Category Archives: MAN

Brekina November 2023

By Maz Woolley

Brekina make plastic models in Germany and they are mostly to 1:87 scale. In the past they have also distributed Chinese made plastic 1:87 models from Starmada. I suspect that Model Car World’s PCX range of Chinese made 1:87 scale models may come from the same Chinese factory that produced the Starmada models. Brekina has been owned by Model Car World Group of Germany since 2018. The models listed for release in November seem to be based on mouldings previously seen. Indeed like other German 1:87 manufacturers entirely new mouldings form only a small part of their releases.

Please note that some of the photographs are of decorated samples and the models will have further work done before they are released.

The releases include some interesting models including a Fleischer S5 coach. This was a unibody coach following in the mould of Setra coaches but produced in East Germany using a rear mounted Horsch engine. It was made until the reunification of Germany. Another less commonly seen vehicle is the 1962 Magirus Saturn bus/coach. Derived from the famous truck range this was Deutz powered and featured a characteristic rounded rear profile.

The Renault Fourgonnette has been in the range for many years but it seems to me to be a rather vague model with the rear section not quite shaped correctly and if features over large wheels. However there appear to be few available alternatives in this scale so sales will presumably continue to be brisk as the liveries will be of interest to diorama builders. In contrast their Citroen Dyane models are nicely shaped and detailed.

DAF trucks are to be welcomed as DAF trucks have not been widely modelled despite being seen quite frequently on the continent. They compliment models like the obsolete Wiking tractor and trailer unit and the variety of DAF models made by Netherlands based Artitec.

Finally Roger Clark fans will be pleased to see a Mark 2 Escort in 1976 RAC Rally livery to add to their collections.



19582 Ford Escort RS 1800 #6 Rallye RAC Lombard 1976 R.Clark

34467 Fiat 238 Box Van Garage Francorchamps 1966

14250 Citroen Dyane Blue 1976

14251 Citroen Dyane Orange 1976

14252 Citroen Dyane Red 1976

14762 Renault R4 Fourgonnette Bahn Belgien (B) 1961

14763 Renault R4 Fourgonnette La Poste (F) 1961

21051 Mercedes-Benz 770 K Red 1938

22654 Fiat 131 Abarth #10 Fiat Monte Carlo 1980 W.Rohrl

22659 Fiat 131 Abarth #12 Calberson Monte Carlo 1980 M.Mouton

22661 Fiat 131 Abarth #7 Svenska Fiat Monte Carlo 1980 .Waldegaard

32764 Volkswagen Transporter T1b Box Van Philips 1960

32856 Volkswagen Transporter T1b Grossraum-Koffer Blue/White 1960

32857 Volkswagen Transporter T1b Grossraum-Koffer mid-Blue/White 1960

32859 Volkswagen Transporter T1b Grossraum-Koffer Turkstra 1960

32984 Volkswagen Transporter T1b Pritsche Dark Red 1960

32985 Volkswagen Transporter T1b Pritsche Yellow 1960

34436 Fiat 238 Halbbus DLRG Stade 1965

38033 Borgward B 1500 Bierpritsche Red/Beige 1954

38035 Borgward B 1500 Getrankeaufbau Red/Blue 1954

45102 MAN 450 HA LF 16 Feuerwehr Hessen 1965

45132 MAN 450 HA TLF 16 Feuerwehr Hessen 1960

52435 Mercedes-Benz LO 3500 Deutsche Feldpost 1936

56107 Setra S 140 ES RVO Isar Center 1980

56110 Setra S 140 ES KVG Gebhardt Baufachhandel 1980

58235 Skoda 706 RTO Lux Beige/Dark Red

59538 Magirus Saturn II Mainz Wg. 109 1962

59940 Fleischer S5 Harz Reisen 1972

83287 Magirus 310 D 16 Rungen-SZ DB 1974 w/Load


85235 DAF DO 2000 Koffer-SZ Geldersche Tramwegen 1957

85239 DAF DO 2000 PP-SZ Binfurst 1957

85284 DAF FT 2600 Ko-SZ Streng 1962

85736 Kenworth K 100 Aerodyne Renntransport-SZ STP 1980

85737 Kenworth K 100 Aerodyne Renntransport-SZ Wrangler Racing 1980

Ixo Q1 2023

By Maz Woolley

Announcements of models for the first quarter of 2023 are being made by Wholesalers who must be confident that the goods were made and made it to a container ship before the Chinese New Year shutdown started recently. We will no doubt hear of many more proposed releases next week when the Nuremberg Trade Toyfair opens.

PCT Industries continues to release models under its Ixo brand. Many of the models are based on castings that have already been seen in various partwork series, but when released under the Ixo brand they are generally in new colours and often incorporate a little more detail. This is appropriate as the UK suggested retail price of an Ixo model is often twice the price of a partwork issue.

PCT models are made in China, and in Bangladesh, for Macau and are generally sealed diecast models in various scales.

This article looks at just a few of the many models Ixo intend to ship. Please note that these are pre-production colour test models so there may be some changes before they went into production.

1:43 Scale

February Scheduled Releases


GMC General Beige 1980

One of the few producers of trucks to 1:43 scale. This GMC is in period colours and should be popular with collectors of US vehicles. At this scale it will be an impressive model.


BMW Alpina B6 3.5S Metallic Red 1989

Some nice detailed printing and flush glazing but it still has a hint of partwork about it.


Jaguar XJ 8 (X 308) Green 1998

I believe that this casting was used in the Atlas Jaguar Collection several years ago when it was produced in British Racing Green. It is a nice model and is RHD which will please UK buyers.


