COLLECTIONS
Model railways: the trains of the HZERO collection
EVERY YEAR THE DISPLAY CASES TELL A NEW STORY ABOUT THE RAILWAYS
The HZERO museum’s collection consists of model trains from various eras, most of which run on the museum’s model railway, while the remainder are displayed in the cases on the second floor. Thanks to a series of loans from private collectors, the second-floor cases are refreshed each year, offering an expanded perspective on the history of railways from different times and countries.
rivarossi system
HISTORIC TRAINS
BUILDINGS, SIGNALS AND TRACKS
Lima and Rivarossi, the history of Italian model railroading
Starting from the 1960s and throughout the 20th century, talking about model railroading in Italy meant thinking of two names: Lima and Rivarossi. Icons of Made in Italy, these companies won over generations of enthusiasts, from children to adult, with models that were detailed, innovative, and surprisingly modern for their time. Their creations not only brought the miniature railway world into countless homes, but also nurtured passions, memories, and shared moments of play.
HZERO celebrates this extraordinary legacy with an exhibition in the first-floor display cases, curated by Francesco Poggioni and entirely dedicated to these two historic Italian brands. The exhibition features a selection of the most representative models from their production, thanks to the kind donation of Massimo Ferri. It is an exhibition path that brings together technique, design, memory, and industrial culture.
Two display cases containing an entire history, with the aim of offering a double tribute: on one side to the modelers and enthusiasts who loved and collected Lima and Rivarossi models; on the other to the many people who, with expertise and dedication, worked in these companies and helped grow a sector that still today fuels creativity, study, and
imagination.
What you will find in the display cases
In the first display case on the first floor, visitors can discover the famous “Rivarossi
System”: a complete system of tracks, signals, buildings, and electrical accessories designed as early as the 1950s to be reliable, expandable, and surprisingly modern. An extraordinary example of industrial vision that enabled generations to build complex railway layouts even with little experience.
You will find buildings from the 1950s and ’60s, including the Dubino station, an actual station on the Colico–Chiavenna line in the province of Sondrio, or the San Nazario station, as well as the “Olgiate–Calco” freight terminal and the “Cosio–Traona” automated level crossing with gatehouse. The shutters, roof coverings, rolling doors, posters, faithfully reproduced in minute detail, are truly striking.
You will also see various tracks and switches from the Rivarossi System, along with many electrical components, from light signals to double-relay switches, and even the catenary system.
As for the models, the display includes everything from Lima’s steam and electric locomotives, such as the iconic E646 and the beloved E424, to Rivarossi’s 1:80 scale steam engines, all the way to two very famous models: the Tartaruga and the Caimano.
