Gilbert accessories #561 through #588 are on page 1
#591 through #752A are on page 2
#755 through #762 are on page 3
#766 through 785 are on page 4
#787 through #23601 are on this page
#23602 through #23786 are on page 6
#23787 through #23830 are on page 7
Lionel accessories #2300 through #49807 are on page 7
#49808 through 49819 are on page 8
# 49820 and above are on page 9
In 1957, Gilbert computerized and changed from a 3-digit numbering system to a 5-digit system. (Volume II of Greenberg's Guide contains a detailed discussion of 5-digit numbering from its inception.) During the transition, the unsold inventory of 3-digit accessories was sold in 5-digit boxes. After that stock ran out, Gilbert continued manufacturing similar or identical accessories. Some items changed little, if at all, in the years that followed. Therefore, it is often impossible to tell whether the accessory you're looking at was originally sold as a 5-digit unit or a 3-digit unit, unless you have the box it came in. A unique exception is the #23789 Station and Baggage Smasher which had the 5-digit number molded into the plastic underneath. Accessories that had a green base (like the 23589 station) changed from a light green to a darker green base. The font changed on operating buttons and the 5-digit buttons had slots on the side. You need to know what to look for if you want to tell the difference. There are clues, but they are subtle!
Unless otherwise specified, the pictures on this page are from the collection of The Upstairs Train.
(Photo courtesy of Rick Dunn.)
The little man in the blue overalls rides the carriage down under the building, picks up a log, carries it up over the waiting #914 log car, dumps it in the car, and returns for another log. Here's a little closer look:
(Photo courtesy of Rick Dunn.)
(Photo courtesy of Rick Dunn.)
(Photos courtesy of Rick Dunn.)
In 1958, Gilbert switched to a 5-digit numbering system and made 17 more operating accessories, most being versions of the earlier accessories above. with the items In general, you need the box to verify whether an item is the 3-digit version or 5-digit version. The are some differences that are clues,such as black accessory shed roofs and dark green bases, though this is not good on very early items before they switched paint colors. Some differences are more subtle, like the small notch on each side of the red button, and the lettering is different than earlier buttons. Bottom line: get the box!
#23561 Billboard Horn with plastic base; the 5-digit version of #561, made in 1958 & 1959.
(Photo courtesy of an anonymous donor.)
(Photo courtesy of Ronald W. Durst.)
#23596 Operating Water Tank painted sheet metal construction made in 1957 & 1958.
There is no way to tell whether it is a 598 or 23598; the number appears only on the envelope it came in.
(Photo courtesy of an anonymous donor.)
#23599 Talking Station Record made in 1957. Its recording is the same as #599.
There is no way to tell whether it is a 599 or 23599; the number appears only on the envelope it came in.
(Photo courtesy of an anonymous donor.)
(Photo courtesy of an anonymous donor.)
Show me the rest of the Operating Accessories.
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If you or your friends have some American Flyer trains and would like them to go to a nice home where they'll be loved and cared for, this is the place! Email me: theupstairstrain@yahoo.com. See my Wish List for the items I need most. Thank you very much.
On the other side of the coin, I post pictures from time to time on my For Sale page of surplus items I have for sale.
The books I am using for reference are listed in the Bibliography page. All the writing and all the pictures on this website are, however, my own, except where cited. No copyrighted materials have been included and all pictures provided by others are used by permission.
Now show me:
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