The 1970 Catalog... err poster has the years of operation for Lionel listed as 1903 - 1970.
Is the 1903 a misprint?
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This is what I think but im not sure so don't take my word for it.
The Lionel Corporation was founded in 1900, but didn't officially start making and selling trains until 1903. Not even the Electric Express was meant to be sold to the public but rather be a public display.
According to "Lionel Trains, Standard of the World, 1900-1943" it is somewhat unclear when production started. The Lionel Corporation 1918, was successor to the Lionell Manufacturing Company. That company was granted patents as early as 1907 for train related items. Lionels numerical listing indicated catalog number #1 is for a Trolley, motor car 1906.
I will leave to experts to determine the earliest produced item.
