A.C. Gilbert American Flyer 1946 Catalog Layout - Under Construction
The layout is modeled after a 2 page spread in the 1946 catalog.
Left side of upper level trestle and tunnel work.
Right side of upper level trestle with wye in background.
Rolling stock just as drawn in the catalog.
596 Water Tank ready to service the whole steam loco roster.
A peek inside the tunnel that hides the second wye.
A Northern with smoke in tender passes over a classic track gang accessory.
Close-up of the early Northern
The 332 pulling a string of heavyweights on the upper level, gets the green light from the semaphore.
Highballing, clear track ahead!
The Northern's fire gets stoked while waiting for passengers to board.
Full shot of the trestle.
No end of train device back in 1946.
Overall center shot.
The layout measures 8' x 16'. It is made up of 4 - 4x8 tables.
Three trains run concurrently on separate loops. All scenery contours are made with foam.
The foam is then roughed with a Shur-form tool. This allows application of plaster cloth
which accepts paint better and produces a good base for the balance of scenery.
A.C. Gilbert American Flyer Department Store Layout - built for Sibley's Department Store in Rochester, NY.
This Original Gilbert Display Layout was constructed in 1950 by the Gilbert Art Department.
The Chief 360/361 PA/PB set carries passengers past the Magnetic Crane siding on its way to the station.
East end view. As the passenger train leaves the station, two freights bring revenue service into town.
Long shot from the west side shows the diesel approaching the station.
The 752 Coaler and the 773 Oil Derrick dominate the yard scene.
Note the Boys RR Club photo in the lower left next to the 751 Log Loader.
While the layout is similar to the one in the picture, I don't believe this layout
was used in the filming. Variations of this track plan and scene were used
repeatedly in Gilbert's displays.
All four trains 'round the east end simultaneously.
