- Homepage
- H0m Model Railroading
- RhB H0m Model Manufacturers
Rolling Stock 1 – Manufacturers A to F
- RhB H0m Model Manufacturers
- H0m Model Railroading
Address of this page:
http://www.ozdoba.net/rhb/h0m/hersteller_roll1_e.html
|
You are here:
Address of this page: |
See also “Rolling Stock 2 – Manufacturers G to Z” und “Accessories”.
Bayard Viareggio
Via delle Quercen 6
I – 55043 Lido di Camaione
(company has no website)
Especially worth mentioning is a Chur-Arosa-motorcoach in original colours (blue/grey) that can be perfectly complemented with the cars made by Motreno. In Switzerland, the representative for Bayard models is → Roger Suter in Meggen; you find details on his website.
Website: http://www.bemo-modellbahn.de/
Bemo is probably known by everyone who has an interest in modelling the RhB in H0m. In its more than 30 year history (founded in 1976), Bemo has become the leading large-series manufacturer for narrow gauge models in H0 scales (H0e and H0m). RhB enthusiasts are lucky that Bemo has always had a special interest in this line; over the years, practically all major series of engines and cars have been brought out by Bemo.
They produce good quality models with plastic superstructures which allows to keep the prices in a reasonable range. Each year, there is one special model (“Exclusive Metal Collection”) made of metal. All their models are very detailed, the printing deserves special attention as this is a specialty of Bemo. Usually, their models come with some loose parts that you have to put on yourself (brake hoses, handrails etc.).
Bemo has a complete set of H0m tracks including switches, crossings, decouplers etc. Besides, they offer some accessories (switch lanterns, Hipp's turning disc signal, loading cranes etc.) that help to make your layout more realistic.
The complete catalog appears in intervals of about three years; in between, new models are presented in the company journal “Bemo-Post” and in “New Items” sheets.
Last not least, it should be mentioned that Bemo is actively promoting the idea of narrow-gauge model railroading; they are the main sponsor of the Albula-Bahn-Club's large museum layout.
The company also supports the prototype: The profits from the special “SOS” Pullman car which was manufactured by BEMO were donated to the “Pro Salonwagen RhB” society, and a part of the revenues from the Bernina Crocodile model were donated to the restoration project group.
Website: http://www.d-r-modellbahn.de/
D+R has a rather substantial program of RhB coaches and freight cars; the (currently) only locomotive is the Bernina baggage coach. The company has developed its own close coupling device; all models, however, are equipped with additional conventional couplings so that you won't have problems to couple them to, e.g., a Bemo model. (The close coupling is also sold separately so that you can mount it on cars from other manufacturers.)
In addition to rolling stock, D+R specialize in electronic devices like a flashing end marker light, construction site signals, blinking and ringing devices for railroad crossings or a prototypical station bell.
(company doesn't exist anymore)
Why do I include a company that has been out of business since (as far as I know) late 1996? The answer is simple: During its short active period, the Montreux/Switzerland based company Edelweiss produced a model that was, at this time, not available from any other manufacturer: The famous “Bernina Crocodile”.
Only 200 of the brown (small snow ploughs and “Scheren”-pantograph) and 100 of the green version (large snow-ploughs) were made which makes this model a rarity in the H0m market.
Meanwhile, the restoration of the Bernina Crocodile has made this engine rather popular, and a model was available from Bemo. Nevertheless, you should know that this model exists if you happen to come across one of these rarities some day.
If you happen to find one of these models, think twice which version to get: The later brown version (“Scheren”-pantograph in perfect detail; 1961–1966) runs fine, but I was told in a hobby shop that the earlier green version with the enormous mounted snow ploughs may cause problems on turnouts on a layout.
There is a problem for the purists among the collectors and model railroaders: Jeanmaire notes that the Bernina Crocodile had always been painted brown. I asked the RhB about this and was told that “contrary to the locomotives BB 61–62, 81 and the steam snow ploughs R 1051–1052, which were painted green initially, Ge 4/4 82 was painted brown from the beginning according to the then (era 1c) current trends.” (P. Härtli, RhB Press Office, letter dated Jan. 15, 1998. Thank you! “Era 1c” refers to the internal RhB era classification.) This means that you should re-paint the model …
Website: http://www.schmalspurbahnen.ch/
ESB (Emmenegger Schmalspur Bahnen) produces kits and ready-to-run models of cars from various Swiss narrow gauge railways. I came across some of these models in the → Modellbahn-Boutique in Lucerne. Nicely made!
Website: http://www.ferrosuisse.ch/ and http://www.ferro-suisse.de/
Ferro-Suisse is to H0m models what Leica is to cameras or Patek Philippe to watches. The company should call itself a “manufactory” – dedicated without compromise to quality and the highest degree of detail that can be achieved in 1:87.
When Ferro-Suisse came into existence in 1979, their first model was the RhB G 2/3+2/2 Mallet # 25, and the special model which they thought worthy to commemorate the 10-year-jubilee in 1989 was the famous RhB steam rotary snow plough Xrot d 9213. In the first years, the models were available either as kits (full assembly required or half assembled) and as complete models. Since 1990, however, the kits have disappeared, and you can only get ready-to-run Ferro-Suisse models now.
Tips for collectors: Ferro-Suisse has made it known already years ago (in their “aktuell” No. 17, September 2001) that, when you buy an unbuilt kit, you should make sure that all parts and the assembly instructions are included. Spare parts for kits and instructions are no longer available from Ferro-Suisse!
You will not find Ferro-Suisse models in any hobby shop – the company deals directly with its customers. There are no “authorized dealers” – Ferro-Suisse models are only available from Ferro-Suisse.
Copyright © 1997–2008 and responsible for contents: Christoph Ozdoba.
First version January 1, 1997, last edited February 23, 2008.
