ViTrains

ViTrains was founded in May 2005 in Costabissara, Italy, emerging as a spiritual successor to the legendary Lima brand. Following the acquisition of Lima by Hornby and the subsequent closure of the Vicenza production facilities, a group of former employees and managers sought to preserve Italy’s heritage in model railroading. By establishing ViTrains, they aimed to keep production within the Veneto region, utilizing local expertise and state-of-the-art machinery to offer high-quality, "Made in Italy" models that prioritized mechanical reliability and prototypical accuracy over mass-market volume.

Operating primarily in the H0 (1:87) scale, ViTrains quickly became a specialist in the modern Italian railway network (FS). The brand is highly regarded for its detailed recreations of modern multiple units and passenger trains, such as the "Minuetto" electric and diesel sets and the double-decker "Casaralta" commuter coaches. Their models are characterized by a modular design philosophy that often requires the user to apply fine details—such as air hoses, handrails, and etched metal parts—allowing for a more customized and realistic finish. This "enthusiast-first" approach has made ViTrains a favorite among collectors who enjoy the "fine-tuning" aspect of the hobby.