Saab 99 EMS Metallic Silver 1972

Ixo already sells this in rally livery and as a red saloon car. This casting would appear to be derived from the casting used to produce several models in the Atlas Saab Collection.


Lada 1500 Green 1980

This casting has been used in several partworks made for former Comecon bloc countries. Here it is badged as a Lada , a brand used mainly on export cars at this time, rather than as a Soviet market Vaz.

Although nicely finished this model may struggle to sell as ex-part work models abound on eBay at a considerably lower cost.


March Scheduled Releases


Scania 142 M Blue 1981

These Ixo trucks model a cab that is already popular with collectors of 1:48 scale models from Tekno and others. It is nicely detailed and made and is very much cheaper than the 1:48 scale models.

Scania 142 M Green 1981

MAN F 2000 Red 1994

MAN F 2000 Blue 1994

This nicely detailed model is again of a popular subject as modelled by Italieri to 1:24 scale and Model Car Garage to 1:18. Given the size and detail included these models are a very reasonable price here in the UK.


Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 (W111) Metallic Grey 1969

This looks to be the same casting used to produce the Greenlight model based on the car seen in the movie ‘The Hangover‘. Considerable printed detail is used which includes US specification separate front lights and side amber lights. A neat model of an impressive car.


Volvo 240 GL Red 1989

Again I think this is derived from the 240GLT casting produced for the Atlas Volvo Collection. Though here there are a few changes with a set of roof bars fitted. It is a good model capturing the boxy shape of the original car and sure to be popular as the Atlas Volvo Collection only sold in a limited range of countries so models are not easy to come by.


Simca 1301 Special Metallic Green 1972

The 1301/1501 casting has been seen in several different French market partworks from the Route Bleu series to the Hachette Simca Collection. Here the windscreen wipers look finer than on the partwork cars but the finish is otherwise similar. The side chrome stripe seems rather crude by current standards.


Renault 5 Alpine Gr. 2 Silver 1978

Models of the Renault 5 abound in part work and rally series. This model seems to be fairly basic despite the abundance of extra lights. The wide wheel arches seem to have rather small wheels within them too. It is a shame this is so basic perhaps in full Group 2 rally livery it would be more impressive. Personally, I would much prefer the lovely Ixo Renault 5 GT Turbo previously released which looks really good.


1:24 Scale Releases February


Talbot Sunbeam Lotus #16 Rallye WM Rally Monte Carlo 1981 G.Frequelin/J.Todt

Talbot Sunbeam Lotus #8 Rallye WM Rally Monte Carlo 1981 H.Toivonen/F.Gallagher

This model was originally expected late in 2022 but has slipped to 2023. The Talbot Sunbeam was a successful rally car which was a surprise as the Sunbeam had been created as a stop gap in the Chrysler range. It used a shortened Avenger chassis and part bin fittings from other Chrysler models. Once taken over by Peugeot-Citroën the Sunbeam was soon dropped as it overlapped the new Horizon and was made in Linwood in Scotland which was shut in 1981.

The Ixo model as appeared before in various rally ranges and is quite a nice representation of the rally car but the front lights seem to be too small and flat to me when compared with pictures of the real cars at Monte Carlo.


1:18 Scale


Fiat 131 Abarth Blue 1980

Another homologation special here. 400 were built to allow the car to qualify for group four rallying. It took the combined efforts of Fiat, Bertone, and Abarth to produce them. The simple badging shows it as an Abarth as do the body modifications. Ixo have already released this in yellow.

The Ixo model is a bit stark in it’s civilian finish and it will look much better in rallying livery.


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Wiking Releases October 2022

By Maz Woolley

Wiking releases for October introduce a few new mouldings and some upgrades to existing ones.

1:32 Scale

077857 Claas Trion 720 Montana with Convio 1080 and trolley

Trion is the name of Claas’s new generation of combine harvesters. Awarded “Farm Machine 2022”, it has become the world leader in its category of combine harvesters! The Wiking Claas Trion 720 Montana, has chassis tilt compensation in a model for the first time. The model features a Convio 1080 cutting unit on this launch model. The model features many working features and many details in the modelling.

077863 Claas Axion 950

The Claas Axion range has been a considerable success and has now been fitted with a whole range of digital technology in the cab including a driver assist system which optimises settings for the attached equipment as well as the Tractor itself. It is hoped that these advances will optimise the fuel consumption as well as improve the quality of the work.

The photograph’s show the detailed modelling with the mesh bonnet panels being particularly fine. As usual on Wiking models the model has all the attachment fittings needed to mount various items from the Wiking Range.

077862 Pöttinger front mower Novacat

The Novacat front mower engineered by Pöttinger is used to cut forage crops. This mower is designed to automatically adjust cutting height to the ground being worked and to leave cut forage cleanly cut for storage and use.

The model fits all Wiking 1:32 scale tractors.


1:87 Scale

Photograph of Taxi at Bremen Oldtimer Classics

080015 Taxi – BMW Isetta

Made between 1955 and 1956 this Taxi offered only minimal space and I can’t imagine that there were many in service. However a real life example can be seen on the internet as shown above.

It will certainly stand out on mail rail diorama builders station forecourts amongst the Mercedes-Benz and Opel cabs.

020307 Ford Escort scale 1:87

A sober colour on the Mark One Escort for those who the bright yellows, oranges and purples fashionable at the time did not impress. It is also the four door model which is less commonly modelled. Designed in Britain to replace the Ford Anglia and produced at Ford’s new Halewood plant from 1967. It was adopted by Ford of Germany three years later and was produced at Saarlouis. It’s dog bone nickname came from the shape of the front grille/lights. It remined in production until 1974.

