Maker record
Metrop
Metropolitan SA, also known as Metrop, was a Swiss model railway supplier based in Geneva. It distributed models from small-series manufacturers in H0, N and 0 gauges, and developed and sold brass models of European railway subjects from about 1973, initially in collaboration with Pocher. Its range included steam and electric locomotives, railcars and passenger coaches. Metropolitan’s models are associated with Swiss and other European prototypes.
- Founded
- 1979
- Locations
- Unknown
- Founders
- Unknown
The story of Metrop
Metropolitan SA was established in Geneva in 1967 or 1967/68 by Pierre Vercelli, who had previously owned the toy shop La Fée aux Jouets. The business continued that shop’s model railway trade, offering mainstream models alongside brass models based on American and Japanese prototypes. From about 1973, Metropolitan developed and distributed brass models of European railway prototypes, at first in collaboration with Pocher. Its catalogue included Swiss steam and electric locomotives as well as railcars and passenger coaches, with models offered in H0, N and 0 gauges. In 1985 Vercelli founded Roxy, a separate label for less costly brass models. Metropolitan entered bankruptcy in 1994 and was subsequently dissolved; a model railway history reference records its removal from the commercial register in 1996. Vercelli returned to the same market in 1995 through Imperial Trains, owned by J. Vercelli-Fontana.