Gilbert Store DisplayGilbert / American Flyer Store
Display Back in the heyday of American Flyer trains, large displays were
constructed for major department stores to use during the Christmas season.
Based on some articles and old photos I have attempted to show what one
of these displays may have looked like. This diagram is completely
based on second and third hand information. This layout is not an
accurate representation on any particular layout but based on notes about
several. The Gilbert technicians used four sheets of 3/4 inch plywood to
construct these 7 x 16 foot layouts. The accessories varied based
on what year the layout was produced. Some used the upper plateau
to run a loop of Gilbert HO trains. While others used that same area
to show off the latest buildings. Jeff Faust wrote a great article
for the May 98 issue of Classic Toy Trains that tells about a layout used
in a Rochester department store. In S Gaugian Jan/Feb 85 (p43) , July 84 (p31), and May
91 (p19) you will find references to this type of layout.
A similar layout was used during the 1950's filming of the 'Boys Railroad
Club'. If any body has some pictures that I could 'legally' display on
this page please let me know.
