American Flyer Train

The first American Flyer Trains were produced by toymaker William Hafner and William Coleman in 1907. In 1918 they began producing O gauge trains with electric motors. In 1938 Coleman sold his company to A. C Gilbert.

In 1939 Gilbert overhauled the American Flyer Train line which gave his trains a more realistic appearance than other O gauge trains, but when WWII broke out these trains were considered non essential and the factory was converted to use for the the war effort so until 1946 after the war was over and then they resumed making trains they started with the S gauge trains using leftover pre-war parts. These trains evolved through the 50’s when the introduction of the diesel trains came about. Train productions peaked in the mid 50’s but by the early 60’s began to decline in popularity.

Consumers began to buy from the discount stores rather than from toy stores and department stores. In 1966 Gilbert stopped making trains and that is when Lionel bought him out.

Production has continued on a limited basis with the manufacture of freight cars, passenger cars, diesel engines, and accessories. Also Mikes Train House has made reproductions of many of the American Flyer accessories.

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