Chronology

1958

Founding of FÁBRICA DE BRINQUEDOS FRATESCHI, which produced plush toys, wooden furniture and tin trains. At this time the first model railroading products begin to appear: telegraph poles, poles and catenaries for the overhead network.

1967

FÁBRICA DE BRINQUEDOS FRATESCHI is renamed INDÚSTRIAS REUNIDAS FRATESCHI LTDA. and becomes entirely focused on model railroading. This year, in September, the metal bridge ref. 1501 is launched, and in November the platform 1502.

1968

In October, the locomotive depot 1508 (later replaced by 1517) and the tunnel portal 1509 are launched.

1969

In April the ramp kit is launched in two versions: 1511-65 (6.5 cm ramp) and 1511-95 (9.5 cm ramp). In August, another metal bridge is launched, ref. 1510, larger and more detailed than 1501; in November, two launches: water tank 1512 and cage wagon 2001, the first Frateschi wagon.

1970

This year saw the launch of 4 wagons: in March the flatcar 2000, in May the EFS closed wagon - 2002, in July the FRIMA refrigerated wagon - 2004, and in August the ANGLO refrigerated wagon - 2003.

1971

Two kits and two wagons were launched: in March the hopper wagon 2005, and in August the popular house 1513. In September the mini-pine tree set 1507 and finally in November the CSN hopper wagon - 2006.

1972

Three wagons were launched: in August the EFSJ refrigerated wagon 2007, in October the RFFSA hopper wagon 2009, and in December the closed wagon for transporting chemical fertilizers from E.F. Sorocabana, 2008.

1973

FRATESCHI launches its first catalogue.

1974

The refrigerated wagon 2010 is launched, and in September two kits: 1503, passenger station (later replaced by Engineer Passos Station 1519) and the oil tank 1514.

1975

In October of this year the first locomotive is launched, a G-12 with the following features: bottom-mounted slot-car motor, single-truck traction, unpainted casing (i.e. injected in the plastic color). The launch was in two versions: 3000 (Fepasa) and 3001 (RFFSA).

1976

Frateschi begins working with nylon gears in three models with 23, 25 and 27 teeth for slot cars.

1977

In April the first rails are launched: 4220 straight rail 220 mm and 4188 curved rail 30° with 360 mm radius.

1979

This year, besides the launch of INFORMATIVO FRATESCHI in January, in February two wagons are launched (now out of production): 2011 (PETROBRAS crude-oil tank wagon) and 2012 (FEPASA gasoline tank wagon for exclusive SHELL use). In June, the new motor fixing system for locomotive 3001 and the first controller CT-5100 are launched. Also this year: 4219, curved rail with 418 mm radius, and the first turnout, 4165.

1980

In January two wagons complementing the previous year's launches: 2013 (FEPASA crude-oil tank) and 2014 (Cia. Brasileira de Petróleo Ipiranga gasoline tank). Both now discontinued. In March another change to the locomotive: the gear ratio went from 1:14 to 1:18 and the motor stopped being slot-car based, now rewound at FRATESCHI. Also two more rails launched: 4083 and 4166. In September, the SDC-500 turnout protector, and in October the 20th-anniversary commemorative casing for the Brazilian Society of Model Railroading.

1981

Launch of the publication FERROVIAS PARA VOCÊ CONSTRUIR and the first Hobby Trem boxes 6300, 6301, 6302, and the new CT-5200 controller with electronic inertia and brake.

1982

During this year the Santa Cruz and Vera Cruz passenger cars are launched: 2500 mail, 2501 1st class and 2502 dining. The 4880 flexible track is also launched.

1983

In January the EFVM locomotive - 3003 is launched. Also this year, six refrigerated wagons (ref. 2015) and gondola 2020, plus the 1st track-cleaning wagon 2098 (now discontinued).

1984

Launch of the G-22-U 3004 RFFSA locomotive and the 30080 motor, fully designed and produced by FRATESCHI.

1985

Launch of two new products: in January the 1515 metal viaduct and in March the 1516 metal bridge. In May, another change to the locomotive: single-truck traction is replaced by the new 8x8 traction. In December a new wave of launches: 2021 Itaú cement tank; 2022 Itaú closed wagon; new 4980 nickel silver flexible rail and new 4965 nickel silver turnout. Also this year the first Hobby Trilho boxes ref. 6400, 6401, 6402.

