Up for auction is this nice, attractive, and shiny American Flyer O Gauge, Red #495 New Haven Style Streamlinrd Coach. This model was made about 1940 for American Flyer’s new 3/16” O Scale Line. One half of one of the “495” decals is flaked off, there is a very small roof indentation, and one of the original couplers and pin is loose (but included with this auction). Otherwise, all original and complete.

Detail condition:

#495 American Flyer Coach: Overall condition is EX (C-7) but would be LN (C-8) except for the detached coupler, flaked decal, and very small roof indentation.

Please verify the condition with the photographs supplied. If you win this auction, you will receive the #495 American Flyer Coach as shown in the photographs.  

Very low starting bid 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.