Pufferbelly's of Waco - American Flyer Trains

As an American Flyer collector and operator, Pufferbelly's is proud to provide both the historic "GILBERT American Flyer" and the modern re-production of the 1946-1966 American Flyer which Lionel, LLC, is manufacturing. While Pufferbelly's is not a dealer of new American Flyer by Lionel, LLC,** we will stock as much pre-owned American Flyer by Lionel, LLC, as possible.

The "historic GILBER American Flyer 3/16" scale locomotives, rollling stock, and track were introduced in 1946. The new "S Gauge" track was to be the more realistic two-rail design, like real railroads. From 1946-1966, GILBERT American Flyer produced and marketed the new "S" Gauge" trains that were highly detailed, had prototype realism, accurately and sturdily built, and reflected railroading of that time period. GILBERT American Flyer owner, A.C. Gilbert wanted "his own distinctive line".* Gilbert and his top managers are reported to have wanted the realism of the choo-choo sound and smoke puffing smokestacks on certain steam locomotives in their first year of production. In order to accomplish this feat, GILBERT American Flyer engineers designed the smoke and choo-choo unit/motor to be located in the tender. A black rubber tube was installed to carry the smoke from the smoke unit in the tender to the smokestack on the front of the boiler. Thus, from GILBERT's American Flyer'S first year of sales (1946), certain locomotives provided the wonderful sounds and sights of real steam locomotives!

American Flyer by Gilbert
American Flyer Collectible
American Flyer by Lionel
American Flyer Pre-War
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* - The Man Who Lives in Paradise, A.C. Gilbert, with Marshall McClintock, 1954, Rinchart & Company, New York, Pages 329
** - Lionel LLC is a registered trade mark.