Up for auction is the hard to find full body & frame for a American Flyer O gauge #496 Red Pullman coach. It is missing both six-wheel trucks with their associated couplers. This model was made in 1941 and closely resembles the actual Pullman coaches made at that time. Some of these had the belly pan and the interior light socket, but this one looks like it never had one. All original.

These 3/16”  scale bodies on O gauge track were transition pieces as AC Gilbert made the transition from O gauge to S gauge. Today these models are avidly sought after by enthusiastic American Flyer collectors.

 

Detail condition:

 

#496  American Flyer Pullman Coach Body and Frame: Overall condition is VG (C-6). One side and both ends grade EX (C-7). The roof is VG+ (C-6+) with a small scratch or two. The other side is VG (C-6) with what could be two paint or plaster drips near one end (not sure). The frame is EX (C-7) and three of the four mounting tabs appear to be intact. The three decals on each side appear to be EX (C-7).

 

Please verify the condition with the photographs supplied before you bid or buy. If you win this auction, you will receive the #496 American Flyer Pullman body only as shown in the photographs.  

 

Very low buy it now price and no reserve!

 

ABOUT AMERICAN FLYER O GAUGE

Edmunds Metzel and American Flyer in Chicago manufactured O Gauge trains from 1907 until 1937. AC Gilbert bought American Flyer, moved production to New Haven, CT, and continued O gauge production until 1942. These trains included both clockwork (1907-1932) and electric (1918-1942). The prime market for AF O gauge is for collectors. There are some people who operate them, with the nostalgia that entails, and they like the fact that they can rather easily be repaired for operation.

To date, no one is reproducing American Flyer O Gauge Trains, which enhances and slowly increases their value to collectors, as, over time, the O Gauge trains available decreases. There are no more AF O gauge trains, other than what was originally produced through 1942, and many of these have been lost, broken, thrown away, or destroyed in fires or floods and this will continue.

Lastly, from 1907 through 1942, the American Flyer Line included lithographed models which are among the most realistic and most beautiful trains ever produced, as Louis Hertz, the dean of toy train collecting, has repeatedly said.

 

I have been collecting and researching American Flyer O & S Gauge for 48 years and TCA member since 1975. I strive to accurately describe the cosmetic condition of each item with TCA Grading Standards and the rarity and desirability by my long experience with these trains. When appropriate, I will grade all visible surfaces, or if they grade the same, I will provide an overall condition grade. Also, I point out any reproduction parts that I recognize or any surface restoration that appears not to be original.