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Track, wiring, etc. for an old American Flyer set?

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  • Member since
    June 2010
  • 13 posts
Track, wiring, etc. for an old American Flyer set?
Posted by burbri45 on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 1:48 PM

I’ve recently been giving thought to trying to fix up my dad’s American Flyer set (an original, likely purchased in the early 60’s).  I’ve never seen it operate before, as the track and the wires that connect to the power transformer went missing decades ago.  However, the transformer, engine, and cars are all there and look functionally complete.

What I’m wondering about is whether new track, wire, etc. might be compatible with the set, or whether I’d have to start scouting for old parts? Really, my main goal is just to get it running, regardless of how I do it.  This would be a new experience for me, as I’ve always been a model railroader only working with HO scale trains, and I’ve rarely worked with anything this old.  But, I’m also not willing to give up easily.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Austin, TX
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Posted by lionelsoni on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 5:01 PM

If it was new in the early sixties, the scale is 1/64, the track gauge is 7/8 inch, and the track has two rails.  The track voltage is about 15 volts maximum.  Depending on the model, it could be DC only or either AC or DC.

Bob Nelson

  • Member since
    January 2012
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Posted by rrswede on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 5:09 PM

What is the number on the locomotive and the model number of the transformer?

swede

  • Member since
    March 2013
  • 563 posts
Posted by BigAl 956 on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 4:59 PM

Lionel has started making FasTrack like track for Flyer. It should work fine with your early 60's set and transformer. Check out the Flyer Fastrack page at the Lionel website. https://www.lionel.com/brands/american-flyer

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