Lima

Lima is one of the most traditional names in European model railway manufacturing. The company was founded in Vicenza (Italy) in 1946 and developed from the 1950s onwards into one of the largest model railway manufacturers worldwide – with extensive product lines in H0, N, 00 and Gauge 0. Originally, Lima produced aluminum castings for the Italian State Railways, but switched to metal toys in 1948 before starting series production of model railways in 1953. In the 1960s and 1970s, Lima became internationally known for affordable models, a wide product range, and a multitude of local prototype variants – from Italian FS locomotives and DB models to British and US models. With over 1,200 employees, Lima produced 20,000 meters of track, 7,000 locomotives, and 28,000 cars daily at its peak. Models were sold worldwide under brands such as AHM, Jouef, Arnold, and Wrenn. In the 1980s, the quality line Lima Nova followed, featuring a central motor, cardan drive, and standard-sized carriages. After the takeover by Rivarossi in 1992 and subsequent insolvency, Lima was acquired by Hornby Railways in 2004. Since 2006, models have been re-released under the Lima brand name, now as part of Hornby International – featuring modern technology, NEM couplings, and DCC compatibility. The brand lives on today in lines such as Lima Expert (for adult model railroaders) and Lima Hobby Line.