Maker record
Biaggi (GEM)
Francesco Biaggi’s Milan-based firm made electric model trains under the Biaggi and GEM names. Its range began with 0 and 1 gauge trains and expanded to H0/00 in 1947. The models included locomotives and rolling stock, with metal and sheet-metal construction and electric operation. The GEM name was used alongside Biaggi on the smaller-scale range until about 1955; production then continued under Biaggi for 0 and 1 gauge trains.
- Founded
- 1945
- Final year
- 1988
- Locations
- Milan, Italy · 1945
- Founders
- Francesco Biaggi
The story of Biaggi (GEM)
In 1945 Francesco Biaggi registered the GEM name for his Milan-based firm, which initially made 0 and 1 gauge trains as well as boats and models of other forms of transport. In 1947 the range expanded to H0/00 trains, first shown at the Milan fair that year. Through the mid-1950s, smaller-scale trains appeared under both GEM and Biaggi. The firm’s early alternating-current track used four rails; this system was replaced in 1949 by three-rail track.
GEM’s H0/00 range included locomotives, passenger coaches, freight wagons and complete train sets. Locomotives used metal bodies and electric motors; the maker also offered different versions of its steam models, including the Porter, Mogul and Prairie types. Some rolling stock used die-cast metal and sheet metal. GEM made an Orient-Express set for Swiss retailer Franz Carl Weber. Around 1955 the GEM name disappeared from Biaggi’s production, which continued under the Biaggi name with 0 and 1 gauge trains.
The GEM name was also used by unrelated railway businesses, including a French toy-train maker and British and American model railway concerns. These were distinct from Biaggi’s Italian firm.