Train Exhibit Extended at Historical Society

The trains will keep chugging along.

"The History of Toy Trains" exhibit at the has been extended through Feb. 19, according to a release issued by the society on Wednesday. The fifth installment of the exhibit features American Flyer and Lionel Standard Gauge trains that were built in the early 1900s. According to the release, many of these trains were built entirely of metal. As a result, most were melted down to be used in World War II.

“They are extraordinarily rare,” Historical Society board member JoBe Cerny told the Sun-Times recently. “These kind of trains are in the Smithsonian Museum or in elite private collections.”

The exhibit features over 100 standard gauge trains and hundreds of hand painted lead figures of the era. The historical society is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The society also offers group tours for schools, scouts, seniors and corporate outings.

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