American Flyer Trains

Toy trains are an enjoyable family hobby and tradition. In simpler times, many families enjoyed a train set under the Christmas Tree every year. American Flyer S Scale trains are ideal for a family, especially if your family has younger children. Since American Flyer trains were produced in the 1950's and 1960's, they lack the detail and complications of more modern toy trains. This simplicity makes them more rugged and harder to break - perfect for younger model railroaders. S Scale trains are larger than N Scale or HO Scale model trains, making them easier for youngsters to handle. Also, most of the less expensive American Flyer equipment is not in perfect, mint condition, so you don't need to worry about it getting scratched up. It is also simple to repair if repairs are needed, and parts are readily available. Besides the fun of running trains, American Flyer trains can teach you about mechanics (maintaining locomotives and accessories), electricity (wiring your layout), painting (refinishing locomotives and cars), bargain hunting (finding good deals on equipment), and even art (designing your layout). In short, model railroading with American Flyer trains is a wonderful family hobby that has something to offer people of all ages.

Size Comparison of different scales
Courtesy Kalmbach PublishingBoth HO (1/87) and O scale are more popular than S scale, but many people find S scale to be just the right size, and it is sometimes referred to as "Ideal Scale."

When I started in model railroading it was in HO. However after I had Lasik surgery, I found the smaller HO models harder to work with unless I put on my reading glasses (which are perpetually lost). More important, my 4 year old son likes to play trains with dad, and the HO models are too easy to break and too hard for him to get on the track. The S scale models are a lot more rugged and easier for him to get running.

As for O scale, at 1/48 a layout takes up 33% percent more space than an equivalent S scale layout. I also like the fact that I can fit a layout onto a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood, and I prefer the look of the 2 rail track. Although there is a lot more equipment available in O scale, so far I haven't had any problems getting what I need in S scale. I have links to several vendors at the bottom of the lens.

There are 2 main differences between Lionel and American Flyer trains. First, Lionel trains are O Scale and American Flyer trains are S Scale. What's the difference? O Scale is 1/48 (1/4" = 1 foot), while S Scale is 1/64 (3/16" = 1 foot).

The other difference is that Lionel trains run on 3 rail track, while American Flyer trains run on 2 rail track. Since real trains run on 2 rail track, some people prefer the greater realism of American Flyer's 2 rail track to Lionel's 3 rail track.

Buying a complete train set can be convenient, but sometimes it's more fun to put together your own train set from individual parts. Buying individual parts to make a complete set also has advantages. For one thing, you can choose what locomotive and cars you want instead of just being stuck with what a factory train set comes with. For another thing, if you're giving the train set as a gift, opening a lot of smaller presents can be a lot more fun than just opening one big box, especially for little kids. Whatever your reason for putting together your own train set instead of buying a factory set, you can find everything you need to put together your own American Flyer train set on EBay. The only components you will need are track, a transformer (or power pack), a locomotive, cars (freight or passenger), and a caboose.

Although several vendors are making "realistic" S Scale track that is compatible with American Flyer trains, in my opinion a vintage American Flyer train just plain looks better running on vintage American Flyer track. Sure, it doesn't look as "realistic" as the modern track offerings, but that's not the point with these trains. Genuine (vintage) American Flyer track has rails formed from thin strips of steel. The ties are also formed from steel, and there are only 4 ties per track section. It has 2 big advantages over more modern AF compatible S Scale track systems. The first one I already mentioned - vintage trains just look better running on vintage track. The second is price - vintage track is quite a bit cheaper than than the modern S Scale track systems. How much cheaper? Using typical EBay prices as a guide, a small oval with 1 siding and 1 spur (requiring 3 switches) would cost about $95 - $125 if you shop carefully. Using modern S Scale (AF compatible) track, it would cost about $210 using Classic Trains track, $175 using American Models track, and $215 using S Helper's track system.