1986

In January the U-20-C locomotives are launched: RFFSA 3005, FEPASA 3006 and FEPASA 3007.

1987

Launch in June of 4 wagons: 2023 tank wagon from Cia. Sorocabana de Material Ferroviário (SOMA), 2024 FEPASA closed wagon, 2025 RFFSA drop-bottom gondola, and 2026 Cia. Siderúrgica Nacional gondola. In September, INFORMATIVO FRATESCHI is discontinued at issue 44.

1988

In January, REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE FERREOMODELISMO is launched, replacing INFORMATIVO FRATESCHI. Also in January, suburban trains 6314 and 6315 and the Cia. Vale do Rio Doce gondola 2027.

1989

In January the FA-1 3008 and 3009 locomotives are launched. Also wagons 2002K, 2003K, 2007K, 2008K, 2010K (previously out of line, relaunched as kits). Tank wagons 2030 PETROBRAS, 2031 FEPASA and 2032 RFFSA are launched, replacing 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2023.

1990

Launch of the new 4200 turnout and its nickel silver equivalent 4900. Two new controllers: 5300 and 5400, replacing 5100 and 5200 respectively. In March, kit 1517 (locomotive depot, replacing 1508) and locomotive 3012, the first G-12 from CMEF.

1991

Launched in March: kit 1518 signal cabin, and in April the Consolidation 3010 locomotive, the first perfect-scale replica of a steam locomotive produced in Brazil, plus the 3013, second-paint version of CMEF.

1992

In September, kit 1519 Engineer Passos Station, wagons 2033 RFFSA flatcar, 2034 RFFSA ore gondola, 2035 EFC flatcar, 2036 EFSJ flatcar, plus 2400, 2nd version track-cleaning wagon. Also this year, the closing of Revista Brasileira de Ferreomodelismo at its 10th issue.

1993

FRATESCHI begins exporting to the United States — Atlas and Model Power — and for the first time developed products for a non-Brazilian audience. Many passenger cars and locomotives: Amtrak, Southern Pacific, Pennsylvania, Canadian Pacific, etc.

1994

Through the partnership with Atlas, FRATESCHI produces three more tank wagons from American railroads, introduces several improvements to the Consolidation locomotive, and for the domestic market produces five closed wagons (ref. 2037 to 2041, imported).

1995

This year saw the launch of several locomotives: 3112 G-12 Argentina, 3014 G-12 CVRD, and 3016 G-22-U RFFSA in gray/yellow paint. In December, the publication ABC DO FERREOMODELISMO is launched for beginners. However, the most important launches this year were the wooden old-style passenger cars 2490, 2491, 2495, 2496 and the Ten-Wheeler locomotives Central 3017 and Cia. Paulista 3018.

1996

A year of many launches: 3 isothermal wagons 2042, 2043, 2044 and tank 2045; 4 Silver Train cars - 2505 Mail, 2506 Dining and 2507-2508 Sleeping; locomotives 3020/3021 (new FEPASA paint versions); 3022-3025 (U-20-C in new gray-yellow RFFSA version); 3011 Consolidation Cia. Paulista. Most of these are existing wagon, car and locomotive models with new paint schemes.

1997

This year saw the launch of the 1521 two-story house, carbon-steel passenger cars (ref. 2475, 2476, 2477, 2480, 2481, 2482, 2485, 2486, 2487), Collections, and the number of basic train box models jumped from 4 to 11 options with new packaging. Also 30 YEARS OF INDÚSTRIAS FRATESCHI LTDA was celebrated at Fepasa Station in Ribeirão Preto on 30/08/97, with the Model Railroading Show and Contest, when the new U-20-C in NOVOESTE colors (Brazil's first privatized railroad) was presented to enthusiasts.

1998

Launch of locomotive versions for the railroads born from the privatization process: 3031 G-22-U FSA; 3030 U-20-C FCA; 3030 G-12 FSA. The most expressive launch of the year was undoubtedly the HFD hopper wagon, with all paint variations: 2046 Fepasa phase II; 2047 Fepasa phase III; 2048 RFFSA; 2049 FSA phase I; 2050 FSA phase II. Kit 1522 Gas Station also launched. The Argentine privatization process led FRATESCHI to launch the 3150 G-22-U Metropolitano.

