O Scale American Flyer Model Trains
The American Flyer is one of the first manufacturers of model trains in the US. The company was formally established in 1910 – after it was able to securely sell a couple of clockwork model trains. The company started releasing electric powered toy train in 1918 and became popular during the 20s. But increasing competition and the Great Depression is just too much for the company. The company was sold to A. C. Gilbert Company in 1938. The company enjoyed considerable success with American Flyer but struggled in the 60s. A. C. Gilbert Company went bankrupt in 1967. Ironically, it was purchased by Lionel, who at the time was on the brink of bankruptcy. Lionel, which handles American Flyer, is sold to different companies until it was re-established as Lionel, LLC during the 90s.
The original O scale American Flyer is already a collector’s item because of its constantly changing owners which led to different tooling and finish. Technically, American Flyer doesn’t release O scale mode trains but trains that could perfectly fit to the O gauge tracks. But the size is relatively similar to the O scale trains which made most hobbyists identify the trains for O gauge as O scale model trains.