"Specialists in American Flyer Trains & S-Gauge Railroading"

6 Storeybrooke Drive

Newburyport, MA 01950-3408
Email Doug

My Monthly Availability Calendar

888-708-0782 (from US only)
978-465-8798 (International)
Phone calls: 2-5 PM Eastern
Time, Tue-Thu only

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TOOLS INFO.

TOOLS INFO.

I normally have the following tools available!


WHEEL PULLERS: Two options remain.

Wheel Puller #1: FOR THE SERIOUS REPAIR-PERSON ONLY !

This is an exceptional quality reproduction of an original AC Gilbert Factory Wheel Puller !

UNFORTUNATELY. SOLD-OUT, & UNLIKELY TO BE MADE AGAIN.


Most people have never even seen an original factory tool, but I obtained one, and had it reproduced. It is a real joy to use! Easily closes up underneath the rim of a wheel, and self-centers the drive-post on the axle....no adjusting needed; no slipping off the axle.....Absolutely the smoothest, easiest, damage-free wheel-pulling operation you can imagine.


So why isn't it suitable for everyone??? Because of the cost. These are very expensive to produce----made one at a time---, using extremely hard aircraft steel, and virtually every part of the tool is custom-made.....almost nothing is "off-the-shelf". 

I always recommend that the user allow some oil to seep down around the axle before attempting to pull the wheel.

I have tried this wheel puller on an O-gauge steam engine, and it works just fine for O-gauge wheels as well.

Wheel Puller #2: My most popular Wheel Puller.

I had these made in order to provide durable high-strength tips that shouldn't bend or break under normal use!


I always recommend that the user allow some oil to seep down around the axle before attempting to pull the wheel.

Wheel-Puller for S, O, and Wide gauge wheels, steam or diesel. 


Tips are made of hardened aircraft-grade steel, and have adjustable width to match wheels of varying diameters. Easy to use. Supplied with one pair of tips that will fit underneath S-gauge, O-gauge, and even most standard (wide)-gauge wheels. Replacement tips are available in the unlikely event of damage. This is a QUALITY tool.....not a cheap modified battery-terminal lifter !


[Unsolicited comment: "I just received the adjustable wheel puller I ordered, and used it to pull a wheel almost off from a prewar Lionel 257 loco, just enough to change a gear. I just want to say what a pleasure it is to use that tool.  I have used Lionel's wheel puller in the past, and have broken the jaws on it. I suspect the tool is a casting, therefore it is brittle. I am very happy with the design and manufacture of your wheel puller, and look forward to many good years of use. Thank you.   Larry M. " ]

Wheel Puller #3:

These are also very durable, with high-strength tips, but this puller is not adjustable for width. Supplied with choice of two pair of tips---one for S-gauge steam drivers, and one for S-gauge diesel wheels, or both.


Tips are heat-treated and sturdy, but are not as strong as those in the #2 tool. Easy to use.  I always recommend that the user allow some oil to seep down around the axle before attempting to pull the wheel.

"The S-Scale Assistant"

Carry this credit-card size plastic card in your wallet, and use it anytime you want to quickly check the scale size of a building, vehicle, figure, or anything else.


Supplied with a durable Tyvek sleeve.

$5.00, or two for $9.00

(Sale of these cards benefits the Bristol S-Gauge Railroaders Club.)


BULB EXTRACTOR

Rubber; 3" long

Both ends open, for different size bulbs.

Makes installation & removal of bulbs from hard-to-grip locations simple.

SMOKE-WICK THREADING TOOL

Secure the wick, and easily draw it through the two holes in the smoke unit chamber.

ECONOMY ADJUSTABLE TEST STAND


Use this simple test-stand to test-run your engine, with or without the shell on it, while in the upright position----not upside down. It can be used with a tender attached, while the tender sits


upright on the powered tracks behind it. It is adjustable, including height, for use with any size AF engine.

A similar test stand is available for diesels.


NUT DRIVERS---Two sizes available.


Stop scratching those hex-head linkage screws by trying to remove them with pliers!


3/16" -----for the PA7421 siderod screws on steam engine drive wheels.(#6682)


1/4" ------for the PA5447 eccentric & connecting rod screws on steam engine drive wheels. (#6683)


(Actual tools may not match image.) 


