American Flyer Gabe the Lamplighter

In 1958 Gilbert took the Floodlight Tower accessory and added some action to it in the form of Gabe the Lamplighter. At the push of a button, Gabe takes a step up the ladder on the framework of the floodlight tower. When Gabe reaches the top, the floodlights come on. Push another button and Gabe descends to the ground to start the climb over again.

1958

American Flyer No. 23780 Gabe the Lamplighter – 1958

The Gilbert American Flyer No. 23780 Gabe the Lamplighter accessory took the standard floodlight tower and added the mechanism to animate Gabe. The hut was turned around to allow the string that raises Gabe to exit toward the tower from the mechanism inside. Also the hut roof color changed to red.

1959

American Flyer No. 23780 Gabe the Lamplighter – 1959

The No. 23780 Gabe the Lamplighter floodlight tower continued in the 1959 catalog. However, this accessory was a two year only member of the product line.