Your knowledge of these American Flyer trains never cease to amaze me. Thank You for the information !!!!!!!!!

Nothing beats vintage American Flyer for smoke and sound. I go to many local (Connecticut) train shows and that distinctive choo choo sound stands way above the modern electronic ones.

Running faster in reverse (or slow in forward) is really a problem with the commutator rubbing against the brush tubes and that's why adding a thrust washer to the brush end of the armature helps. It's mechanical binding. If you remove or use a thinner forward thrust washer, you will fix the problem. I know Doug Peck disagrees with me, but I have done it and it works. Thanks for a plug for my book!

The greatest smoker and photography that is right there in front my nose! Love it all.

great video. I really appreciate your content.

Very nice tutorial! I am glad to hear younger AF lovers mentioning my favorite AF guru, Tom Barker. I have been using Toms books and advice for many many years. Since the mid 70’s. Your videos are so thorough and thought out! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

I agree, those are great smokers. I am not going to fiddle with my engines but I love to watch other people work on them. I don’t even collect AF’s and I look forward to your videos. Keep up the great work!!!

Yes stretching the springs a little may work with the speed. Engine doesn't look really dirty which is a plus. Hmm, a washer might work.

I have my grandpas Hudson its runs and smoke a little to well love to see you fixing these up and making them like new I'm currently in the market for a smoke in tender 312 to go with my grandpas Hudson love the video keep up the great work!!

Love your videos huge flyer fan in canada

Another beautiful Flyer locomotive back on track. Whenever your schedule is free I have a 326 that needs your TLC

There are three different size thrust washers available so you can mix and match and get them just right.

Extremely informative and helpful video Austin. Thanks.

Wow that is a real smoker!

Check spring tension; you can lightly stretch those brush springs and gain performance. Usually if you switch the springs from one tube to the other, it will run weaker in reverse and scream in forward.

I think I see a bottle of Whaloil there. Great stuff and it cleans off rust using just cotton swabs. Just cleaned another 930 caboose I just bought along with a 904 caboose that is going to look Ex+ when I am done with it. I never buy junk so that is one reason why I don't like taking anything apart, plus I am not good at doing rivit work with no tools for that kind of a job. Gee that 322 really got a nice overhaul from an expert that you are.

Ok I have one ran slow then stopped thanks for ideas

Austin, install a trust washer on the rear of the armature shaft by the oil-slinger .

Darn screws on the motor can't be tight at all I have found.

To check brush spring, push on brush. If improvement, arrange more spring push. If no improvement, spring ok. A bigger influence comes by remount of commute tor relationship revolution to the armature lobes. Try reinstalling commutator in various rotations to the armature lobes.

would it be at all possible to do a clinic trouble shooting to fix the diesel roar/horn on the B unit? I really value your advice and the content of you vids. i have a Santa fe A-B-A loco. the B unit speaker is on the fritz. a couple years back i suffered a stroke. rendering my left side paralyzed. meaning its challenging to perform fine repair. I remembering popping off the shell and seeing a tear on the speaker horn. and set it a side for a rainy day project. i believe it to be more complicated then simply swooping out the drum.or an aftermarket Lionel sound unit. but soldering can be challenging for the reason aforementioned. with these percious AF engine I like to look before leaping, hence seeking your advice and guidance. The lesson here is never assume you have unlimited time to resolve issues so don't delay, time is invaluable life takes unexpected turns and twist thank you so much for your response. just want the ROAR BACK Respectfully always, Brian

I have American flyer trains and have never ran them it probably going to be a big mess when I do!

While removing excess thrust of the armature helps some I bet the real cause of the 'Faster in reverse' symptom is cupping of the commutator.

How would you do a rewire of the field coil or armature for the motor??

I have an american flying steam engine passenger set set my dad bought in the early 1950s, struggling to find a place on my o gauge trainboard. Im planning a video of the flyer set. gotta find the time to do the video, should be unique. My set hasnt been run in 52 years, but is in great shape, kept away from moisture and temp change. wish I knew what maintenance is best before I attemp a first run . hopefully you may help me prepare the engine, I have no clue and there are no train shops left in new jersey. Planning on doing my first trainboard video in next 7 days. its has only a light on the steam engine that also shine thru the stack. no smoke unit or sounds. help! gary j

Austin, what make/model is the camera set up directly in front of you? Thanks.

Weak brush springs

I really don't learn anything watching you in fast forward. All the details I hope to glean by watching your video are missing, and the music gets obnoxious. Sorry I was hoping for more learning.

How the heck are you supposed to follow a video in fast forward? I'm not gonna rate it but so far half way through.. zero stars..

Hey Austin, another great video! I’m actually watching it for the first time in May 2022 because I have a question for you. I recently acquired a 322 Hudson from an estate sale. It runs very well and steams so-so. However, it doesn’t have the classic AF choo-choo sound. I know Flyer made 4-6-4 Hudson’s for quite a few years with variations. But didn’t they all have the choo-choo sound? Browsing through online AF catalogs, all the Hudsons were advertised with smoke and choo-choo. Do you think it very likely needs a good mechanical service? Thanks much, Mike