1999

Continued release of new locomotive versions from privatization: 3032 U-20-C MRS and 3033 G-12 FCA. Some products for the railroad gift market: 3034 U-20-C Ferroban; 2055 Hopper Wagon Ferronorte; U-20-C Gevisa — available to enthusiasts only from 2000. For export: G-22-U Ferrovias, ref. 3151 Argentina. The 4880/4980 flexible rails received major improvements with new molds. The 2006 and 2009 ore wagons were also relaunched as kits.

2000

A year of many launches. In March: 3034 U-20-C Ferroban (two different numberings), 1523 Covered Station (kit), 2051 Liz Cement Tank. In September: 3037 U-5-B RFFSA, 3038 U-5-B EFCB, 3039 U-5-B MRS, 2052 MRS Ore Gondola, 2053 MBR Ore Gondola, 2055 Ferronorte Hopper Wagon. Some FA-1 versions for North America were relaunched: 3106 Eire, 3108 Lehigh Valley, 3115 Soo Line. A great effort was made to maintain high quality on turnouts, rails and especially diesel locomotives, with reduced noise and swaying. At the 4th Model Railroading Meeting, the first Locomotive Turner made in Brazil (by FRATESCHI) was presented for launch in early 2001.

2001

As announced at the 4th Meeting, the Locomotive Turner ref. 4500 was launched in March 2001. Soon after, wagon 2056 (ALL closed hopper) was launched to complete the major Brazilian hopper series. In June the closed hopper wagons with plug door, FHD series: 2057 MRS, 2058 RFFSA, 2059 Fepasa, 2060 Ferroban, 2061 ALL. In 08.2001, at the 5th Meeting: 2062 ALL cement tank, 2063 ALL drop-bottom gondola, 3041 G22CU ALL, 3042 G22CU RFFSA. In July, a unique series of 250 G22U locomotives from E.F. Tereza Cristina sold out immediately. In September, the first G22CU locomotives for Argentina were released, fixing the trucks of models 3112, 3117, 3150 and 3151.

2002

Like the previous year, 2002 was full of launches: in February, the Siemens metro train ref. 6316 (CPTM). In March, the G22 ALL phase II red: 3043 G22CU ALL and 3044 G22U ALL. In May, the long-awaited Pullman Standard carbon-steel passenger cars in Cia. Paulista (2440-2443), Fepasa (2450-2453) and EFA (2460-2463) paint schemes. In July, the G12 Cia. Paulista, ref. 3045; at the 6th Meeting (24/08), the TCD tank wagon in five paint schemes: 2065 Ferroban, 2066 RFFSA, 2067 ALL, 2068 FCA, 2069 Fepasa — with Ferroban featuring the first factory-aged paint. Also: relaunches of G12 E.F. Vitória a Minas (phase I), ref. 3003, and G12 Mogiana (phase I), ref. 3012, with improved paint and art.

2003

Continuing ALL phase II paint, in February: wagons 2073 (ALL phase II closed hopper) and 2074 (ALL phase II closed hopper). At the 7th Meeting in August: 2075 articulated container platform, 20751-20754 20' containers in 4 colors (red, burgundy, gray, green); 2497 EFS old baggage car, 2498 EFS 1st class old, 2499 EFS 2nd class old; 3046 EFS Consolidation, 3047 U5B ALL phase II, 3048 U20C ALL phase II, 3049 G12 ALL phase II. For export: 3156 G22CU Taiwan phase II, 3157 G22CU Taiwan phase I, 3158 U20C Ferrosur Roca.

2004

Year of the V8 electric locomotive launches: 3050, 3051 and 3052. These locomotives marked an important step in FRATESCHI's history with a significant quality leap over all previous locomotives, in both finish and operating precision. New, more sophisticated packaging was introduced. In August, two more TCD tank versions: 2076 (RFFSA black) and 2077 (CVRD silver phase I). Another basic box added: ALL general cargo train - 6520.

2005

Major advances both in new products and refinement of the current line. First launch of the year: new old-style closed wagons 2078 EFSJ, 2079 EFCB, 2080 CPEF, 2081 unprinted, 2082 unpainted. Then the V8 CPEF locomotive in olive-green phase I, ref. 3054. In August, the 9th Model Railroading Meeting was held in Campinas (partnership with the Culture Department), marking 30 years of the G12 (September 1975). New G12 versions launched with wraparound nose and straight cab; 3001 was corrected to the wraparound-nose version, and the 3055 (wraparound nose + straight cab) and 3056 (NOB) were launched. Also: U20-C Brasil Ferrovias. New constant-intensity directional LED lighting was introduced across the diesel locomotive line. In November, the 1510 arched metal bridge was relaunched with new modern-quality molds.

