HZERO’s tribute to 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 the hearts of generations of enthusiasts—children and adults alike—thanks to 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 ignited passions, memories, and shared moments of play.
HZERO celebrates this extraordinary legacy with an exhibition in the display cases on the first floor, curated by Francesco Poggioni and entirely dedicated to these two historic Italian manufacturers, presenting a selection of the most representative models from their production, made possible by the generous donation of Massimo Ferri. An exhibition path that brings together engineering, design, memory, and industrial culture.
In the first display case on the first floor, visitors can discover the famous “Rivarossi System”: a complete layout 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 allowed entire generations to build complex railway layouts even with little experience.
In the 1960s, Lima also introduced its own system, more oriented toward the toy world but capable of reaching an extremely broad audience both in Italy and abroad.
In the right- hand display case, visitors will find a selection of Ferrovie dello Stato models produced in the historic factories of Como and Vicenza: steam locomotives, electric locomotives, and diesel engines showcasing the technical and stylistic evolution of both companies. The exhibition is conceived as a double tribute: on one hand to the modelers and enthusiasts who cherished and collected Lima and Rivarossi models; on the other, to all those who, with expertise and dedication, worked in these companies and helped grow a sector that still today inspires creativity, research, and imagination.
Inaugurated on December 2 for the International Model Railroading Day, the exhibition represents a new milestone in the museum’s mission to preserve and promote the culture and history of model railroading.
The exhibition is located on the first floor and is included in the admission ticket.
