Upon further review – Checking American Flyer parts suppliers, I found that a few have the exact number of needle listed in the Erector inventories available. The Flyer “Talking Station” mechanism used most of the same parts as the musical Erector Sets, as well as a similar record. It seems likely the station accessory either pre-dated or wase concurrent with the appearance of the musical sets. Further research indicates that the needles are chrome plated. The station instructions say that the needle is to be replaced after 50 plays of the record. I’d think from my experience with Victrolas that the needles would wear more quickly, chrome or not. But I don’t intend to play a record 50 times to find out.