• Collectors prize American Flyer trains.train image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  American Flyer trains were made from 1946 to 1966. These trains, manufactured before the time of plastics, were tinplated. Collectors still seek out these models, which have held their value and are easy to maintain.
  
  

Classic or Modern or Both

• Today you can choose the classic tinplated American Flyer cars or the modern versions made of plastic by Lionel. The two types of cars fit and work together. You can build a train out of both types of cars.
  
  

Engines

• Decide what type of engine you would like to run your train. American Flyer offers three options: diesel, steam and electric. While all the engines actually run on battery or electric power, the engine is built to appear as a diesel, steam or electric engine.
  
  

Freight Box Cars

• Freight Cars make up a majority of the car choices. The standard boxcar can be decorated with many different decals to claim the "cargo" inside. Standard issue stickers originally included circus logos and bakers chocolate.
  
  

Caboose, Freight Car

• Another freight car is the caboose. All the caboose cars are offered with paint variations and you can always change the color yourself.
  
  

Flat Freight Cars

• Log, flat and machinery cars carry models of whatever you would like to put on them. Different types of logs and machinery are sold to decorate these cars. The modern version comes with an automobile.
  
  

Tank Freight Cars

• A tank car gives the illusion your train is transporting important fluids such as gasoline.
  
  

Gondola Freight Car

• When you hear the term gondola, you usually think of a ski lift. Gondola cars on classic trains were flatbed cars able to carry canisters lined up. These canisters were a way for farmers to transport goods if they did not have enough to fill an entire car on their own. Gondolas were an economical way to sell goods. These cars have been recreated in the American Flyer models.
  
  

Passenger Cars

• Moving past freight cars, and engines, your final choice comes down to passenger cars. Offered in a variety of sizes, they come with everything from sleeper rooms to full seat filled cars. For additional reality, you can provide your model people with a dining car. A cross between a freight and passenger car is the baggage car, also offered in the armored version.