I have plenty of 1940’s, 1950’s, and modern Lionel toy trains and some vintage Louis Marx toy trains too. I also have a small amount of 1930’s metal Lionel toy trains. Though I have seen them in books and toy train magazines this is the first time I have even seen or handled American Flyer O gauge toy train equipment.
When cousin Dan texted that someone had given him the set and would I like to have them I said yes right away! The loco is complete but completely taken apart. The wires are old and the insulation has rotted. Unlike modern wiring where the wires are insulated with rubber, these early 1930’s wires are insulated with a woven material, maybe cotton. I’ll enjoy restoring it to working order.
Most toy train lovers know that American Flyer became famous for making toy trains in the smaller S gauge. Quite a few vintage toy train enthusiasts are surprised when they learn that American Flyer made O gauge locomotives and rolling stock before World War II.
I love the sound these hollow metal cars make going around the track. That #411 big red caboose is rather massive and bigger than my similar vintage Lionel metal red caboose.
This may represent a new sub-interest in my vintage train hobby. Now I will keep a lookout for American Flyer O gauge stuff at model railway shows.
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