Bidspirit auction | American Flyer 342 AC Nickel

American Flyer 342 AC Nickel Plate Road 0-8-0 Switcher Locomotive and Tender - An American Flyer S-gauge model train set comprising a 0-8-0 switcher steam locomotive and a coordinating slantback tender. The locomotive features a die-cast metal body with an 8-wheel drive arrangement and metal side-rod linkage. The tender is constructed of molded plastic and features printed white text on the sides reading AMERICAN FLYER and a boxed logo for the NICKEL PLATE ROAD. The locomotive cab is marked with the printed characters 342 AC on both sides. The underside of the die-cast locomotive chassis is embossed with PAT. NO. 2348616. A multi-wire electrical tether with fabric insulation connects the two units. The locomotive utilizes a 2-rail S-gauge electric motor with an offset drive, while the tender houses the reverse unit. The front of the locomotive boiler is open, revealing a loose internal headlight bulb and red lead wires. , The set is in incomplete, as-found condition. The locomotive is missing the front boiler plate and marker light assembly (photo 4). The internal headlight bulb and associated wiring are exposed and loose (photo 4). The fabric insulation on the wiring tether between the engine and tender is heavily frayed and deteriorating (photo 6). The black finish on both units shows significant dust accumulation, surface grime, and scattered paint chips, most notably on the cab edges and boiler top (photos 2 and 5). The undersides exhibit heavy surface scratching and significant oxidation on the metal wheels and pick-up rollers (photos 7 and 8). The mechanical and electrical components have not been tested and likely require a full overhaul due to the condition of the wiring. No original packaging is present.