American Flyer Transformer 1½B Instructions

Attached is the American Flyer Train Transformer installation and wiring instructions for the American Flyer Transformer 1½B Instructions.

The smallest enclosure used in the transformers was a metal oval about 4 inches wide, 2 ½ inches high and 2¾ inches tall. Single train controls and bare bones design for the least expensive starter sets. Examples of this design are the No. 1 of 1950 – 1952, and No. 1½ of 1953. The same enclosure was used for the 314AW locomotive whistle control. Examples of small sheet metal rectangular enclosures include the 22033 and 22034 All Aboard transformers of 1965 – 1966, and the uncataloged 16C of 1952. These were basic sheet metal box shaped.

If the Transformer has B in the name (ie. 1½B vs. 1.½) it means the transformer came with a Circuit Breaker. If you wanted you could also use a Catalog #13 which was connected between the transformer and between the track and you could add a circuit breaker to prevent a fire from a short or transformer problem.

In 1953 Gilbert American Flyer engineered a series of designs using Bakelite plastic for the enclosures. This would have been a cost saving as the enclosures could be molded automatically and didn’t require a list of fabrication steps, painting and assembling. The No. 1½, No. 1½ B, No. 22004, and No. 22020 came in the small D shape plastic enclosure. These are very common and came with many low end sets.