031405 Police – Volkswagen Transporter T2 Double Cab

This ‘Doka‘ moulding is a new one adding to the myriad of other flatbed Transporters made by Wiking. Here it is finished in the livery of a Police Riot Squad vehicle. It will no doubt appear in many other liveries in the future.

022406 Renault R4 “Parisienne”

The decoration was inspired by Renault’s marketing Group wanting products with more feminine appeal. They were made available to women to test drive for 48 hours in a special sales drive. The R4 was a very popular car in it’s home market and widely sold in other continental countries as its practicality made it a popular family vehicle.

This generation was in production from 1964 until 1968

022504 Renault R4 box van “Spar”

The R4 van had a very boxy body suitable to fit in a bulky load from the suppliers. Spar was a marketing consortium which small retailers joined which gave them access to bulk buying discounts and subsidised retail signage and material. Spar shops sprang up all over Europe and their livery on vans and lorries was frequently seen on the road.

Produced from 1961 to 1967 the R4 van continued in production with modified styling after that.

022505 Renault R4 box van – ivory

A plain livery for this model. But like the Spar model the rear roof section can be opened above the rear doors. This feature was popular with builders and window cleaners as you could stick your ladders in the back of the van with any excess length sticking out of the roof – no need for a special roof rack. This is again finished as the version made from 1961 to 1967.

068904 Municipal mastic asphalt mixer (MAN)

A MAN F7 chassis fitted with a mastic asphalt mixer body ideal for construction site dioramas. This is a new fitment and the first F5/F7 vehicle in the Wiking range. Many more will follow in future!

062647 Fire brigade – Rosenbauer FLF Panther 6×6 with extending arm

Yet another Rosenbauer joins the Wiking range. The Panther 6×6 has already been seen in 1:43 scale and now appears as a 1:87 scale model. Like many newer Wiking models it now has a sprue with some of the more delicate parts for the purchaser to fit themselves.

Here it is modelled with an extendable arm carrying the foam supply closer to the blaze and extensive detailing of the roller shutters and cabin.

038915 Claas Trion 730 harvester with Convio 1080

Here again we see a model made to 1:32 scale has been reduced to 1:87 scale. Here the 1:87 model is shown which is inevitably less detailed and with fewer working parts and opening parts. But it is a good replica of the new Claas Trion and a new moulding from Wiking. Like the larger 1:32 model it is fitted with a Convio 1080 cutting unit

Well detailed and printed for its relatively small size this model would look good on any diorama showing a contemporary farm.

022805 Volvo Amazon – dark green

A classic three-box shaped car from Sweden produced from 1956 to 1970 with over 660,000 sold by the time it was withdrawn. This existing moulding, seen previously in light blue for example, has been finished with a fine grille and printed badging. Engraved and silver printed door handles, rubbing strips and even reflectors all add to the quality of the model. Inside the model has a separately inserted steering wheel, a dashboard and an easily recognizable reproduction of the ribbon speedometer. Front and back seats are also separate inserts,

010204 Land Rover Defender 110 scale 1:87

Already seen in a variety of colours and finishes we have the Defender here with the addition of a double layer roof to reduce cabin heat in hot climates and a snorkel exhaust to make sure that fording water doesn’t stop it in its tracks.

This model is of the final generation of the Defender and features finely detailed and printed door handles, grilles and light surrounds. Again small parts like mirrors are supplied on a sprue to self fit.

088010 Lanz Bulldog with roof- yellow

Produced in several versions over time this is the first appearance in yellow and with a roof fitted. It appeared in the first classic series release from Wiking in 1973 and has been seen in several colours since. A German classic tractor which was in production from 1936 to 1954 and stayed in use for many years after production ended.

038819 Krampe Halfpipe tipper trailer black

Krampe tipping trailers are used in agriculture, civil engineering and lansdscaping. Many are owned by German municipal authorities. The HP20 modelled by Wiking features a tipping mechanism and connectors to allow it to be towed by other vehicles.

067405 Flatbed tipper (Mercedes-Benz NG) “Bölling”

Another Bölling liveried vehicle joins the Wiking range. Here a New Generation (NG) chassis from Mercedes-Benz, already seen on a flatbed tipper and the road sweeper, is the tractor unit pulling a four-axle flatbed tipper.

The model is well finished with good printed livery and a functioning tipper body. The grille unit and lights in bumpers neatly done to capture the original NG look.

042496 Flatbed tipper (Magirus)

Another re-engineering of a vehicle that has been in the Wiking range for a long time. The bonnet is now a separate part from the rest of the cab and the gap between mouldings seems rather large on photographs, but is perhaps better seen from a normal distance? The Magirus with its characteristic engine noise was often seen on building sites in the 1950s and 1960s. Here Wiking has modelled it in two tone green and it comes with mirrors and other small items on a sprue for self-fitting. The flatbed can be turned upright and the rear panel will open for tipping.

The original vehicle was produced from 1957 to 1967.

055601 Semi-trailer box truck (Mercedes-Benz Pullmann)

Here a Mercedes-Benz tractor unit pulls an American box trailer made by Dorsay with its characteristic ribbed structure. Wiking based this on on photographs of Dorsays launch of their trailers in Europe in 1963.

This box trailer was entirely re-engineered for this issue as the moulds made for the original historic issue of this trailer had been converted to other uses. The Mercedes-Benz Pullman cab unit has also been re-made several times over the years and is used here in its latest incarnation with finely printed details and a fine grille/light unit.

