Private 30-year collection · Chicago-area collector

The George Wetzel Tinplate Train Collection

More than 400 vintage American Flyer and Tootsietoy trains, plus select Lionel, Marx, MTH, Strombecker, Scalecraft and All American Railroad pieces.

View the full gallerySerious buyer inquiry

Collection overview

A focused tinplate collection built over three decades.

This collection centers on pre-war and post-war American Flyer across all five gauges, with streamlined steam engines, diesel and electric passenger sets, and several freight sets.

More than 80 authentic, Chicago-made Tootsietoy freight and passenger cars complement the larger American Flyer models.

400+vintage trains and related pieces
30years of collecting
80+authentic Tootsietoy cars
$75,000collection-only asking price

Notable highlights

Featured pieces and themes

American Flyer Focus

Pre-war and post-war Flyer in all five gauges, including collectible streamlined steam engines, diesel and electric passenger sets.

Milwaukee Road Grouping

A rare grouping of Milwaukee Road passenger sets in the distinctive orange, maroon and gray paint scheme, represented across gauges.

A.C. Gilbert Erector Hudson

An impressive example of the famous A.C. Gilbert Erector Hudson, described as being in excellent condition.

Chicago-Made Tootsietoy

More than 80 authentic Tootsietoy freight and passenger cars, made in Chicago, paired with the larger tinplate models.

Sale terms

Offered as one complete collection.

Most engines are described as good runners in good to very good to excellent condition, with only a few repaints and reproduction pieces. Non-train toys pictured with the collection are not included in the sale.

Contact

Serious potential buyers only.

To set an appointment to view the collection, contact George.

Phone: 708-638-0107

Email: gw6281703@gmail.com

No texts, please.