How does the Lionel version of the old American Flyer track compare to the original 1950's AF track? Identical? Works great? Not as good? Any concerns?
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Hi Rick,
A Newbie to S, but the new stuff looks great and if you are not doing a permanent layout, it's easy to set up and take down and give great connection - but is EXPENSIVE!
The old stuff doesn't look good, but it works and is cheap. A middle ground may be Gargraves (has the old style track with actual wooden ties).
And don't forget that MTH has flex track (made with the same rail profile) if you would like a different radius. Turnouts are the weak link...
Tom Stoltz
in Maine
Thanks Everyone.
I want to get some of the 1956-57 era looking track. I want it in excellent condition and not too expensive. I am aware of the FastTrak, Pikemaster and Gargraves, but I didn't know K-Line made it. Thanks for the info and pictures.
The reason I asked is: I see "Lionel reissue long curves AF track" on eBay. It is brand new, and a great price (so far). I wrote to the guy since and he says it is a much wider radius than the original 40" diameter circle.
I have found a dealer that has like new 700 & 702 track in their boxes. But, it's a bit pricey for what I need.
Does anyone here have 2 boxes of curves and 2 boxes of straight, 1956-57 era, in fantastic condition? No rust, dents, tarnish, layout paint, etc. with or without boxes. I would like to find barely used track that hasn't been bent, torqued, etc. I will be putting it on my layout to run my childhood train (once I find it).
Thanks Mark. I have been in touch with Gary and Laura. They are watching for my set. Their price for like new track is more than I prefer to spend, but I may end up going that route anyway.
Rick,
If you watch eBay you can find very clean original flyer track available, in fact there are a couple lots out there right now that are very reasonable and in very nice condition.
I have been collecting track over the last couple of years to build my layout, I will have about 250' of track down when the second level gets completed. Most of it has come from eBay in various sized lots. Maybe what has taken me more time to find is the old Flyer roadbed. Lots of curved sections available, but Straights are getting a little scarce.
The later 36" pieces, and 54" in curves, that were made by Lionel have pins that are the same size as the original AF pins. If you can fit the 54" curves it makes for a much nicer operating layout. And these pieces are 100% compatible with the old flyer track, just a little bit more shiny. LOL
Good luck with your search,
Aflyer
K-Line did make an updated version of the old AF track when they dipped their toes into the S gauge pool in around 2003 or so and made 10" straights and curves in r20 and r27 radius and also a 36" straight section. These are very hard to find now but turn up on ebay and the like.
It was/is good track and mated with original AF track perfectly although the K-line track pins were a little wider than original AF pins.
I have a few pieces of the K-Line track on my layout, though it looks much like the original American Flyer track, it is a bit narrower than the Gilbert track. Not a problem with Gilbert Flyer or Flyonel trains but American Models high rail locomotives I run find the gauge just a might narrow.
Ray
