American Flyer Locomotive 21145

by Oct 31, 20141 comment

American Flyer Locomotive 21145 Switcher

American Flyer Locomotive 21145 Switcher

Catalog Description

Nickel Plate R.R. Switcher can be purchased separately if desired. Has smoke and Choo-Choo sounds, plus Pull-Mor power. Also included with Yard King special train.

The American Flyer Locomotive 21145 Switcher 0-8-0 would have had 0 leading, 8 driving, and 0 trailing wheels. The 346 was referred to as the “yard goat”. Originally produced in 1955, there were 6 other models of the Switcher 0-8-0 produced by Gilbert.

American Flyer Locomotive 21145 Catalog Image

A switcher is a small train engine built for short distance hauling and moving rail cars around a freight yard. Essentially, they put the train together and then a large locomotive is brought in to haul the train to its destination. Switchers are also sometimes used to make short distance runs and pick up cars on branch lines. The typical switcher is optimized for its job, being relatively low-powered but with additional traction designed to get heavy cars rolling quickly. Switching is hard work, and heavily used switch engines wear out quickly from the abuse of constant hard contacts with cars and frequent starting and stopping.

One major difference between the 21145 Switcher and other American Flyer Steam Engines is the addition of a coupler on the front of the engine. This enables linking multiple engines together for extra pulling power. It is recommend that the faster engine be placed first. The American Flyer Locomotive 21145 had red glowing smoke, choo-choo sound, steam Whistle and the pull-mor motor.

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1 Comment

  1. Kevin A Timko

    I have a question regarding the rear light on the tender of a 21145 switcher. The model I have does not have the light In the housing. no one has been able to clarify if the tender of a 21145 came with a light from the factory . Can you help? Thanks Kevin

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