2006

Several launches throughout the year: MRS PES platform ref. 2083 with container positioning slots; the G12 A-1-A version, serving the domestic market (Brazil has 20 units in Rio Grande do Sul) and fixing the trucks of G12s exported to Argentina and New Zealand. Digital command began appearing in Brazil; FRATESCHI launched the PCB ref. 30060 for easy digital conversion of FRATESCHI locomotives, following the new international 8-pin decoder standards. For export: G12 ref. 3168, Ferro Expresso Pampeano, Argentina. Two new 2-C+C-2 versions: 3053 EFCB Escandalosa (blue and yellow) and the long-awaited V-8 Fepasa phase III, ref. 3059 (numbered 6371 in tribute to the locomotive preserved by ABPF). Budd cars in the CENTRAL version were launched to accompany the EFCB Escandalosa. The most important launch came at the 10th Meeting in Campinas: 3 versions of the wide-gauge hopper-tank Cobrasma — 2084 RFFSA red oxide, 2085 RFFSA medium gray, 2086 MRS aquamarine.

2007

First launch of 2007: car 2444, the CP R-train Pullman — what was missing to complete that famous train. The Basic Boxes received an entirely new 4220-L connecting rail, safe and well-finished. By market demand, the third Fepasa paint for U20C was launched, 3060. In June, the year's main launch — the 40th-anniversary FRATESCHI locomotive: C30-7. Launched: 3061 MRS, 3062 Com. Quintella, 3063 ALL meter gauge, 3064 Brasil Ferrovias, 3065 ALL broad gauge. At the 11th Meeting (11/08/2007), the book “The History of Model Railroading in Brazil and 40 Years of FRATESCHI” was launched. In October, the 1525 Track End Bumper; in November, the closed hopper 2088 blue (Bunge-ALL); in December, the V-8 Conselheiro Antonio Prado, ref. 3514, limited series.

2008

In February a new building kit, apartment block 1524 in three colors — an important step expanding the Construction line, highly demanded by the market and offering different possibilities for modelers. In June, a new locomotive launched: the U23C in RFFSA (3066) and MRS (3067) paints.

2009

To relaunch the NS 4980 flexible rail and respective 4900 turnouts in April, FRATESCHI made them CODE 100 compatible; from April the entire rail line was changed to this new international standard. Also in April, the MRS FHS grain wagon 2090 (“Bege Trigo”) in three numberings. In May, the new VALE GDE ore gondolas 2091, replacing the old 2018. In July, a new kit: Country Station 1526. In September, two Mafersa ore wagons HAT with three discharge mouths: 2092 MRS and 2093 RFFSA, each in four numberings. In December, a unique special V-8 Fepasa phase I series with two numberings. Discontinued in 2009: 6516, 2460-2463, 3020, 3053, 3054, 3060.

2010

To refresh its brand, FCA replaced the blue/pumpkin paint with all-pumpkin and a new logo; FRATESCHI launched in January the FHD closed hopper ref. 2094 and in March the U20C ref. 3068, both in the new FCA paint. In July, a celebrated relaunch of wagon 2003 Anglo isothermal, in its original 1969 version, adding two unprecedented versions: Armour and Wilson isothermals. In December, an exclusive series of the ALL TSD tank wagon ref. 2095 in black. Discontinued in 2010: Ramp Kit 1511 and ore wagons 2006 and 2009.

2011

In March, wagon 2096 ALL TCD tank with red lettering, replacing 2067 (kept only in Basic Boxes). In April, the new 1527 tunnel portal, more identified with Brazilian railroad style — green-yellow model railroading reaching the construction and scenery kits. In July, the GE-5200 electric locomotives: 3070 CP and 3071 Fepasa phase II. At the 15th Meeting in São Carlos, the magnificent HPT RUMO Logística grain wagon, ref. 2097, was launched. In December, closing the 2-C+C-2 electric series, the RFFSA EFSJ version in a closed lot of 220 locomotives.

