A.C. Gilbert, the largest U.S. toy maker in 1946, introduced American Flyer®. The company was better known for its Erector Set as well as its chemical sets. American Flyer's main competitor was Lionel®. Gilbert wanted to make cheaper, and more accurate models (see a YouTube video of the A.C. Gilbert factory).
The main difference between Lionel and Gilbert, beside the size (1:48 vs. 1:64), was that Lionel used a center rail down the middle of the tracks, whereas Gilbert used the more prototypical two-rail system. The A.C. Gilbert company manufactured American Flyer trains until 1966, when the company went out of business. Lionel bought the American Flyer name and product line in 1967 (Lionel subsequently declared its own bankruptcy later that same year).
The cereal company General Mills bought the Lionel product line (but not the corporation itself). The Lionel corporation started building general toy stores around the country and wasn't really involved in toy trains anymore. They eventually went out of business for good. In 1979 General Mills resurrected the American Flyer product line, with little success.
In 1995 the new Lionel, LLC (which is an entirely different corporation from the original Lionel company, and included the famed rock star Neil Young in its leadership) bought the toy train product line from General Mills and continues to produce some American Flyer products, both re-issues and newly-tooled products. The latest products are actually new-tooling products that are closer to scale models, but still remain compatible with other American Flyer products, including track. Here is another Lionel video about the latest S gauge catalog and products.
The NASG has contracted with Lionel Trains® to produce a limited run (375 cars) of this 2012 American Flyer® commemorative Marathon Motors boxcar (see the Marathon Village web site for some interesting historical information). The boxcar is white with gold ends and doors, and a black roof. The Marathon Motors logo is gold, black, and silver. Marathon Motors was located in Nashville, TN, and the Auto Parts boxcar is lettered for the Nashville, Chattanooga, and St Louis Railway. Chattanooga was the location of the 2012 NASG National Convention. The car number is 3112 representing the 31st car in the NASG series, and 2012. This car is available only to current or new NASG members, at $75.00 each, including shipping. Anticipated delivery is November 2012.
To order one or more of the 2012 NASG commemorative cars, fill out and mail the order form. See the form for payment instructions.
You can view the listing of each of the previous cars that were produced. Note that several of the cars are still available for sale. See the page for details and contact information.
Disclaimer: the NASG cannot be held responsible for the content of external web sites. However, all links are routinely checked for suitability.
"D&K Railroad" by Mike Marmer
Copyright © Mike Marmer; used by permission
"D&K Railroad" by Mike Marmer
Copyright © Mike Marmer; used by permission
"Fourville Branch Line Railroad" by Dave Campbell
Copyright © Brooks Stover; used by permission
"Stony Creek Railroad" by Glenn Ritter
Copyright © Glenn Ritter; used by permission
Layout by Bob Davison
Copyright © Bill Winans; used by permission
The following magazines or regular publications feature all or some American Flyer® modeling:
Model Railroader magazine published Brooks Stover's A Model Railroader's Guide to Digital Photography. Both Model Railroader and Brooks have provided permission for us to re-post his guide.
A Facebook discussion group is available. Although the primary focus is scale modeling (standard- and narrow-gauge, and hi-rail), discussion of American Flyer® topics are welcome.
A discussion group about pre-1970's automobiles for S-scale.
For sale, trade, or wanting to buy S-scale items.
Discussion of all things American Flyer that is manufactured by the Lionel Corp.
S discussion forum.
National Association of S Gaugers, Inc. (NASG) members discussion group.
Highlights items available to S gaugers.
News about S gauge.
The main "American Flyer" discussion group.
S Scale Helper Service's discussion group.
O Gauge Railroading Online Forum - S-scale Trains
An O gauge forum that has a special section for "S" discussions.