The earliest toy trains date from the 19th century and were often made of cast iron. The first electric train was exhibited at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. By the 20th century, model trains and railroad layouts were widely popular, frequently circling the family Christmas tree. Toy trains from the first half of the 20th century were often made of lithographed tin; later trains were made mostly of plastic. A number of famous manufacturers, including Lionel American Flyer, Ives, Marx, Marklin, and LGB have made toy trains.

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