Hi Jim and thanks for starting this thread - hope we'll see some nice pieces posted.
I had Flyer as a boy (1949 Christmas with a #310 K5 freight set) and slowly added to it each year. Never had a layout and traded the trains off in high school for a cheap electric guitar. When I returned to the hobby in 1987 with a retail hobby store I knew nothing of Lionel's numbering system or 3 rail operation and dove in full bore. Picked up a few Gilbert pieces along the way plus the 'new' Lionel Flyer sets as they became available. Rarely saw Flyer at regional trains shows in the New Orleans/Gulf Coast area until I finally made it to York about 10 years ago. WOW - was I amazed at some of the inventory several dealers had out on display! Items I had never seen in person prior. Is there still that much Flyer on the tables today?