Here we have a very nice, original, uncataloged and exceptionally rare, two tone Blue PAINTED American Flyer O Gauge Locomotive produced in the early 1930s and sold by J.C. Penny for their Nation Wide Lines range of Model Trains. This locomotive is equipped with four brass plates all of which display the number 3113. Normally, this number is associated with the #3113 Bluebird locomotive which was lithographed in blue with thin yellow detailing, however this Nation Wide Lines locomotive is painted in blue with yellow window trim and a different shade of blue paint on the roof. This particular locomotive has replacement wheels likely because the original wheels were swollen, preventing the normal operation of the locomotive. It may also have been rewired. The locomotive was tested and it ran forward, and when the reverse lever on a roof was activated, it reversed the operation of the motor. The headlight on one end of the roof did illuminate correctly. Not sure, but the headlight casting may be a after market replacement. Otherwise, it is all original and complete.

 

Very limited production as a department store special means that few of these show up today. This engine pulled Nation Wide line set #176/9 which consisted of this engine, one #80 and two #81 cars, one of which was an observation. These cars which were very similar to the earlier Illini and Colombia 9 1/2 inch passenger cars, were lithographed in a beautiful shade of blue. These unique cars were the only 9 1/2 inch lithograph cars that were lithographed in this color that American Flyer ever made.

Overall this a very desirable and highly sought after locomotive for your very rare and attractive Nation Wide Set

 

#3113 American Flyer Nation Wide Lines Locomotive: Overall condition is VG(C-6) with some nicks and scratches. One side is VG- (C-6-) with some scratches, while other side is VG+ (C-6+) with one or two scratches. One end is EX (C7) with a nick or two, while the other end is VG (C-6) with a small area of paint loss. Roof is VG- (C-6-) with some paint loss around long edges. The frame is EX (C-7) with some slight loss of red paint on cowcatchers.

Please verify the condition with the photographs supplied. You will receive the American Flyer Locomotive shown in the photographs. 

 

Very low Buy It Now price, and no reserve!

 

ABOUT AMERICAN FLYER O GAUGE

Edmunds Metzel and American Flyer in Chicago manufactured O Gauge trains from 1907 until 1937. AC Gilbert bought American Flyer, moved production to New Haven, CT, and continued O gauge production until 1942. These trains included both clockwork (1907-1932) and electric (1918-1942). The prime market for AF O gauge is for collectors. There are some people who operate them, with the nostalgia that entails, and they like the fact that they can rather easily be repaired for operation.

To date, no one is reproducing American Flyer O Gauge Trains, which enhances and slowly increases their value to collectors, as, over time, the O Gauge trains available decreases. There are no more AF O gauge trains, other than what was originally produced through 1942, and many of these have been lost, broken, thrown away, or destroyed in fires or floods and this will continue.

Lastly, from 1907 through 1942, the American Flyer Line included lithographed models which are among the most realistic and most beautiful trains ever produced, as Louis Hertz, the dean of toy train collecting, has repeatedly said.

 

I have been collecting and researching American Flyer O & S Gauge for 48 years and TCA member since 1975. I strive to accurately describe the cosmetic condition of each item with TCA Grading Standards and the rarity and desirability by my long experience with these trains. When appropriate, I will grade all visible surfaces, or if they grade the same, I will provide an overall condition grade. Also, I point out any reproduction parts that I recognize or any surface restoration that appears not to be original.