Lima Models was an Italian brand of railway models that started production early in the 1950s. It made 00 gauge, N gauge, HO gauge, and some O gauge models in several different countries. The brand was very popular and offered its material at reasonable rates.
Due to financial issues, Lima Models ceased trading in 2004, when its assets were taken over by Hornby Railways. Now under Hornby, Lima has been manufacturing model diesel locomotives, and there have been improvements in both Hornby and Lima productions since lately.
Lima models can be bought at any good model train shop. The details are always up to the mark, and the motor used by the engines makes a unique and pleasurable sound. The locomotives can work well at both high and low speeds. However, the wheels need to be cleaned regularly for the trains to keep up with their pace.
Some Lima model trains include:
- Class 73 Intercity livery: good details, works well at low speeds and has a good top speed. Like most Lima models, it runs best after having a run of about half an hour. This model should be run with Mark 2 coaches.
- Class 59 EWS Livery: well detailed, good handling, fine control at low speed and very high top speed, can pull almost any kind of freight. This model comes with detailing parts such as couplings and extra pipe lines.
- Class 156, 2 Car DMU: superb model, great details with lights fitted in drill holes, realistic engine sounds, good control at slow speeds and high top speed, very reliable and can undergo a variety of upgrades. However, some improvements and minor adjustments would make it a far better set, as there is poor under frame detail and the motor used is rather outdated.
