Carl I think your work is Brilliant!! I have visited your website lots of times and find it very inspirational, especially the can motor retrofits, gear reductions, etc. And your pioneering use of TMCC. You are a true credit to the hobby. However I am a lifetime O-gauger and sometimes I wish you would have turned your considerable talents to that scale. Thanks again for all your hard work, and your willingness to share it with others!! Ted Sowirka Fort Worth, TX
Your site is one of the best I've seen. Especially the hints and tips. Your layout is fantastic. Chuck Smith http://www.trainweb.org/chucksmith/
Hello Carl, I have enjoyed yourwonderfull web site many times and gained valuable information as well. I just want to say Thank You! Its obvious you are a talanted and knowlegeable person who us S gaugers are most fortunate to have the friendship of. Thanks again and bset wishes. Wayne Schneyer
Hello again Carl! This is Allen Evans, down in Louisiana with the Crescent City S Gaugers. Carl, we want to refer to your article on modifying the chuffing on the AF Northern as part of our input to the "Club Sandwich" for the NASG Dispatch. Is that OK with you? We will say its your mod and give you credit. Best Regards! Allen allen.evans@charter.net
Carl, Nice website and layout. I'm jealous can't seem to find time to work on mine. John Kane Sterling Heights, MI Kanejohnp@aol.com
Carl...I finally had time to go all the way through your site...excellent! There's a lot of neat info here. Thanks for all the goodies! Stumpy Stone...the Mad Butcher of Martins Ferry, OH.
can you show more recent pictures
Absolutely love your layout. I am in the process of switching from O Gauge MTH Premeir layout to S. What kind of track and switches do you recommend? What make of engines do you run? Do you use DCC? Any help is much appreciated. Thanks, Ken
Looking for S gauge track for a Gilbert American Flyer train purchased in 1962. Grandfather passing the train to grandson. Any help is appreciated . Abe Friedman fdfriedman@yahoo.com
This is a great site! I am glad that I found it and have benefitted from the information and ideas here. Thank you, George Garlock
Dear Carl, Today is Christmas 2007. I was thinking about my AF set which has been packed away since my father - in - law had it in the late '50's.I decided to look on the internet for some parts that I know that we need to get it running again and I happened to come upon your website. I am very impressed with your layouts and the attention that has been given to the details. I will surely be back to visit this site from time to time as we venture into resurrecting the AF set. Thank - you for all the info you have provided on your site.
hey ...Carl...great site i'm changing one of my hudsons over to dc can motor and would like to have the electronic e unit...how do i get one...no one in my area carry any lionel or flyer parts or trains...to do this...let me know...if you can send me one would like that to...butch young
I still stop by to see your site from time to time. In my opinion you have the absolute best TMCC and S gauge site on the web. Thank you very much for the service you are performing for us. Jeff Davis
Carl, Very interesting site. I like the custom crossover. Barry Jamison Penna.
One of the Best Personal Websites I have seen. Also the neatest wiring. I wish I had you in my Crew. Jim Enroughty, Richmond, VA.
Carl, It has been a pleasure to look at and admire your layout and modeling work over these past years. As an avid "S" scaler, I find that we are few and sometimes not very coorative group. But your willingness to share and futher our cause is very much encouraging. Keep up the great work. You have helped me in my effort to be a resorse and help to our "S" gauge community. Sam Rapp S-n-S trains.
Excellent site - lots of useful info on AF and other trains. Thanks! Art
Nice work ! great looking S layout. George/ New Hampshire, USA
Carl Thanks for allowing us the pleasure of seeing your layout on Friday. I was looking for the train detector information that I thought you said were on your site. I could not find it. Did I miss it or was I mistaken. Your phots are far better than the ones I took, thanks again.
CARL...SPOKE TO RECENTLY ABOUT VACATIONING THRU THE SOUTH BEND AREA ...AM FLYER AND S OPERATER, AMERICAN MODELS TRACKAGE, SEMI SCALE, ETC ...LEAVING FROM W. IL. TOMORROW AND WAS WONDERING ABOUT SEEING YOUR LAYOUT SAT. ...YOU'D SENT PREVIOUS E-MAIL W/ YOUR PHONE AND WE HAD A PHONE CONVERSATION, BUT HAVE LOST YOUR PHONE # ...LOOKING FORWARD TO POSSIBLY GETTING TOGETHER FOR SHORT VISIT ...ROD PRICE
Thanks Carl, just wonderful, and such an invaluable resource. Wonder who to contact to get best service/price on AF/Lionel parts like for Mikado/ passenger trucks for new heavyweights? Thanks again Peter Loeb, rr4u@charter.net
What an impressive layout. I have had Flyer since my birth in 1952. In 1989-90, over the holidays, I lost several thousand dollars of collectable Flyer in a fire at my Fathers. Since, I met the couple from Fort Wayne who own "Robin's Trains" and got into serious crafting of "junk" stuff, and, in the 90's, connected with American Models and purchased a number of things from them. Sadly, my dreams of a place for my trains to run was lost when my wife and I lost our house in North Liberty. While all of my 'S' is stored in my friend's basement, don't worry, no moisture, I await the day when I am able to build, like you have, the kind of layout where multiple trains can operate at once. Your work is impeccable and again, impressive. I will visit this web site often as it keeps me in touch with my dream. Thanks.
Carl, Tim Piech again. I was raised in the Lakeville area and went to Laville High School. Even hauled grain out of the old elevator (1973) right by those tracks in your pictures. Didn't I used to see an old switcher, maybe a Baldwin, on that siding? Haven't been by there lately, so, I don't even know if it still sits on that siding or not.
hey carl nice layout question i bought am track also have you had any problems with turn outs my am sd60s front wheel comes off track when passing through turnouts any sugestions??????? thanks pat no new pics lately hope all is well