055407 Stanchion trailer truck (Faun)

Hauled by a Faun tractor unit this stanchion trailer is liveried for Paul Rosenkranz who made heavy duty transporters in Witten on the Ruhr. Wiking have featured many vehicles in Rosenkranz livery over the years including a similar stanchion trailer pulled by a MAN tractor unit. The Faun F610 series provided heavy-duty tractor units capable of pulling up to 80 tonnes – even as a semi-trailer vehicle. The engine output alternated between 250, 262 and 275 hp. This distinctive normal control unit was manufactured from 1965 to 1977.

Here we see the new Faun tractor unit from Wiking in Rosenkranz colours for the first time.

1:160 Scale

096138 Fire Appliance – TLF 16 (Magirus)

Here the Magirus fire appliance from the 1:87 range has been ‘shrunk’ to the Continental N Gauge of 1:160 scale with a little simplification along the way. There has been a flatbed Magirus in Fire Service livery in 1:160 scale in the past but no appliance,

The classic ’round hood’ Magirus cab/chassis was used to build appliances between 1955 and 1961 before the hood and cab changed to the squarer generation which replaced it and which has also been made in Wiking’s 1:87 scale range.


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More on Transporters

By Ian Hind

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

As a self-confessed transporter fanatic, I enjoyed the recent articles in MAR Online on transporters. (Transported in Delight parts one and two by Stephen Paul Hardy).

I thought I’d send a few pictures of my own interests, which revolve around 1:43 scale race cars from the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the transporters that carried them. These are not the fantasy work of the product development team at Dinky, Corgi or Matchbox, but are accurate reproductions of real vehicles.

This is a section of the market that has grown significantly in the last 20 years with numerous brands expanding into this field. My pictures cover some of the more prominent makers of racing transporters including Exoto, Premium Classixxs, Schuco, Spark and Ixo. Were I to include F1 and touring cars, the number of matching transporters would increase exponentially.

What I find interesting is that in many cases, the producers of these transporters do not produce the matching cars, leaving the collector to mix and match models from different manufactures. With the cars and transporters being built to a common scale of 1:43, this isn’t as bad as it sounds. However, in some cases, it may mean having to track down elusive out of production models from 10 years ago to complete the set, something that can be initially frustrating, but very satisfying when the set has been completed.

As Stephen Paul Hardy noted, “a laden transporter makes both a very space efficient as well as dramatic, conversation prompting, display piece in any display”. I think the same can be said about race transporters displayed with the period correct race cars they carried.

A gallery of transporters from my collection photographed with suitable loads is shown below.


1933 Alfa Romeo (Exoto)
1953 Pegaso (Altaya)
1955 Mercedes-Benz (CMC)
1957 Fiat Bartoletti Ferrari (Exoto)
1958 Mercedes-Benz Porsche (Premium Classixxs)
1961 Commer Ecurie Ecosse (Spark)
1964 MAN Porsche (Schuco)
1969 AEC Gulf (Spark)
1972 Leyland Matra (Spark)
1974 Saviem Ligier (Spark)
1976 Mercedes-Benz Kremer (Ixo)
1977 Mercedes-Benz Porsche Martini (Premium Classixxs)

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Ixo Road Vehicles June 2022

By Maz Woolley

Ixo are part of the PCT/Sonic group based in China. In addition to being the major supplier of models to partwork ranges they have their own brands which often use the same castings but in different colours and/or liveries and often with a higher quality finish and more detailing.

Here we have a variety of releases expected in the UK during June from bus, truck and car ranges. Although Ixo models are made in several different scales all the models shown here are diecast to 1:43 scale. The photographs shown are all pre-production items so small changes might occur to the product when released.


TR113 MAN TGX XXL D38 Grey/Decoration

TRF025 IFA W50 LF 16 Feuerwehr

TRUD004 Magirus Jupiter 6×6 Blue/Red Tipper

CLC391 Ford Sierrra Ghia Estate Silver 1988
CLC393 Saab 99 Turbo Metallic Blue 1977

CLC405 Opel Manta A Turbo Red/Black 1973

CLC407 Skoda 440 Spartak Blue 1955

CLC410 Volvo 144 Blue 1972
MDCS029 Renault Clio R3C White with Extra Night Light Under Base

MDCS030 Peugeot 307 WRC in White with 2 Set of Wheels and Tyres/Extra Rear Spoiler


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Herpa March 2022

By Maz Woolley

Herpa produce most of their models in Europe still, with the bulk of their vehicles being moulded in plastics to 1:87 scale with printed detail. This article takes a look at some of the latest releases available all are modelled to 1:87 scale. All photographs are provided by Herpa.

038577-003 AUDI A4 AVANT, Ipanema Brown metallic
038676-004 AUDI Q2, apple green metallic
430890 BMW ALPINA B3 Saloon black sapphire metallic
430906 BMW ALPINA B3 Touring, oxide grey metallic
314237 IVECO S-WAY Silo truck ‘BETON POTTHOFF’
314121 IVECO S-WAY Canvas curtain semi-trailer ‘GUSTAV MÄULER’
314084 IVECO S-WAY NP Food tanker ‘ADAMI’
096461 MAN ETGE High top box van ‘FERCAM’ – Bolzano Italy
096447 MAN TGE Food van ‘FISCHER´S FRITZ’
746816 MAN TGS LX 8X4 German Army
314589 MAN TGS TM SCHMITZ semi-trailer tipper Communal orange
314572 MAN TGS TM tractor unit with smoke deflector, red
314596 MAN TGS TM tractor unit without smoke deflector, white
314640 MAN TGS TN Concrete mixer communal orange
313544 MAN TGX GM Box trailer ‘WILLI BETZ’
314008 MAN TGX XLX EURO 6C Long vehicle log transporter ‘WURM HOLZTRANSPORTE’
314312 MERCEDES-BENZ ACTROS GIGASPACE ’18 6X2 refrigerated box trailer ‘JSB TRANSPORT’

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Wiking December 2021

By Maz Woolley

Wiking are closing the year with models in a variety of scales. As ever these are mostly made in plastic, moulded with a considerable detail and finished with printed details. These models are still made in Europe and the prices reflect the higher cost of manufacture there. NB the 1:43 scale models are diecast items.

