Lionel’s 1943 paper train

When wartime restrictions ended the use of metal for many toys, Lionel looked for an alternative. In March 1943, designer Samuel Gold produced a train made almost entirely from printed card.

The boxed set included a steam locomotive and tender, boxcar, gondola and caboose, all lettered 'Lionel Lines'. There were also three railway staff figures, a crossing signal, a crossing gate, and card rails and sleepers for a circle of track. Laminated cardboard wheels ran on wooden axles.

It sold for $1 during the 1943 Christmas season. Reports of its reception differ: it did not stay long in shops, although Lionel said it had done well financially.

Assembly was difficult. Tabs and slots held the pieces together without glue, but could easily come apart. The card was flimsy and the train struggled to stay on its track. Many sets were never finished or were later thrown away.

Greenberg Publishing offered a reproduction in 1981. The original used four printing colours but no black; black appears in the reproduction. The reproduction also lacked the original's pre-cut, scored sheets and wooden axles.

Have you seen an original set, a reproduction, or a completed paper railway?

Story and research by @Hans van Dissel.