The Flyerville & Mystic Railroad

JOHN HARVEY’S AMERICAN FLYER LAYOUT 2023

S Gauge - 1/64 scale – 3/16 inch to the foot

AMERICAN FLYER HISTORY

American Flyer Trains were first manufactured by the American Flyer Manufacturing Co. in Chicago, IL. The company manufactured clock work trains and later wide gauge and "O" gauge electric trains. In the late 1930's the American Flyer line was bought by The A.C. Gilbert, Co. of New Haven Connecticut, headed by A.C. Gilbert, the inventor of Erector sets and many other toys. Gilbert had already begun the manufacture of an HO line of trains. At the end of World War 2 Gilbert resumed train and toy production introducing a new line of "S" gauge model trains, scaled 3/16" to the foot and running on realistic two rail track. In its heyday of the 1950’s American Flyer was second only to Lionel in the toy train market. American Flyer was even imported to Australia in the early 1950’s.

The A.C. Gilbert Co., acquired by The Wrather Corporation in the early 60's, was closed in 1967. The American Flyer name, along with the tools and dies, was sold to the Lionel Corporation. Lionel reintroduced American Flyer in 1979 and has expanded the line since with many new models.

The models on display date from 1946 to the present day and include items from other S gauge manufacturers including S Helper Service, American Models and Mike’s Train House. Recently both DCC and Bluetooth technologies have been incorporated into S gauge trains.

This year’s layout pays homage to the many factory display layouts the A.C. Gilbert Co. provided to its dealers during the 1950’s. It has two loops of track with sidings for the operating accessories as well as an operating trolley line. There are videos of television shows and advertising highlighting what Gilbert produced in the 1950’s and the clever technology (for its day) used in AF trains. The display also includes track, engines, rolling stock, catalogues and other printed material associated with these wonderful trains.