Kusan Atomic Train (1957-1960)

The Kusan KF-110 Atomic Train (0 gauge) was the first toy train to have an "atomic theme." It was produced between 1957 and 1960 by Kusan-Auburn of Franklin, Tennessee. Kusan-Auburn was a subsidiary of Kusan, a plastics manufacturer. The company described it as "An exciting new train with extra play value in each unit."

Kusan Train Engine

Diesel locomotive car with a machine gun turret.

Kusan Train Reactor

This is the reactor car. The red lights flash to indicate when the reactor is in operation. Note the small upside-down radiation warning symbol (trefoil) on the side of the reactor.

 

This was Kusan's first toy train and its introduction was the subject of an article in the June 29, 1957 issue of Business Week.

After the initial success of the Atomic Train, Kusan produced a couple of other toy trains, but the competition from Lionel became too great and Kusan got out of the toy train business in 1960.

Kusan Canon

This is a flat car carrying an atomic cannon. Since atomic cannons fired nuclear explosives, they required a long range. The three atomic projectiles that came with it are missing. It actually recoils when fired!

Kusan Train Missile

This is a flat car with a missile (decals missing) of the "Honest John" class, presumably employing an atomic warhead.

Another neat thing about the Kusan train was that it ran on realistic-looking two rail track (not shown) rather than the more common three rail track.

I have seen two retail prices for the train set: $39.95 and $44.95. At least one retailer, Ernie Television of Syracuse New York, gave a free Kusan atomic train (a "$59.95 value") as a "Special Christmas Offer" to everyone who purchased a Sylvania Slimline TV. The promotion indicated that the Atomic train was a "Winner of Top 10 Mechanical Toys for 1957."

Kusan Train Caboose

The caboose serves as a command center.

Kusan Train Ad

This is an advertising flyer for the Atomic Train. Kusan subsequently produced a radar car and a searchlight car that could be added to the train.

Generously donated by Steven Woolfolk.

References

  • Lubenau, J., Horner, J. Atomic Toy Trains. Train Collectors Quarterly. Vol. 45, No. 3; July 1999.
  • Kusan-Auburn. Atomic Train advertising flyer. No date.