SPREADING TOOLS

SPREADING-TOOL #1


Allows you to spread diecast trucks by applying pressure to the stamped-steel frame rather than the side frames (which weakens or breaks them). Also allows for easy removal of the e-unit drum without bending the stamped-steel frame out of shape, and for spreading aluminum passenger car sides for easier floor removal. You'll find many other uses too!  Supplied with three different interchangeable tips suitable for different tasks.

SPREADING-TOOL #3


This is the ultimate spreading tool, easy to use, and requiring very little effort; I use my own constantly! These may be either new, or used, but in fine condition, and may be identical or similar to the one shown here.


“BRIGHTBOY” Track Cleaner;

Made of a rubber binder that contains an aluminum oxide abrasive.


QUARTERING TOOLS

STYLE #1: Gilbert Factory Tools


Used to accurately press and quarter drive-wheels on American Flyer steam engines. These tools are designed to install and quarter an entire set of drivers at once, as was normally done at the factory. They are not intended to be used to install or re-quarter, a single driver, or a partial set.
Requires only a vise.


These are reproductions of the original AC Gilbert repair shop quartering tools.
Far left: Hudson, K5, Pacific tool.
Middle: Northern tool.
Far right: 0-8-0 tool.


$89 each

(NOTE: The 8-wheel tool cannot be used with 6-wheel engines; there is a spacing difference.)

STYLE #2: Single Axle Quartering Tool


STYLE #2: Single Axle Quartering Tool;


Allows you to quarter drive wheels, one axle a time, rather than pull all wheels and re-mount and quarter them all at once.

STYLE #3: NORTHERN Quartering Block Tool


This tool mounts and quarters all wheels at once and sets the correct wheel gauge at the same time.

Only for use with the 8-wheel Northern engines....and I only have one left in stock.

The 6-wheel Block Tool is sold-out.


Tie-Master Jig


Easily restore bent ties on American Flyer track to the original profile.

BELLOWS JIG

Holds the Smoke-in-Tender bellows end-plates in the exact position while you glue the flexible bellows material to their edges, and across the seam.

5-PRONG PICKUP: “The Gripper”

Easy way to hold onto small screws, brads, etc, during installation or removal.

GENTLE GRIPS TWEEZERS

 Makes placement of figures easy in hard-to-reach spots, with their gentle cushioned tips and long tines.

SCENIC ACCENTS GLUE is applied to the base of figures to adhere them to your layout without any drying time. It allows for later repositioning without applying more glue each time you move the figures. 

EYELET TOOL:
The economy version, "hit-it-with-a-hammer" model ! For setting the hollow 3/16” brass eyelets used to mount trucks on the later freight and passenger cars, and tenders.


a) Tool only is available

b)  Or available with a workbench base & backing post to support the other end of the eyelet and prevent deforming it.

c)  Backing post available separately, if you already have the base.

RIVET TOOL: The economy version, "hit-it-with-a-hammer" model !


Similar to the above Eyelet Tool, but for setting AF (and some Lionel) truck rivets, and available with the same three options.


a) Tool only is available.

b)  Or available with a workbench base & backing post to support the head of the rivet and prevent damaging it .

c)  Backing post available separately, if you already have the base.

ECONOMY LINK COUPLER PIN REMOVAL TOOL #1


A 2-piece improved version of the original AC Gilbert "knock-out" tool to remove link couplers without damage to the truck or coupler.
Used with a hammer, atop a vise or other firm surface.

ECONOMY LINK COUPLER PIN REMOVAL TOOL #2


Similar to the above, but substitutes a workbench base and improved backing post.

a) The entire 3-piece set .

b) Or just the removal tool and backing post,  if you already have the base.

ECONOMY LINK COUPLER PIN INSTALLATION TOOLS


The economy version, "hit-it-with-a-hammer" model !

for setting AF link-coupler pins, and available with these options.

a) Postwar “S” Tool only is available , but I don’t recommend using it without a backing post).

b) Prewar “O” Tool only is also available.

c)  “S” Tool is available with a workbench base & backing post (similar to the one shown above for Eyelet installations) to support the head of the LC pin and prevent damaging the coupler or truck.

d)  Backing post available separately, if you already have the base.

NOTE: Due to differences in production tolerances and plating thicknesses, this tool may not work when attempting to re-install previously-removed original Gilbert link-coupler pins from 70+ years ago ! 


