Hi Lionel....., to the forum.
I think that you are describing equipment from what is known as the Pike Master era of Gilbert production. It is very close to the end of the line for American Flyer. The track, if it is like the pieces shown in this ebay auction were an attempt to reduce the expense of making and providing track for sets.
http://cgi.ebay.com.my/American-Flyer-Pike-Master-Track-Lot-NICE-289_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ270348451872
This link will take you to a page that shows the All Aboard Sets (with an old TV commercial) that used the Pike Master track.
http://www.rfgco.com/allaboard/index.html
The odd couplers that you describe are the Pike Master couplers. If you do a search on Google or on Ebay you will find some pictures and addtional information. Some of the websites that specialize in Gilbert era American Flyer will have more pictures and information.
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I have a late post-war American Flyer train set and I can't indentify it I saw the loco once on ebay and that is all I have. It has a Erie loco, a Texas & pacific gondola, a Mounds candy bar boxcar, and a classic red american flyer caboose. I waint to know why the tack is so weird I haven't seen it anywhere, is it the equivalent of Super-O or T-rail for American Flyer, and it has weard plastic knuckle couplers. Is it hard to find and what is it worth? Any info would help thanks.
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