1930-39

1930-39

1930-1932 | A hobby becomes a profession
Friedrich Karl Peltzer was born on 5th February 1903 in Berlin. As a son of an officer of the German Imperial Navy, he came into contact with seafaring from a very early age. As early as 1930, he has the business idea of casting model ships in moulds. To start with this is just a side-line because he is actually the publisher of “Das Tier” (The Animal”) magazine.  1932 marks a change in his career. This is the year in which, in his own words, the professional model making begins. Shortly thereafter, Peltzer sells his magazine and book publishing company to concentrate on his model making. It is to be his route to success. The hobby of Friedrich Karl Peltzer, who usually signs his name “Fritz Peltzer”, turns into a profession and Wiking-Modellbau starts to produce its first model ships on the self-selected scale of 1:1250 from its first moulds. Friedrich Peltzer privately designates this the founding year, as entering the young company in the commercial register will just have to wait. 

1936 | Entry in the commercial register
Now it becomes official: in the autumn of 1936, an entry for "Wiking-Modellbau Peltzer & Peltzer" is made in the commercial register. What only takes up a few lines in the commercial register for Greater Berlin actually represents the production of a large number of miniature ships on a scale of 1:1250 in the borough of Lichterfelde. However, what are known as the waterline models do not remain the only field of activity for the company. Larger scale vessels - albeit made-to-order items - are constructed on request. Model-making expertise expands rapidly.

1938-1939 | The ships are followed by aircraft and automobiles
On the water, on the land and in the air: in addition to the rapidly established series of WIKING model ships, model aircraft are now winging their way out of WIKING workshops. These are kept to a scale of 1:200 and from 1939 are already being made out of plastic. WIKING Wehrmacht models also appear as cast metal miniature military vehicles without moving wheels, giving an impression of the real thing. The first samples of the WIKING model vehicles appear on a scale of 1:200 at the Leipzig Autumn fair in 1938. They are also basic display models that, thanks to the cast metal, are considerably valuable in the hand. 

1940-49

1940-1949

1939-1944 | “Unter-den-Eichen 101” becomes the head office
The times catch up with Wiking-Modellbau: and the company is declared an armament factory. State bodies quickly realise that helpful ship, aircraft and vehicle models could be made to specification for military training purposes and record departments. Certain models are even exported to neutral states. In 1941, Friedrich Peltzer purchases the premises originally rented by the company in 1935 at “Unter-den-Eichen 101” in Lichterfelde. In the meantime, the entire building has started to be used for administration, prototype building, tool making and production.

1945-1948 | Reconstruction begins
The collapse after the Second World War destroys all the WIKING business segments. But a new start quickly follows, with combs and buttons and then even preparations for the reconstruction. Model vehicles on an architectural scale of 1:100 are to be used for play and traffic education in future – the first designs appear. In 1947, Friedrich Peltzer acquires the branch office in Buer, near Melle in north-west Germany. The production of wire axles and model ships begins in an old wooden barrack. Delivery of the range of new model vehicles on a scale of 1:100 begins shortly after the start of the currency reform. “Life models” on a scale of 1:50 and merchant shipping vessels on a scale of 1:1250 are also set to appear. The Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg becomes one of the company’s first post-war customers. Models on a scale of 1:40 and even models for the tractor industry are soon added. All models are now made entirely of plastic - apart from the steel axles. After the currency reform, the range visibly grows, and the first catalogues appear.

1949 | Founding member of Nuremberg Toy Fair
As a founding member, WIKING counts among the exhibitors of the first Nuremberg Toy Fair. From 1949 onwards, the model maker is an annual participant.
The Berlin Blockade motivates Friedrich Peltzer to create his own range of models. On a scale of 1:400, the aircraft, passenger vehicles and trucks commemorate the Allied air bridge. During this period, Wiking-Modellbau produces both at the rebuilt site in Berlin-Lichterfelde and at the temporary branch in Buer near Melle at the foot of the Wiehen Hills. Both sites are used to ensure reliability of supply. For the founder Friedrich Peltzer, Berlin under the power of the four Allies is still too uncertain a place to be the sole location. It is a period of sales expansion. Everywhere that WIKING model ships were to be found before the war - in opticians, hairdressers and of course, toy shops - there is now a range of model vehicles. Sales success develops quickly.
 