1:160 scale models

Twin Caravan and tow car set

#092210

Those mouldings have been in the Wikiing range for many years. An Opel Rekord in in grey-beige and a Chevrolet Malibu and red. The Caravans are in grey and white. The chassis for cars and trailers are in black-grey. The units are glazed with a hint of topaz colouring.

1:87 Scale Models

Normag Faktor I – reseeda green

#039801

Body and chassis are coloured reseda green, rims are red. Black steering wheel, silver headlights. Normag branding strips on the hood front and rear lights printed in red.

Fork lift (Clark) – pale green

#117101

Body and chassis as well as mast and fork are cploured pale green. Black steering wheel, seat and tires. All-round white decorative stripes and white Clark lettering on the back. White Clark letters on the side of the lift mast. Yellow rims.

Audi 50 – purple

#003697

Body is in purple. Black chassis and grille. Sand yellow interior and black steering wheel. Transparent headlights fitted. Silver rims and black-silver bumpers. Printed window surrounds, door handles, reversing lights and trunk lid lock. Rear lights printed in red. Audi logo printed in silver on the radiator grille, orange indicators in the bumper.

Alfa Romeo Spider – light blue

#020604

Black chassis, grille and steering wheel. Light blue body, convertible roof and interior with black dashboard. Front and rear bumpers silver-plated, side door handles also silver-plated. Indicator orange printed. Silver-plated Alfa Romeo lettering on the rear. Decorative strips along the windows also silvered.

Opel Kadett C Coupé GT/E – Black

#022903

Black body. Transparent headlights fitted. Interior moulded with steering wheel just as black as the radiator grille. Silver bumpers and rims. Window trims, as well as door handles and side ventilation black-grey. Radiator grille printed with silver Opel logo. Orange indicators. Black rear spoiler. Opel lettering on the rear.

Campervan (VW T4/Karmann) “Cheetah”

#026802

Cab and body white, chassis with cardan shaft as well as exhaust modelled. Radiator grille and body floor black. Interior moulding of driver’s cab and mobile home fittings with an insert in silver-grey. Front roof section and ladder white. Rims silver. Glazing of the motorhome structure transparent with hint of topaz. Front lettering ‘Cheetah’ silver-grey. Silver-grey and signal red decorative stripes on the side as well as black Karmann lettering and door handle. The VW logo on the front is printed in silver, the rear taillights are red. The headlights are silver-plated, the window frames are black. Silver-gray Karmann logo on the rear as well as black window frame and Karmann lettering printed.

Scaffolding tug unit with trailer (Magirus Deutz)

#039206

Driver’s cab and bed in coral red, interior fittings in dusty grey. Chassis modelled with cardan shaft as well as bumpers. Rims and saddle plate are also dusty grey. Radiator grille in black and printed with silver Magirus-Deutz lettering and the brand logo. Side door handles, as well as outer and step edges with grab handle, printed in black-grey. Red taillights. Trailer with a dusty grey chassis, wheel arches as well as drawbar and rims. Platform coral red. Taillights printed in red. Scaffolding parts silver-grey, scaffolding boards grey-white.

Flatbed with towed trailer (Hanomag Henschel) “Friderici”

#047502

Dust grey driver’s cab, canvas grey interior. Chassis with cardan shaft, double wheel arches and aluminium platform, dusty grey. Flat bed insert, silver. Grey-white tarpaulin, silver rims. Silver printing on the front with Hanomag-Henschel lettering and decorative stripes. Cab doors with Friderici logo and silver-plated door handles. Bumper edges printed in black, indicators yellow-orange. Tail lights printed in carmine red. aluminium fittings printed in silver. Black Friderici lettering on the sides of the tarpaulin. Trailer with a dusty grey chassis, wheel arches, turntable and drawbar as well as flatbed. Flat bed insert, silver. Silver rims. Grey and white hood. Side bumper edges printed in black, taillights carmine red. Tarpaulin sides printed with black Friderici lettering.

Polizei – Mercedes-Benz 240 D

#086444

White body, black interior, silver chassis. White warning light poles topped with a blue transparent dome. A white loudspeaker is fitted in the centre of the roof. Bonnet, boot and doors printed green. Side door surfaces printed with white police lettering. Decorative strips and door handles black. Front and rear indicators printed in deep orange, taillights traffic red. Radiator grille has black coloured recesses and bumpers are printed with black rubber profiles.

DKW Schnelllaster panel van – sky blue

#033406

Body sky blue, interior brown. Black chassis and steering wheel. Door handles, trim strips and DKW rings on the front silver-plated. DKW lettering 3 = 6 printed in silver. Window frames printed black. Door handles and decorative strips in silver. Rear lights printed in red.

Volkswagen Transporter T1 double cab – olive grey / pearl white

#078907

Upper body part olive grey, lower body part pearl white. Transparent headlights and red transparent taillights. Silver grey interior. Pearl white US version bumpers inserted. Black chassis, rims and steering wheel. Front VW logo printed in pearl white. Indicators traffic orange. Chrome rings and door handles printed in silver. Olive-grey stripes around the sides and back. Porsche style custom wheels.

