https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...artime_Freight_Train

It was made during the war I think by a company that made coupons or something out of paper. They approached Lionel with the idea of making a paper train. Lionel liked the idea to keep kids interested in Lionel trains when they couldn't make any because of the war effort. I hear they were very hard to put together. Also if you come across one at a swap meet, be very careful. At one time repose were being made. Don

They where made during WW2 because no metals where used by toy makers. Unless they where manufacturing war equipment. Like Lionel who where producing navigation equipment for the Navy.

There was a company making reproductions of the paper train about twenty some years ago, and yes we have discussed it on these pages. But I have not heard or read anything about them in a very long time.

I'm going over to e-bay to run a search on paper trains and see if I come up with anything.

I do remember people saying the train was a real bear to put together.

 Made in 1980 and going for $30.00.

Now I'm going to BING it to see what I can find out about it. You got me started!

Click on the images above and you will hyper- link to Google for more information. For those Big Boys who still like to play with cut-outs.

Have Fun. 

I remember buying a half-dozen mint originals from Madison Hardware in 1974 for about $10 each and reselling them at train shows for $30.

If memory serves me, the originals were heavily diecut cardboard, while the repros were not. I never actually saw a repro set.

I have a repro set still in the wrapper. At one time I thought it would make some nice wall art. It just sits under the layout now.

From the Lionel book "All Aboard": 250 intricate pieces, produced by a company that made prizes for candy companies. Described as "monstrously difficult to put together".  Later, Lionel tried some non-train wooden toys (which were a failure). However, during the war, Lionel published a magazine called "Model Builder" to 50,000 subscribers, so they could "start planning now".

Probably because those who tried to put one together - are now deceased, in psychiatric treatment OR like me - remember it as an extremely frustrating ordeal.  I was five when I received one of these & remember it as causing tremendous frustration (probably the most in my young life when trying to assemble it & use it).  I recall sitting on the dining room floor of our home for several hours - becoming more frustrated by the minute.  Tabs would become undone - the track was worthless, & OMG I'll never forget the experience.   

The first time I actually owned a mint original (1974, at age 32), I realized it was more of a good intention gimmick than a realistic achieveable. I acquired at least six and either resold them for a modest profit or offered them for trades.