Rivarossi Model Trains
If you are a dedicated model train enthusiast you probably have invested some time in researching the various manufacturers of model trains, and if you have, you’ve discovered that there is one common denominator which has stood out about the owners of these companies. Each of these men developed a passion for model railroading as children, and this dedication motivated each of these young men to develop a company for the manufacture of model trains and their accessories.
Allsandro Rivarossi is no different than any of the other owner’s, and his commitment to model railroading began in a similar fashion while growing up in Italy. The very first time he was given a model train as a gift, the attachment to this amazing hobby began, and later after being the recipient of a small inheritance in 1945 he purchased a company that produced electric commutators which he then changed to a company that manufactured model trains.
Initially, the company enjoyed the luxury of being the only company in Italy which manufactured model trains, and this was not to change for awhile. Eventually two other companies whose names are Conti and Lima entered the scene and presented some level of competition for Rivarossi.
The first Rivarossi model trains were unique in their design making them a standout in the market and the most obvious characteristic about these special model trains was the special attention given to every aspect of their construction down to smallest of details. The goal of the company through creating exciting and unique locomotives and railcars was to further bolster the buyers feeling that every dollar they spent was well worth it. Another attribute of these high quality models was their ability to run smoothly at high speeds which no other manufacturer was able to equal at the time.
One would think that a company that devoted it’s manufacturing efforts to focus on the smallest of details would have a bright and continued future. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case for Rivarossi who in it’s fifty year history routinely experienced financial difficulties. In fact, on more than one occasion the company filed for bankruptcy. There are very few companies that can experience constant financial problems and Rivarossi was no exception. Certain aspects of the company were purchased by the well known and established model train company Hornby in 2004, and since that time continued efforts have been made to improve all of the technical aspects of this model train.
The current product line is more than complete and offers those who would like to purchase a Rivarossi model train every component and accessory imaginable. If there is a drawback to purchasing these trains it is that Rivarossi is not well known for expediency when delivering it’s products. However, if you want a truly unique model train the wait is well worth it.