Box trailer (Chevrolet) “John Deere”

#052103

The tractor unit has a grass green driver’s cab, a black chassis and zinc-yellow rims. Grass green saddle plate. Silver-plated headlights and orange printed indicators. Grill engraving printed in silver. Silvered roof lights, logo also printed in silver. Grass green rear body on a grass-green chassis with support feet. Trailer has zinc yellow rims and roof surface. John Deere parts logo printed on the sides of the trailer.

Fire Appliance- Rosenbauer AT (MAN TGM Euro 6)

#061299

The latest version of the Rosenbauer bodied MAN unit. Red driver’s cab, anthracite grey interior and steering wheel. Silver-grey siren attached. Red front apron, black radiator grille with silver MAN trademark and decorative strip. Front wheel arches with red steps. Chassis with cardan shaft and rear interior in anthracite grey. Topaz tinted glass. Red equipment storage areas with anthracite-grey blinds, pump stand with topaz-transparent cover. Blue-transparent warning lights on all four corners of the vehicle. Anthracite grey roof structure, silver roof monitor plugged in. Rear ladder silver. Black pump fittings, silver rims. Windshield wipers as well as mirror mounts and trim strips on the driver’s cab printed in black. Front turn signals traffic orange. Crew cabin with black door frame and silver R logo. Equipment compartment structure with Rosenbauer logo as well as printed indicators and white emergency number 112. Rear taillights with silver reflectors. LED bar printed in traffic blue on the body sides. Sprue with exterior and side mirrors included.

Flatbed semitrailer (Henschel) “Union Transport”

#051406

Carmine red driver’s cab, dust grey interior with steering wheel. Front wheel, arches and headlights, but also chassis with cardan shaft and rear fenders and rims in anthracite grey. Black grille with silvered Henschel star. White printed roof area. Bonnet with silver-plated hinge and black bonnet buckles and silver Henschel lettering on a black background. Decorative strips and door handles silver-plated. Front headlights also silvered, taillights printed in carmine red. Trailer with anthracite grey chassis, support legs, double wheel arches and rims. Carmine red base with silver shelf and basalt grey tarpaulin. Flatbed printed with white lettering “Transport-Betriebe” with a black drop shadow. Tarpaulin has white Union lettering and a black drop shadow.

Low loader trailer (Mercedes-Benz Pullman) “Ruhr Intrans”

#049002

Driver’s cab with chassis, cardan shaft, rims and platform in coral red. Interior grey, saddle plate silver. Radiator grille surface printed in pearl white, Mercedes-Benz star with decorative frame printed in silver. Side of the driver’s cab finished with silver double trim. Pearly-white mid band on the driver’s cab with Clark lettering on the side. Rear lights printed in traffic red. Dolly with wheel arches, turntable, drawbar and rims in a coral-red colour as well as a low-loader with a ramp. Winch silver. Side double decorative stripes as well as pearly white ‘Ruhr Intrans’ lettering.

Tanker with Trailer tank (Mercedes-Benz LP 333) “Esso”

#042904

Cab with chassis, cardan shaft and bumper, wheel arches, rear bumpers and oil tank with base plate, and rims all in Esso red. Black radiator grille with silver printing of trim strips and Mercedes-Benz star. Interior fittings anthracite grey. Light ivory steering wheel fitted. Decorative strips on the driver’s cab are silver-coloured, front indicators are signal orange. Tricolour Esso logo on the cab doors. Rear lights printed in carmine red. “Esso Aviation Products” logo on the side of the tank. Trailer with chassis, turntable as well as wheel arches, drawbar and oil tank with base plate Esso-red. Carmine red taillights. “Esso Aviation Products” logo on the side.

1:43 Scale Models

Fire Appliance – Rosenbauer AT (MAN TGM)

#043196

The MAN chassis fitted by Rosenbauer. WIKING is introducing a detailed 1:43 scale model that, like its prototype, appears as a compact and equally manoeuvrable emergency fire-fighting vehicle. The “AT” series enjoys the most careful printing. Particularly noticeable: the glass doors optionally offered by Rosenbauer for the rear entrance to the cabin are transparent on the model and allow the viewer to see the cabin details moulded inside. The Rosenbauer logo is emblazoned as a silhouette on the door. The high-quality model consists of painted zinc die-cast components that are combined with plastic elements and authentically reproduced with fine detailed printing.

Fire Appliance – Rosenbauer DL L32A-XS 3.0 (MB Atego)

#043103

After the L32 turntable ladder on the Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis, WIKING has now produced the new L32A-XS 3.0 also scaled down by 43 times. This is based on the latest Mercedes-Benz Atego chassis. Rosenbauer designed this unit to be compact and functional. A large equipment room is located directly behind the crew’s cabin. Dark blinds are just as much a part of it as the five section extending ladder which has the retractable rescue cage at the front end. All functions of the turntable turntable ladder are movable. The 1:43 model shows off the character of the Rosenbauer turntable ladder. The model consists of painted zinc die-cast components, which are combined with plastic elements and finished with finely detailed printing.


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Wiking Then And Now

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

The new and upgraded releases in February 2021 again included some interesting models. Some were previously issued , whilst some where new, or in new appearance.

I already have earlier models of many in my collection and so I took the opportunity to do a comparison between the earlier and the current releases. In one case the model comes with an interesting background history. All the models shown are made to 1:87 scale.

0794 05 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 Karmann Cabriolet 1961-1963

Karmann presented their first prototype of the open Beetle in 1948, one year later in 1949 general director Heinrich Nordhoff placed his first order for production cars.