2012

Early in the year, wagon 2098 ALL HFT grain car. Mid-2012, MRS TNS tank 2099. 40' containers launched in four paint schemes at the 16th Meeting in São Carlos. In December, by popular demand, a unique series of carbon-steel passenger cars in the final paint scheme — the “AVE MARIA” Fepasa — in two Masterclass boxes. In September, a limited U23C RFFSA phase II series named after stations — Volta Redonda, Juiz de Fora and Itabirito. At year's end, the Covered Station 1523 was discontinued.

2013

In March 2013, tank wagon 2037 TCD BR, replacing the 2030 (sold as kit). With the new 1527 Tunnel Portal launched, the previous 1509 was kept in line until stock ran out. In July, a special V-8 Fepasa phase II series named Francisco de Monlevade, in tribute to the Cia. Paulista president who advanced the electrification project. The year ended with the MRS HPT hopper, ref. 2050, fully painted in MRS standard blue.

2014

In September, four VLi models launched: 2070 closed hopper wagon, 2071 TCD silver tank wagon, 2072 TSD black tank wagon, and 3036 U20C VLi. Two special G22U series also launched: Ferrovia Tereza Cristina and Transferro. In December, 2054 HPT MRS / Rumo Cosan, just 30 days after delivery to the railroad — notable for the refinement of printing detail. Discontinued: 2031, 2032, 2055, 2058, 3005, 3016, 3058.

2015

The AC44i locomotive went into production at the 15th Meeting in Bebedouro, SP. Models: 3072 MRS S A, 3073 Rumo Logística, 3074 ALL, 3075 VLi.

2016

The paint that started the AC44i series was brought to market: Rumo Logística Phase I, ref. 3076. The GHS gondola wagons nicknamed “camel back” were launched: 2100 RFFSA, 2101 MRS, 2102 MBR. To highlight VLi: HFT wagon ref. 2040 and HPT Rumo Logística ref. 2087. The electric train box line was expanded with Rumo Logística ref. 6526, composed of 1 U20C locomotive and 3 HPT wagons.

2017

To celebrate 50 years of Frateschi, at the 17th Meeting in São Carlos the Raizen TCT tank wagon was presented — complex in design and paint, with greater transport capacity and better performance for flammable liquids. At the same event, a commemorative AC44i paint was developed by industrial designer José Emilio Buzelin (ref. 3080) — highly sought after by collectors.

2018

Launched what we affectionately call the “little-door wagon”, the FRC/FSC closed wagon series: 2105 RFFSA, 2106 Fepasa, 2107 EFS, 2108 ALL. Limited series of the blue MRS hopper tank, ref. 2109.

2019

Launch of the PRT Double Stack wagon from Brado Logística — a simultaneous launch with the railroad at the Sumaré terminal, SP. A moment of great impact for Frateschi and the railroad, this wagon represents a major advance in Brazilian rail transport and was extremely well received. We also brought the stylized VALE paint on the AC44i, ref. 3078.

2021

For railroad enthusiasts, the RS-3 and RSC-3 locomotives in these paints: RS-3 — 3081 EFCB, 3082 RFFSA, 3085 CPTM (red); RSC-3 — 3083 Cia. Paulista de Estrada de Ferro, 3084 Fepasa.

2022

Launch of the HTT hopper in configurations 2113 Rumo Logística and 2114 VLi.

2023

In January, the TCT FS wagon ref. 2116 — a new GBMX initiative for corn ethanol transport, one of the most striking wagons in the fleet, with green and yellow tones. Using the recently launched RS-3, we brought the white CPTM paint, ref. 3086, retiring ref. 3085 from the same operator. In December, the Bracell FTT tarpaulin wagon for cellulose — a simultaneous launch at Bracell. Highly demanded, with special design challenges in the tarp corrugation. Ref. 2120.

2024

In February, Celso Frateschi passes away at 81, representing the 2nd Frateschi generation, having established Brazilian model railroading from scratch through serious and dedicated industrial activity. As a model railroader and mechanical engineer, he left an irreplaceable legacy. In October, we revisited the RSC-3 with the Ciminas paint, ref. 3087 — well received and visually striking, pairing with the same company's cement wagon, ref. 2045.

2025

We brought the “wheat-beige” MRS hopper tank in designation 2111. We also explored for the first time a service wagon — the Rumo fire-cut wagon in designation 2118, with a new characteristic door designed for this model. The G12 locomotive, launched in 1965, completed 50 years of uninterrupted production — a locomotive that marked an era in the “diesel age” of Brazilian railroads.

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