A.C. Gilbert fantasy: American Flyer Depressed-center Flat Cars
Model Manufacturer Info
Manufacturer:
A.C. Gilbert
Manufacturer ID:
948
Prototype Info
Style:
depressed-center
Length:
56'
Road Name:
fantasy: American Flyer
Model Info
Gauge:
AF
Introduced:
1953
Road Number(s):
648
Product Type:
metal
Finish:
painted and lettered
Wheels:
hi-rail
Couplers:
AF
Online Article:
Online Article:
Supplemental Part:
Supplemental Part:
Notes:
This is a track-cleaning car. If you compare this car to #636, you'll notice that these use 4-wheel trucks, whereas #946 uses the prototypically-correct 6-wheel trucks. The space of the "missing" axle is taken by the track-cleaning rollers. These models were made through 1957. The leading wipers are saturated with the cleaning fluid (held in the tank "load"), and the trailing wipers dry the rails. A.C. Gilbert #27 Track Cleaner was the recommended product to use. This version used the knuckle couplers.
(image copyright © Allyn Pearlman (Papa Ben's Train Place); used by permission)
(image copyright © Jim Hammond; used by permission)
(image copyright © A.C. Gilbert)