In 1955 Wiking launched their first Beetle cabriolet in 1:87 scale, moulded in different body colours. The windscreen was moulded as part of the body, and a baseplate separate attached. There was a single exhaust pipe and passengers at the front seats. In 1957 the windscreen was replaced by a clear plastic separately inserted screen and continued to have passengers,

Later on the 1968 version with big bumpers appeared with passengers and separately inserted steering wheel as a VW 1300. Now the 1200 has been issued again using a new mould. It is smaller than its predecessors, is modelled open but without passengers. The Interior is detailed with separately inserted steering wheel and moulded gear lever. The windscreen frame has been moulded as part of the body, and a clear windscreen separately inserted.


01060 03 Porsche 356 Cabriolet 1959-1963

The open 356 was first launched in 1961, with passengers and separately inserted steering wheel. The windscreen was also separately inserted. The hood was moulded as part of the body. A well detailed baseplate was a separate component.

Later on it was re-issued without passengers and with a separate moulded interior which incorporated the steering wheel. Now it has been re-issued again with the body moulded in red, and with new seats in black. The steering wheel and windscreen are separate inserted. The baseplate has got new inscriptions and is silver painted.


0788 15 Volkswagen Transporter Type 2 delivery van 1950-1953

This model of the Transporter Van is from a new mould. The van has a long history in the Wiking range, first issued in 1950, the body was moulded in one piece and fitted with wire-axles. In 1952 the successor appeared moulded in two pieces, bit still without pierced windows, it also with wire-axles. Then in 1954 it was issued with rolling axles.

There is a big difference between the early vans and this one today. Today’s model has a much higher level of detailing and is a better shape. . Through the windows of the new model the interior of the driver cab with separately inserted steering wheel is visible and the separately moulded baseplate is very well detailed. The headlights are separately moulded and inserted, and the rear light lenses are exactly printed. The print work shows adverts for Doornkat, a Schnaps well known in North Germany.


0682 07 Volvo N10 bonnet truck “Swedish Concrete Mixer” 1973-1985


The first cement mixer came into the Wiking program In 1964 based on the Mercedes-Benz LB 3500, the Mercedes-Benz LB 1413 was available in the catalogue between 1969 and 1973 with same drum.

The real concrete mixers grew larger and larger ass the years went by and so Wiking followed this trend. 1974 the first three-axle trucks with a bigger drum appeared, with Magirus 260-25 driver’s cab. Different Mercedes-Benz versions followed. Now this impressive mixing drum has been placed on the Volvo N10 chassis.


0634 08 Henschel breakdown lorry 1955-1961

Wiking’s first breakdown lorries were available by 1954, when the models were still without windows. Then in 1965 the Magirus wrecker was issued, and that had windows. In 1968 the breakdown unit was fitted with the International Harvester cabin, some more Mercedes-Benz followed, all fitted with the same crane.

The latest breakdown truck is a Henschel Service Truck fitted with a heavy duty crane. These were used to tow big Henschel trucks to the service shop, when one of them broke down.


0730 03 Setra S8 Coach 1952-1958

Setra coaches, from “selbsttragend” – unit construction body, were new at the begining of the 1950s. The miniature was released by Wiking in 1954. In 1955 a version was made specially for Setra as a promotional model with the words Setra Bus on the sides. The lower part of the body, baseplate and upper part of windows and roof were separate moulded and assembled together with the interior. Over the years different versions were issued with only with minor changings to the moulds.

The newly issued model is moulded in beige, the side parts printed in red and the roof is painted in beige. A bright red interior is fitted and a separate steering wheel. Why this has four spokes like a truck is an open question. The baseplate is painted in silver. It has been modified for the easier fitting of axles. A special feature on this new model is the roof rack for the luggage of the passengers. The red sides were printed with “Hanseat”. After more then 60 years, the moulds are looking still very good, evidence of the high quality mould making at the house of Wiking.


The original this special version is based upon was first registered in September 1953 . It was restored in 1992 and returned to service. The Setra S8 offers 24 passengers a comfortable journey with tables at their seats, a fridge, a coffee automat and audio equipment.


0227 12 Mercedes-Benz E-Class S213 AMG

This sporty, high class estate shows how good the mould making is at Wiking today. The body is assembled using a number of small additional components, The painted body is fault free and in an attractive wine red metallic colour.

The interior is lovingly executed with a separately inserted steering wheel. In comparison with the 250 T from 1980 the differences are significant, but the older model has the better detailed baseplate.


0536 06 articulated tank container truck with MAN TGX Euro 6c tractor

This new truck is very well detailed and is assembled using many different components. The livery on the tank is authentic and nicely printed. The company MAN is part of the Volkswagen group. The radiator grille of the tractor unit still shows today the lion of the Büssing company beside the big letters MAN. Büssing was a famous landmark of Brunswick, it’s home. MAN took over of the Büssing company in 1971.


0626 48 Rosenbauer Panther FLF 6×6

Manufacturing promotion models of new prortotypes for Rosenbauer has a long tradition for Wiking. The Panther shown is now available on general sale and not just as a manufacturers promotional model. The impressively sized airport fire engine has excellent detail and is assembled using many separate components.

A comparison with the Mercedes-Benz L 1413 short-bonnet airfield fire engine from 1969 shows the huge progress in the developments in fire appliances and mould making over the last 40 years.


0658 07 Mini Excavator

Another new mould. It many only be a mini-excavator but it is a work of art from Wiking. It is highly detailed and lovingly assembled from different components and is authentic printed. It shows the functions of the original, allowing the model to be posed in realistic ways. A very convincing item to pose on your model railway layout.


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News from the Continent – Herpa to April 2021

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Herpa mainly make models in plastic in Europe, though some models are made in China. Unless otherwise stated the models shown have been made in Europe. The models shown in the article are moulded in plastic to 1:87 scale. This article looks at a few of the releases advertised in their newsletters between the end of 2020 and April 2021.


420860 Mercedes-Benz G-model – Cabriolet – sand beige

A very accurate and detailed body moulding with a number of separate components for lights, grille etc.


122108 Scania CS 20 HD articulated curtain sided truck “Coles & Sons”

Authentically shaped and detailed with livery reproduced in detail. Coles and Sons are a freight forwarder from Banbury in the UK. This is packed in a presentation box.



095822 Wartburg 353 Tourist (estate) 1966 “Deutsche Post/Studio Technik Fernsehen”

Dark blue moulded body with roof printed in white. Bumpers and radiator grille are ‘chrome plated’ and lights are separately inserted items.


095846 Volkswagen Crafter bus with low roof – red

Separately inserted lights, nice steel effect wheels as well as a neatly printed VW logo o the grille all go to make this a detailed model.


312738 Scania CS 20 HD articulated refrigerated box truck “Harrisons”

Authentically shaped and with lots of excellent details. This truck is in the livery of the freight forwarders Harrisons, from Preston in the UK. Chrome plated wheel rims capture a feature of the lovingly finished original truck.


420433 Citroen GS saloon – blue

The first of a series of four Herpa oldtimer models planned. This has been made in China like the Herpa Magic series of old timers was many years ago. The body is moulded in blue, and a number of components are separately inserted like the bumpers, door mirror, lights etc.



313100 MAN TGX GX 6×4 articulated tractor unit with loading crane – white

Impressively detailed loading crane makes this a really impressive model which captures the MAN cab and grille very well and has plenty of separately moulded parts fitted.


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News from the Continent – Wiking April 2021

By Hans-Georg Schmitt

Wiking models are mainly made in plastic and produced in the EU. They are made in a variety of scales. This article shows the models expected to be launched in April 2021. As usual they mix new mouldings with updated ones.


1:32 Scale

0778 56 Fendt 1046 Vario Tractor chrome

This is a Special Edition of the most powerful model in the Fendt range. This top tractor from Marktoberdorf is turning heads. Chrome exterior panels are part of the design language of the tractor.


1:87 Scale

0183 07 BMW 2002 purple-red 1968-1971

100 bhp styled with Bavarian understatement


0227 13 Mercedes-Benz E-Class S213 Avantgarde diamond white pearl effect

Avantgarde modelled by Wiking with a closed glass roof


0797 30 Volkswagen Transporter T1 Samba bus 1963-1967

With roof lights to shed light inside for a northern German Operator.


0802 09 Volkswagen Käfer (Beetle) Cabriolet 1969-1974

WIKING commemoration of the 100 years anniversary of the Sieper company which owns them.


0335 06 Tempo Matador box van “Sea Fish” 1949-1952

High-speed delivery van used to carry fresh fish


0870 67 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U411 1950-1951 “Glück auf !”

The first time that this jack-of-all-trades vehicle has been made in this livery. Glück auf is a traditional miner’s greeting a shortened version of ‘I wish you luck, open a new passage’. It has come to be a a greeting in modern German, especially in the Ruhr.


0844 36 Hanomag K55 crawler tractor with dozer blade – light blue – 1952-1960

Produced in Hannover these tractors worked had to reconstruct and develop post-war West Germany.


0270 58 Mercedes-Benz L406 box van “Westmilch” 1967-1974

Bearing the distinctive Lotti the Cow livery. This Düsseldorf made transporter was used to deliver school milk.


0524 02 Articulated Container truck “Seawheel” with Magirus tractor 1970-1974

The Square hooded tractor unit operating for Seawheel at the docks.


0457 03 Scania 111 drawbar “ASG” 1974-1980

Another classic ASG livery, Sweden´s legendary freight forwarder, for the Wiking range. This one with a modern classic Scania 111 Scania draw bar unit.


0224 05 Renault R4 “Parisienne” 1964-1968

Parisian ‘savoir vivre’ with red ‘wicker’ pattern on the sides.


0797 29 Volkswagen Transporter T1 bus “German Red Cross” 1963-1967

These Volkswagens were the standard ambulance used by many local German Red Cross (DRK) services.


0795 06 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 (Super-Bug) saloon 1972-1974

Candy red – a bright coat for this ‘bug’.


0204 02 Ford 20M TS Saloon pearl white with black roof – 1960-1967

“TS” – two letters which showed that Cologne´s limousine had an engine tuned to produce 90 hp.


0656 08 Construction site trailer “Bölling” 1935-1949

A common site on construction sites in the Ruhr region.


0514 05 Mercedes-Benz articulated flatbed truck – azure blue – 1970-1974

The square cab semi-trailer classic.


0513 24 Articulated Box truck with Mercedes-Benz Pullman tractor – 1955-1963

Classic truck hauling a box trailer liveried for International Kraftverkehr of Freyaldenhoven.


0612 43 Fire brigade AT LF – MAN TGM Euro6/Rosenbauer

A cutting edge airport fire engine in a striking modern livery.


0990 98 The Grand Ponton Mercedes Set

A delivery set showing how the new cars would have travelled from the factory to dealers in Germany when the Ponton Mercedes-Benz was in production.


1:160 Scale

0943 07 Mercedes-Benz L2500 flatbed truck 1935-1938

A classic truck from the inter-war-years.


0956 02 Pöttinger Jumbo loading vehicle

A large trailer for agricultural use ideal to towed by the 1:!60 Unimog or Fendt tractor in this scale.


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