We recommend you always use new LC pins, and not try to re-use old pins that have been previously flared, then removed (which damages the flare), and possibly bent in the process.

ECONOMY LINK COUPLER PIN REMOVAL & INSTALLATION TOOL COMBINATION SET #1


Includes the above described items----

LC Removal Tool

LC Installation Tool

Workbench Base

Both Backing Posts

The economy version, "hit-it-with-a-hammer" model !

for removing & installing AF link-coupler pins.

ECONOMY LINK COUPLER PIN REMOVAL & INSTALLATION TOOL COMBINATION SET #2


Includes the 2 above described tools, plus a one-piece Backing block (seen in this photo) for both removal & installation----

LC Removal Tool

LC Installation Tool

LC Backing Block (from the Brakeman’s Riveter Set) for Gilbert postwar S-gauge LCs.

OPTIONAL BACKING BLOCK can be substituted, on request and at additional cost, which also accommodates removal & installation of Gilbert prewar O-gauge cast-metal LCs.


ECONOMY COMPLETE BASIC TOOL SET: “The Works”…This set includes everything you need (except a hammer!) to remove and install link couplers, install truck rivets, and install 3/16” truck eyelets. All four basic tools, a workshop base that screws to your workbench, and all the backing posts are included.

Complete Brakeman's Super-Riveter Set for S-gauge repairs; (19 items)


The complete S-set includes at least 8 tips and 5 backing posts, plus both tools, the base and wrench, the LC backing block, and the box.


Available with or without wood storage box.


No need to use a hammer with these tools!

Lower right: Brakeman's Super Riveter with assorted tips .

Lower left: Assorted backing posts.
Base and allen-wrench are seen above the posts.

Center bottom: Brakeman's Original Riveter with tips.
Above it is the rectangular backing block for link coupler removal & installation.

Top: Hand-crafted wood storage box and cover.

Brakeman's Super-Riveter Components


a) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 001: COMPLETE BR & BSR SET for S-gauge repairs, in wood storage box


b) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 002: COMPLETE BR & BSR SET for S-gauge repairs, without wood storage box


c) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER SET 003; for rivets, eyelets, and LC repairs. [Does not include the wooden box, or the BR smaller tool & tips.]


d) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 004: BR-2: BSR TRUCK RIVET TOOL, WORKBENCH BASE & BACKING POST; sets truck rivets


e) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 005: BRT6-2: MINI-RIVET TIP FOR BR-2 SUPER-RIVETER TOOL; use for small rivets with miniature tips.


f) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 006: BR-S: RIVET REMOVAL SECURING POST (prevents rivet head from spinning during removal); Used with Workbench Base


g) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 007: BRT2-2: REPLACEMENT RIVET TIP FOR BR-2 SUPER-RIVETER TOOL


h) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 008: BR-PB: WORKBENCH BASE only; attaches to workbench, & accepts all BSR and BR backing posts


i) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 009: BRT3-2; EYELET TIP & BACKING POST ADD-ON SET, to set hollow brass eyelets; Used with BR-2


j) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 010: BRT3-2P: EYELET BACKING POST only; to support truck brass eyelet head; use with BR-PB base and any eyelet tool


k) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 011: BRT3-2T: REPLACEMENT EYELET TIP FOR BR-2 SUPER-RIVETER TOOL


l) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 012: BRT5-2: LINK COUPLER REPAIR ADD-ON SET (Removal & Installation tips, & Backing Block); Used with BR-2 tool


m) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 013: BRT5-2-BS: LINK COUPLER BACKING BLOCK only; Used with any LC tools for S-gauge LC pin removal & installation.


n) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 014: BRT5-2-BSO: LINK COUPLER BACKING BLOCK only; Used with any LC tools for S-gauge & O-gauge LC pin removal & installation


o) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 015: BR-PB-BP: WORKBENCH BASE & RIVET BACKING POST only; attaches to workbench, to support truck rivet head; use with any rivet tool


p) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER-RIVETER 019: BR-2P : RIVET BACKING POST ONLY FOR BR-2 SUPER-RIVETER TOOL.


q) BRAKEMAN'S SUPER RIVETER WOODEN SET BOX only 018; compartmentalized for storage of all BR and BSR components



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