The 1355 Cumberland, a 1934 Deluxe Prewar American Flyer O Gauge Steam Passenger Set 3324 

I’ve wanted to feature this set for a long time but didn’t have all of the information. This is what I know: Around 1930, American flyer introduced a new deluxe die-cast steam locomotive based on the General Washington. It was built well and the lines were gorgeous! By 1934 it featured a ringing bell, illuminated boiler light, and a complicated reverse unit. In addition, it had all of the brass and copper trim to really finish it off. This narrow gauge locomotive rivaled anything in American Flyer’s wide gauge line. The accompanying die-cast Vanderbilt tender made this combination stunning! This particular set, called the 1355 Cumberland was the most that any boy or a girl could dream of for Christmas. This set featured three 11” red enameled passenger cars and was shown in American Flyer catalogs for three years, beginning in 1932. By 1934 it would be known as the 1355RC Cumberland, but this wasn’t the first year the 3324/3326 had the automatic reversing feature. What makes this set a little special is the center coach has Jeffersonian badges instead of American Flyer Lines or Ambassador badges. My guess is that the Jeffersonian badges were left over from a 1928 set call the New Jeffersonian, which was led by the 3115, an electric outline locomotive. These cars did not show air tanks in the 1928 catalog. Another distinguishing feature of my set is that the cast-iron air tanks were painted with the same green as the stripe on the locomotive. Most other cars I’ve seen from this era have red air tanks. All in all it’s a beautiful set, deluxe in every way. I know it’s an original set as the shine on the tab and slot couplers, as well as the paint on the gray trucks is consistent with a set that’s been together for almost 90 years. In addition, I have all the original boxes. I’m proud to be the caretaker of this set. Thanks for watching!