
Maker record
Elettren
Elettren is an Italian maker of 1:43.5 scale model railway locomotives, passenger coaches and freight cars. Its first models, made in 1946, were the E 428 electric locomotive and the FS 691 steam locomotive. The maker began with tinplate construction and later adopted photo-etching, electronics, lost-wax castings and digital techniques. Its range includes Italian locomotives and passenger cars representing railway companies across Europe. Production takes place in Italy, and the family business remains based in Marnate.
- Founded
- 1946
- Final year
- 2026
- Countries
- Italy
- Locations
- Marnate
- Founders
- Armando Ravasini
The story of Elettren
Armando Ravasini made Elettren’s first models in 1946: a 1:43.5 scale E 428 electric locomotive, followed by the FS 691 steam locomotive. The initial range also included freight cars and passenger coaches in the tinplate tradition. In the 1960s, Franco Ravasini continued the line and added coaches representing railway companies operating across Europe.
In 1985, Fabio and Maurizio Ravasini began the business’s third generation. Elettren subsequently adopted photo-etching, electronics and lost-wax casting, and later digital techniques. The company’s current product catalogue includes Italian steam locomotives and passenger cars, including CIWL coaches. Its official history states that production takes place in Italy; its listed address is in Marnate, in the province of Varese.
In the digital museum
Explore the museum
Elettren (Fulgurex) Italy 0 gauge Swiss SBB CFF 1st-class passenger car with interior, 44 cmView in the museum
Elettren (Fulgurex) Italy 0 gauge Swiss SBB CFF 3rd-class passenger car with interior, 44 cmView in the museum
Elettren (Fulgurex) Italy 0 gauge Swiss SBB CFF 3rd-class passenger car with interior, 44 cmView in the museum
Elettren (Fulgurex) Italy 0 gauge Swiss SBB FFS baggage car, 44 cmView in the museum 


