radar493 posted:I have small (5'x10') layout. Two levels with three independent loops and run post war Lionel and command. I have thought about American Flyer pre/post war. I know prewar ran on three rail track and postwar on two rail. Can I run prewar on my present track or is the guage different. Also what curve radius minimum. Not familiar with Flyer.
To amplify upon what Dennis has related to you, prewar Gilbert Flyer (3/16" scale O gauge) generally requires Lionel O-42 minimum to operate well. Gilbert Flyer was designed to run on Flyer "O-40". Another important caution is that any prewar Gilbert Flyer fitted with the die cast latch-type (i.e., "link") coupler will short on Lionel turnouts because of the frog design. If you plan to incorporate any switches in your route(s), you will have to use the prewar Flyer open frog design. These will work beautifully with the Gilbert Flyer, but their design and dependability are a bit on the nasty side. Generally, the Lionel crowd just punts and runs prewar Gilbert on 3-rail O gauge loops with no switches.
Hope this helps. Have fun!
Bob
