What does the term Hi-rail mean?
‘Hi-rail’ is generally used to reference pure American Flyer (AF) and scale hybrids. Many AF-followers prefer the term ‘tinplate’ when talking about pure Flyer. The hybrids feature well-detailed and accurately-proportioned car and locomotive bodies that have AF-compatible wheels and run on AF-compatible track. The tall height of the rail (0.125″ and taller), needed to clear the large flanges on the AF wheels, created the term ‘hi-rail.’ When using AF track, a layout can be built quickly and in a smaller area than the scale counterpart. Back to the top!