1950-59

1950-59

1951-1953 | When the wheels learned to spin
Glazed model première: the Büssing Trambus appears with a transparent roof part – a much-copied construction principle. The first roll axles supersede the wire axles, the model vehicles are given floor panels and running axles, the scale approaches a 90-fold reduction and the models become more authentic and functional. In 1953, Kiel becomes the future WIKING branch office. The provisional north-west branch in the barrack in Buer closes.

1957-1959 | New chances for ship and plain models
With glazing comes attention to detail, the pierced windows making the cars the most realistic of models. Clear advancements in the design are evident. Many of the old moulds undergo modification to the new quality standards - pierced panes are now obligatory. Once the WIKING model vehicles are established, Friedrich Peltzer identifies new opportunities for the model ships and aircraft on the scales of 1:1275 and 1:200. However, demand remains below expectations, despite Germany undergoing motorisation in the post-war years. Young and old can now be more enthusiastic than ever about cars and their models - the future path is paved. In 1959, a new series of silver-grey injection-moulded aircraft on a scale of 1:200 appear. They have a flexible positioner, a data sheet and decorative picture.

1960-69

1960-69

1961-1966 | Master model maker's signature
The main creative phase of the legendary master model maker, Alfred Kedzierski has begun. His signature gives the models and the WIKING brand their unmistakeable character.
The last, unglazed WIKING model has dropped out of the range. Demand for the models grows rapidly. In 1963, WIKING goes on a detail offensive with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE convertible as the model appears for the first time with transparent headlamp inserts. From 1966, the first interiors complement the model vehicles that have previously comprised only the body, floor panel and windows - finally the WIKING models are complete. In the meantime, the model railway has become the most popular hobby in Germany. This leads to the inevitable increase in importance of the WIKING scale of 1:90. The true-to-scale miniatures are used to equip the model railway landscape and suddenly take on a life of their own when they attain special status as a collector’s theme. Numerous classics that remain unforgotten to this day tumble out of the new WIKING moulds.

1968-1969 | The range changes its face
Friedrich Peltzer undertakes another attempt to accelerate sales of his model ships on a scale of 1:1250. Unfortunately with little success.
In 1969, the delivery programme includes the “Mini model” on a scale of 1:160. This is a true-to-life basic display model for which all originals appear on an H0 scale. But moveable wheels are still a long way off. The range changes its face just as much as the picture on Germany's roads does. The era dominated by Hauber trucks slowly draws to a close. The front-drive vehicles of Mercedes-Benz, MAN and Magirus appear, which continue to shape the WIKING range long into the 1970s. The cubic driver’s cab of Mercedes-Benz and the “Pausbacke“ chubby cheeks of MAN will become model legends. WIKING also becomes an increasingly significant player in the toy retail trade. Most stores once again have counter displays consisting of transparent collector’s boxes. While all manufacturers have come to package their products in - at times very elaborate - boxes, the majority of the WIKING models are still available as ‘lose items’ - a guarantee of sale. 

1970-79

1970-79

1970-1973  | Classic Opel Blitz
When Alfred Kedzierski retires, the era of the legendary master model maker comes to an end although he continues to work on a few projects. His successor, Siegfried Schulz from the branch office in Kiel, takes on the prototype building. In 1973, the series of classic models from the 1930s launches with five models. These include the Mercedes-Benz 540 K and 260 D, along with the Opel Blitz 1939 and Lanz Bulldog. WIKING keeps pace with its update to the vehicle types, but also always allows room for special vehicles. In fact, demand has grown so much, that delivery times are often weeks long. It is also no longer possible to meet the demand for labour in Berlin. Although enquiries for industrial orders are growing, WIKING exercises restraint. The WIKING collector’s theme has long electrified entire generations. Gradually, a scene of enthusiastic WIKING collectors begins to establish itself. Soon after, the first exchanges are launched.

