Metal Diesel Locomotives by A.C. Gilbert

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

The PA was A.C. Gilbert's first diesel model, with Santa Fe being the first road name used. The first paint scheme was the all-chrome one, then later the Warbonnet version was added. The red-and-silver paint scheme was introduced later and was manufactured for 12 years. Both A- and B-units were made. The #360/#361 set of the A-B-units, shown in the photo, were cataloged as "#362" (shown in the catalog with red stripe and the Santa Fe Warbonnet). Of the six variations, only three have the Warbonnet. The unit in the photo without the Warbonnet is unusual as is it has a yellowish chrome-finish with wire handrails. It was produced for only a few months in 1950 making it the rarest of all of the #360/361.

Set Running on Carey Williams' Layout

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

365

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1953

Road Number:

360, 364

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

A PA-1 and PB-1 set.

The consist running on the layout, by Precision Flyer Repair.

The engines running light on a test loop of track.

Christian runs the engines on the inner loop of his layout.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

4713

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1953

Road Number:

470, 471, 473

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

The PA/PB Santa Fe units were produced from 1953 through 1958. Only the 1953 unit, shown in the photos, has the chrome finish with the red Warbonnet. Starting in 1954, the Santa Fe chrome finish was changed to a satin silver finish with a red Warbonnet, as there were issues with the chrome finish which tended to chip and flake off.

Doing a test run of the engine.

The consist running on Precision Flyer Repairs' layout.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

472

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1956

Road Number:

472

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

PA unit by itself.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

4856

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1956

Road Number:

484, 485, 486

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

Produced through 1957. Only #484 was powered. The body is painted yellow, blue, with a black roof.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

48456

Additional IDs:

21910, 21720, 21929, 20380

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1956

Road Number:

484, 485, 486

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Photo

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

This is an PA-PB-PA set. For two years A.C. Gilbert made this version of the PA in the Santa Fe "Freight" paint scheme. The locomotive features twin motors in the 484, "diesel roar" and "air chime" whistle in the non-powered 485 B-unit, and a headlight in the 486 non-powered A-unit. All three units have knuckle couplers front and rear. Variations: metal steps held on by two rivets or one eyelet. This same locomotive set came in late 1957 and 1958 as a five-digit numbered engine: ID #21910, road numbers: 21910 (A-unit with twin motors), 21910-1 (B-unit with horn and roar), and 21910-2 (non-powered A-unit). A separate B-unit was made. #21720 with horn and roar, very uncommon and sometimes found in a box marked 21910-1. In 1960 apparently some left-over 484 and 486 A-A locomotives (no B unit) were sold as ID #21929 (uncataloged engine). #20380 was a three-unit set sold in 1956 and 1957.

The engines running on a temporary floor set-up.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Restoring a Set of the 5-digit Version (part 1 of 2)

Restoring a Set of the 5-digit Version (part 2 of 2)

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

21927

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1959

Road Number:

21720

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

This is a PA-1 only, produced through 1962. The last two years they were sold without a front coupler.

Disassembly and Repair

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

21910

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe (ATSF)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1958

Road Number:

21910, 21910-1, 21910-2

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

This A-B-A set only has a powered lead locomotive.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

405

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1952

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

The 1952 Silver Streak PA has three variations none of which has the number printed on the unit. The rarest of all has a yellow stripe on the side. Originally the Silver Streak was intended to be produced as a Burlington Route locomotive as indicated by the cover of the 1952 Advance Catalog #D1667. Apparently, the deal between the CB&Q and Gilbert broke down late in the game so the road name was changed to the "Silver Streak".

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

4778

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1954

Road Number:

477, 478

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

"Silver Flash". A PA-1 and PB-1 set, with the PA-1 having two motors and the PB-1 not being powered. A chrome version was made in 1953.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

479

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1955

Road Number:

479, 480

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

"Silver Flash". A set of a PA-1 and a PB-1.

The engines running on a loop of track.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

481

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1956

Road Number:

481

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Wiring Diagram

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

"Silver Flash".

Doing some maintenance work

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2)

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2)

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

466

Additional IDs:

467

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1953

Road Number:

466, 467

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

"Silver Comet". A PA-1 and PB-1 sold as a set, with only the PA-1 being powered

Neil Ferris runs the train pulled by these engines.

Precision Flyer Repairs test-runs the the PA-1.

The A-B consist running on the layout.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

4745

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

fantasy: American Flyer Lines

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1953

Road Number:

474, 475

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

"Rocket". Two PA-1 units sold as a set. A silver-painted version was available in 1954 and 1955.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Running on a Layout

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

21920

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Missouri Pacific (MP)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1958

Road Number:

21920/21920-1

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

This is an A-A set.

Disassembly and Repair

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

21922

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Missouri Pacific (MP)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1959

Road Number:

21922/21922-1

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

4945

Additional IDs:

497, 21561

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

New York, New Haven & Hartford (NH)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1956

Road Number:

495, 494, 496, 497

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

The 495 came as the 4945, a set of two A-units with numbers 494 and 495. 494 has dual motors. 495 has diesel roar and horn sound in it without a motor. In 1957 a single PA with a single motor was cataloged as 497 and as 21561 (uncataloged). Late in production it also came with the molded on steps. The model shown in the photo is of a 495 with a single motor, and it was likely made up from left-over shells at the factory, or had a replacement shell put on it by a repair station.

The engines are pulling a colorful Christmas-themed passenger train.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

21561

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

New York, New Haven & Hartford (NH)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1958

Road Number:

21561

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

This is a PA-1 only. Produced with either plastic steps or sheet metal steps (1-rivet and 2-rivet versions).

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

4913

Additional IDs:

21916

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Northern Pacific (NP)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1956

Road Number:

490, 491, 492

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

This is an A-B-A set, which was produced through 1957. Only #490 was powered.

Servicing this model (part 1 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Servicing this model (part 2 of 2), by Neil Ferris.

Repairing and correcting two of these.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

21551

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Northern Pacific (NP)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1958

Road Number:

21551

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part:

Notes:

This is a PA-1 only. Produced with either plastic steps or sheet metal steps.

Model Manufacturer Info

Manufacturer:

A.C. Gilbert

Manufacturer ID:

21925

Prototype Info

Category:

PA-1

Year/Era:

1946

Manufacturer:

American Locomotive Company (Alco)

Road Name:

Union Pacific (UP)

Model Info

Gauge:

AF

Introduced:

1958

Road Number:

21925/21925-1

Product Type:

Metal

Finish:

painted & lettered

Wheels:

hi-rail

Couplers:

AF

Online Article:

Supplemental Part:

Supplemental Part: