A. C. Gilbert's American Flyer Trains
1946 - 2021 

The American Flyer equipment offered on this web site is mainly for toy train operator enthusiasts.  The trains are in good C-5; Very Good C-6; to excellent C-7 condition.  Some may have been mechanically updated and slightly cleaned as well.  Equipment condition will be described in each case.  The pricing of the train products posted are reasonable and comparable to those offered in the 2012 edition of TM price and rarity guide and, the 2021 edition of Greenberg's Pocket Price Guide.  The train items are within TCA rated guidelines. 

For your American Flyer history, we will briefly feature a famous set, engine, car or accessory in the space below.  The item shown is part of my collection and not currently for purchase but featured as A.C. Gilbert history only.

"Historic American Railroad set #7."  Classic 1989 Lionel manufactured American Flyer Chesapeake and Ohio twin PA Alco's.    The blue, yellow and light gray 8102/8103 units came with lighted passenger Combo 48900, Coach 48901, Vista Dome 48902 and Observation 48903.  The twin Alco PA's, were both catalogued 48102, with the A unit powered with 2 can motors.  The non-powered unit had an electronic diesel horn with on/off switch.  While the set was officially designated as an HAR #7, the train did not carry the usual identifying plaque.

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Looking for classic American Flyer to operate or provide gifts for grandchildren?   Checkout the next page under American Flyer Classics for the following items including a real nice 332AC Northern and the  excellent 472 Santa Fe diesel.  In addition is a 25049 Cookie Box Walking Brakeman; 759 Bell Danger Signal; early 312 S.I.T; 295 Pacific; 21085 Reading Lines Pacific, 313 Pacific (small motor), 23791 Cow-on-the-Track; 316 PRR Pacific; 21105 Reading Atlantic; 21100 Reading Atlantic; 308 Atlantic; 356 Chrome Silver Bullet; 354 (Silver)Silver Bullet; 21156 0-6-0 Switcher; 21812 T&P Baldwin; 355 C&NW Baldwin; K325 Hudson; 315 Pacific; 302AC Atlantic; a 360/361 PA & PB; and a modified Wabash Alco diesel. 




*  The 350 B&O "Royal Blue" was only offered in a freight set in 1948.  However, the pre-war O gauge "Royal Blue" had coaches in blue.  There were additional makes of the popular B & O - Chrome & Silver 356; Chrome & Silver 354; 353 Circus Pacific; and The Royal Blue 1948 &1950 versions. 

*  Brass metal weights were added to unweighted link couplers in 1947-48 to provide better connection between cars.

*  A 305 Atlantic Steamer with air chime whistle was listed in the 1951 Dealer's and Consumer catalog, but never made it into production.  Four aluminum passenger cars were added to the American Flyer line in 1950, but because of the added weight only three cars were used in a given set.

*  The Silver Steak Alco was featured as a Burlington Alco PA in the 1952 Dealer catalog.  The Burlington Alco was not in the Gilbert production line.  The "Streak" had a single motor and air chime whistle.

*  Beware of the much sought-after five digit 24319 Penn Salt Tank car as a reproduction.  The original tank car was a darker blue and the number 1 in 24319 has a small serif at the top.  Also, the load limits below the number are much smaller.

*  The 1982 three piece Erie Alco set had a diesel horn in the B unit; however, the horn is operated by a Lionel 4090 transformer.  The Erie was produced by the Fundimensions, Division of CPG Products Corp. that owned Lionel at the time.

*   American Flyer's "S" gauge line was introduced with smoke and 2-rail track to electric train enthusiasts in 1946, through the largest customer catalog ever printed by the company. 

*  American Flyer introduced Electronic Propulsion locomotives for direct current operation in 1947.  DC was only offered in the 332 UP 4-8-4 and the 342 NKP 0-8-0 through 1950.

*  The 751 Log Loader, 752 Coal Loader and 755 Talking Station were reintroduced by American Flyer in 1948.

*  The 21920-1 Missouri Pacific Eagle is one of the most colorful and sought after passenger sets ever made by American Flyer.  The blue/silver painted and yellow striped Alco diesel came with 4 passenger cars.  Also available with a 7-car freight set.