1975-1978 | The collector market ticks
The veteran range begins with the Büssing 8000 and BMW 501. The street map that had not been available for a long time disappears from the range forever. In 1976, a new Ackermann furniture box trailer appears! The original has a Mercedes-Benz chassis and cubic driver's cab. At the repeated request of collectors, in 1978, Friedrich Peltzer launches a collection folder containing reprints of old brochures and a chronological overview of all new items among his model vehicles. The WIKING founder has long since learned how the collector market ticks. He knows to appreciate the honour of being sought after, but does not think much of some individual collectors blatantly pushing up the prices of the models. In discussions, he continuously makes it clear that WIKING models should be available to one and all. The “yellow catalogue” project is almost abhorrent to Peltzer. Not because the models are listed chronologically, but because they print speculative prices. Throughout his life, Peltzer is never able to come to terms with the profit maximisation concept among collectors and their marketing initiatives.

1980-89

1980-89

1981-1982 | Turbulent times and upheaval
Suddenly, and unexpectedly for everyone, Friedrich Peltzer relinquishes all claim to his life’s work forever, dying on 20th November 1981 at the age of 78. WIKING assures the retail trade of his wish for continuity. There is a reduced range of new items in 1982. An executor starts the search for the heirs of Friedrich Peltzer. This begins with a difficult economic phase for the company, as a couple of providers have since appeared who have copied the WIKING business model and are also producing models on a scale of 1:87. At the same time, the remaining managers try everything imaginable to keep WIKING above water during this owner-less period. Various marketing initiatives occur during this period, with various editions of advertising models being made available. 

1984-1985 | The future is secure
On 1st July 1984, to the surprise of the entire industry, the company Sieper from Lüdenscheid takes over the model maker. The Sieper Group, which also produced plastic models in the 1960s but later specialised in die-cast zinc toy models, takes over Wiking-Modellbau Peltzer & Peltzer, which it rebrands to Wiking-Modellbau GmbH & Co. KG, thus ensuring the continuation of the life work of Friedrich Peltzer. Synergies in distribution are systematically developed. However, the independence of the WIKING product philosophy remains. Just half a year later, and WIKING launches the first catalogue with colour images at the 1985 Nuremberg Toy Fair.

1985-1986 | The traditional brand receives a new look
A new logo becoming the figurehead of the model brand from 1985. The new branch office appears in “Industriestraße 1” in Tempelhof, Berlin. Just a year later and the investment offensive bears fruit - WIKING begins systematically converting the 1:87 scale. The Grove TM 1100E truck-mounted crane proclaims a new epoch. With a previously unknown level of investment, WIKING surges ahead. From now on, the traditional model maker gradually claims back the trust and esteem of its collectors, year on year. With large investments in new projects and the associated moulds, models appear that are clearly more attractive, but which simultaneously strengthen and carry into the future the well known and much loved by all WIKING philosophy. The entire design and production process is given a new lease of life. Collectors are surprised every time by how WIKING succeeds in responding with ever greater topicality.

1990-99

1990-99

1990-1994 | After the turnaround and German reunification, comes the GDR Trabi
With the currency union, the new federal states are also incorporated into the distribution network. WIKING later surprises with the Trabant 601 as a symbol of the reunification. After decades of abstinence, a model on the scale of 1:43 is introduced again for the first time in 1993 - the Mercedes-Benz tractor unit is perfect, but is intended as a unique piece. In 1994, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL appears with a higher degree of detail – hinged doors and an engine hood that open. In the same year, the company Roskopf-Miniaturmodelle is taken over by Sieper-Werke GmbH & Co. KG. Both product lines appear in the WIKING catalogue, but the Roskopf philosophy remains independent. The WIKING MAGAZINE appears for the first time and continues on a yearly basis. 

1995-1996 | Mercedes-Benz Actros unlocks visions
At the new site in Z?otoryja in Poland, 300 kilometres from Berlin, assembly starts on 17th November 1995 – WIKING is one of the first companies to invest in the area previously known as Goldberg. First of all, historical models are reissued on a scale of 1:40 – the VW Beetle, VW 1600, VW T1 and Karmann Ghia follow. A long-forgotten model is rediscovered in 1996: the Magirus S 6500 on a scale of 1:50. Parallel to this, the launch of the Mercedes-Benz Actros at the IAA 1996 unlocks visions of the model for the next millennium. The Actros impresses with even greater finesse - the proverbial attention to detail that has made WIKING so famous reaches a new peak. From now on, new vehicle generations are added year on year, with the new milestones reflecting those of the automotive market, as it were. 

1998-1999 | Reissue of the classic Karman Ghia
Right on time to see out the end of the last century, WIKING presents the smallest ever Beetle to the world - this time a 160-fold miniature, and with rotating axles! The Berlin-based model maker also ensures numerous innovations for the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 1999, with the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz Atego, the Messerschmitt KR 201 bubble car, the Jaguar MK II and the Karmann Ghia. The series of notable wheeled vehicles of the German Bundeswehr from the previous century also makes a start. At the end of the century, WIKING ensures yet more excitement amongst passionate collectors. And so 1999 begins with the reissue of historical agricultural models on a “large scale”. This kicks off with the Normag Faktor I, with the Berlin-based model maker taking everyone by surprise at the end of the year with the “Model Legend 2000” - an edition of real WIKING classics. 

2000-2009

2000-2009

2000-2002 | WIKING appreciate fifty years of Unimog
However, 2001 has more to offer. The Mercedes-Benz Econic is to be launched as an entirely exceptional model with Metz turntable ladder, and the MAN TG-A has its series première. Fifty years of Unimog are reason enough for an exceptional miniature quartet that no collection should be without. The WIKING MAGZINE 2001 commemorates the 20th anniversary of the death of Friedrich Peltzer and honours the life and work of the founder of the WIKING model legend.
WIKING returns to the traditional model virtues, with the Hanomag R16 and the MAN 4R3 complementing the classic tractors – more and more agricultural machines are added to the range. Yet the new E-Class and CLK from Mercedes-Benz and the VW Phaeton chancellor saloon car also make clear once again that WIKING is regarded as a reliable all-rounder in the model retail trade.
In 2002, the 1:87-scale model manufacturer most steeped in tradition continues on its course of continuous product development. WIKING remains true to its decades-long model philosophy and launches numerous new items at the Nuremberg Toy Fair that ensure great appeal. This is how the Berlin-based model maker develops products that slot seamlessly into the favour-winning chronology. The legendary Borgward Isabella Coupé, the fantastic Mercedes Benz 280 SL “Pagode” and the Opel GT – all automobile fantasies of the last decade – create a striking appearance. Yet the new 700 series from Fendt also makes clear once again that WIKING is regarded as a reliable all-rounder in the model retail trade.

2003 | Special edition to mark the 100th birthday of Friedrich Peltzer
The 2003 model year is marked by the 100th birthday of WIKING founder Friedrich Peltzer. An unusual trilogy of themes evokes the pioneer of the automobile scale 1:87, who would have turned 100 this year. In a demanding market environment, the model maker, steeped in tradition, remains consistently loyal to its product strategy in 2003. Once more WIKING launches numerous new items that testify to a variety of miniatures and an independent range of products. The spectrum ranges from classic agricultural machines and the John Deere 6920 to the current generation of ambulances and fire engines.

2004 | The classic Magirus fire brigade vehicle
The appeal of the entire range of themes and surprising model moments forms the product philosophy of 2004 with Wiking-Modellbau continuing on its next twelve months of success in the retail trade. In 2004, the 1:87-scale model manufacturer most steeped in tradition sets off on its course of continuous product development. These include classics – from the Magirus round hood with turntable ladder to the Krupp Titan and the Hanomag chain-laying tractor – but also the current miniatures from the VW Caddy to the Unimog TLF and Claas forage harvester. Once again, WIKING proves it has the courage to leave gaps – collectors ought to be able to look forward niche models which no-one else dares to deliver.

2005 | Kaelbe heavy duty trailer combination
In 2005, miniature fans are also able to look forward to the variety of models from WIKING, with the traditionalists betting on numerous striking new items. These include bang up-to-date models such as the Golf Plus and the giant Fendt Favorit 960 tractor along with classics such as the Kaelble heavy duty trailer combination and the agricultural drag rake. The Krupp Titan tipper trailer and the new generation of Metz turntable ladders illustrate the range of WIKING model creations. WIKING lives from the legend and transports it into the future with every miniature on the market – including the Schlüter tractor.

2006 | Panther 6x6 - the fire engine giant
At the 2006 Nuremberg Toy Fair, WIKING launches more than a dozen new miniatures that are to appear as new items throughout the year. These include the light-weight MAN TGL series and the classic Eicher Königstiger tractor and “Little Grey Fergie”. The highpoint of the year is the powerful “Panther 6x6” airfield fire engine from Rosenbauer. All of the miniatures prove that continuous product development with the aim of maximum attention to detail and simultaneous functionality are given top priority. This includes the Joskin barrel trailer that adds further strength to the agricultural theme.

2007 | How a book brings a passion to life
The brand tradition as a key factor of success is the subject of the book “Der Modell-Mythos WIKING” (“The WIKING model legend”).
WIKING also produces a die-cast zinc model on a scale of 1:43, with the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 providing indisputable evidence of model-making competence. Key models are the Claas Axion 850 tractor, the Liebherr wheel loader and the classic VW Beetle 1303, Opel Kadett B and Opel Record D - pillars of the 2007 new items.

2008 | The WIKING Control87 enters the shops
Following a successful start, the series of 1:32 agricultural precision miniatures with the Claas Axion and John Deere 6930 give detail-lovers new models for the “large scale”. The Unimog U 20, the new Metz L32 turntable ladder and notable classics such as the likes of a Ford Granada, Fendt Farmer 2 and the equipment carrier from Marktoberdorf follow on a scale of 1:87. For classics fans, WIKING has concentrated on the traditional Mercedes-Benz short hood series of the 1960s and the VW Porsche 914.

2009 | Up-to-date with car, truck and agriculture
It’s arrived – the new Golf VI! And with it, WIKING continues with more than three decades of model-making history of the successful Wolfsburg model on a scale of 1:87. With the latest “MP3” generation of the Actros series introduced in 1996, WIKING gives the Mercedes-Benz star in the radiator grille of the 1:87-scale model even more charisma. WIKING completes the update of its range of model trucks with the MAN TGX. The significance of market leadership of the agricultural models on a scale of 1:87 is further extended, with tractor fans being able to enjoy the miniature Deutz Agrotron X 720. The Fendt 936 Vario appears as a fascinating new 1:87 item. For many decades, the primitive Lanz Bulldog counted among the most successful classic tractors in the range of 1:87 miniatures. Now its road to success can also take in the 1:160 scale.

2010-2019

2010-2019

2010 | Borgward 1:87 van and 1:32 Claas Xerion
Fans of the classics were full of praise when WIKING introduced the Borgward van at the beginning of the new decade, which was then followed by the bus version. With the Borgward, the traditional model-making brand rounded off the range of classics, closing an important gap between the car and truck. The precision quality of the successful die-cast range was visible once again with the Claas Xerion, the sixth tractor to appear on a scale of 1:32. The VW Amarok on a scale of 1:87 was a new face among the WIKING pick-ups. With the publication entitled “Automodell-Faszination WIKING“ (“WIKING model vehicle charm”) the model maker once again ensured pleasant reading. And at the end of the year, the MAN Lion’s City proved that, after two fire engines, the WIKING CONTROL87 could also provide some unusual play and driving enjoyment with a bus.

2011 | Style and Elegance
WIKING releases the last model series of the Goggomobil – with both open and closed folding roof. However, Glas was able to produce more than just the one purpose-oriented vehicle like the “Goggo”.  Style and chic were evident with the GT from Glas, an automotive dream, available as both a coupé and a convertible. The aesthetics of the GT coupé then stood the BMW range in good stead for a short while as WIKING also constructs the BMW GT coupé.

2012 | The SIKU//WIKING Model World opens
Finally, an overview of the entire works of WIKING are available. The SIKU//WIKING Model World opens for the first time, presenting everything associated with the traditional brand. In its 75th year, Wiking-Modellbau beelines for a new items strategy with attractive model upgrades. The high points of this year’s models include the Claas Xerion on a scale of 1:87 and the Fendt Katana 65 forage harvester on a scale of 1:32. A particular surprise is the “rebirth” of the MAN “Pausbacke” and its 1:87 driver's cab, the moulds for which became neglected at the beginning of the 1970s for a stylised US tractor unit. With the current facing, the Scania R420 appears as a 1:87 top liner in the range, followed by the Audi 50 and first Polo. On the 75th anniversary, a new brand story starts. The publication entitled “WIKING-Welten – Über Automodelle, Sammellust und Leidenschaft” (“WIKING worlds - model vehicles, the joy of collecting, and passion”) describes model development since the foundation of Wiking-Modellbau and provides new, authentic background information. This book on the subject of WIKING is an indispensable standard reference that is a pleasure to read and kindles enjoyment in the big world of small miniatures. It contains 192 pages of more than 350 images in an imposing extra-large format!

2013 | WIKING is proud of new trade fair presentation
Back to the roots: WIKING presents itself again in a new design – in the area of model makers and railway companies -  with its own booth. After years at the common booth with SIKU, the extended product range for all scales is worth having more space for presentation and an individual appearance.  Trade and collectors get an impression of the large product range. In addition to the amazing models in 1:32 scale, the new items in 1:87 scale cover the entire range of topics. The traditional model makers also prioritise the favourite collector’s theme of the classics and up-to-date agricultural vehicles. Miniature highlights include the Claas Lexion Terra Trac770 and the Fendt Katana forage harvester, with the Renault R4 and the BMW 2002 being the model-maker’s response to the most demanding of collectors’ wishes. The Unimog 411 follows in a 160-fold miniaturisation.

2014 | Ultra-modern production facility
Since 1986 WIKING produces in Poland. In 2014 Bereits seit 1986 fertigt WIKING in Polen. In 2014, the foundation stone was laid for a new, ultra-modern production facility. WIKING adds the 1:87 miniature of the all-rounder fire engine of the ”AT” generation to the range. With the semi-trailer based on the original of the Type 2760 CAL Spitzer silo, the traditional model maker adds two silo designs from the 1950s and 60s after a prolonged absence. The current 20‘ tank container is also now followed by a 20‘ swap tank, the original of which finds its way to customers on the road, rail and even by boat. In 2014, WIKING focuses on the details. In the 1950s and 60s, roof racks were one of the most important accessories for increasing individual transport capacity when on the road. The same can be said of the Fuchs wheel rims.

2015 | The Arocs of today and the Büssing 12.000 of yesteryear
The première of the Mercedes-Benz Arocs acts as a signal for the years to come. The traditional model maker creates the “Halfpipe”, designed as a robust tipper for universal use based on the Meiller original. The new generation of MAN TGX Euro 6 also appears on a scale of 1:87. This is followed by the introduction of the second series of the MAN TGS Euro 6. WIKING also constructs the standardised sea container to scale, with capacities of 20‘ and 40‘. A container chassis, the retractable S.FC 40‘ sliding bogie based on the original Schmitz Cargobull is also added. WIKING débuts the Claas Arion 640 on a scale of 1:87. The original Mini seamlessly integrates itself into the series of British classics of Triumph, Jaguar, etc. But it is the Büssing 12.000 that is the highlight of the year.

2016 | E-Class, Fuchs excavator and roadworks set
New items - fire brigade engine: WIKING presents the Fuchs excavator and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but also charismatic modern classics such as the first generation of Range Rovers, the sporty Opel Kadett GT/E and the extraordinary Swedish classic - the Volvo Amazon 1200. Both of the new tractors, the Fendt 1050 Vario and Claas Arion 600, are evidence of the attention to detail. And a new Liebherr concrete mixer joins the range as well. The roadworks set, once designed by WIKING founder Friedrich Peltzer but never launched as a new item, celebrates its première, making brand fans and 1:87 collectors sit up and take notice - the living history of this scale undergoes an authentic rejuvenation.

2017 | Thousand of WIKING fans celebrate the brand’s 85th anniversary
2017 is all about the 85th anniversary of WIKING! The high point of the year is the WIKING day on Saturday, 29th April 2017, when everything at the SIKU//WIKING Model World revolves around the history, steeped in tradition, of the model vehicles introduced in 1948 along with the current development and vehicles. The new T-Model of the E-Class from Mercedes-Benz is unveiled as a 1:87 replica. The Land Rover Defender 110 joins the range of current vehicles. In light of the decades of enormous uninterrupted popularity of the Bulli van story, the VW T1 Samba bus from 1963 appears to mark the 85th anniversary. And finally, it’s here - the “frog-eye” in the Unimog chronology. A wish long cherished by fire brigade enthusiasts will also come true in 2017. In the future, the Magirus round and square hood truck will roll into the WIKING range as an LF 16 fire engine.

2018 | Alfa Spider, Land Rover Defender 110, and the Tempo Matador pug-face
Attractive scaled fun à la WIKING! Everyone who values the 1:32 precision scale was bound to be impressed by the Claas Commandor 116 with C660 forager headers – a harvesting modern classic. In the 1:87 scale, the Land Rover Defender 110 and the facelifted VW Amarok HP Highline gave notice of springtime recreational fun. In its sports version, a further addition was the Opel Coupé modern classic. The prototype was the strongest and fastest Opel Kadett C of those years. In 2018, the Italian roadster with a cult status, the Alfa Spider, also received a WIKING memorial: In the model-building of this classic, WIKING consciously prescribed a new design vocabulary – the details are intricately reproduced. The pug-faced Tempo Matador had made a reliable name for itself in the early 1950s. As one of its many high points, WIKING miniaturised the legendary Matador along with the crew cab of the VW T2 thanks to completely new moulds. Themed editions such as Migros and ASG, plus classics from the best loved WIKING periods, complemented the multifaceted range.

2019 | Desired classics and evolutionary communication!
It was the year of the great classics - WIKING closed welcome model gaps and hit the nerve of collectors again. To mark the end of the decade, a wish came true for many, for most WIKING friends even a long-cherished model dream! With the Henschel HS 165 T and its impressive dumper truck equivalent, two legendary classics entered the WIKING modelling stage. And because the legendary small trucks also left their mark on the 1950s and 1960s, the traditional model builders also added the DKW fast truck to the Tempo "pug face". What's more, the millipede, whose role model from Mercedes-Benz is so legendary for the truck era of the late 1950s, became a model-making milestone. What had got stuck in the design stage at WIKING in the 1960s had now been finalised and literally brought into shape by the traditional model builders. The contemporary front handlebar with its characteristic double axle seamlessly integrated into the range of contemporary trucks. The Volvo 350 F wheel loader made its debut as a cutting-edge giant, while classic theme cycles à la Rosenkranz, Bölling & Co. provided further WIKING aura. But the informative WIKING presentation also takes evolutionary steps: Responsive Web Design (RWD) is entering the digital WIKING world. From now on, all brand friends can move freely on the website at "wiking.de" - no matter what device they use. In addition, the new product sheets now present a more comprehensive picture and provide a comprehensive overview of the regular model launches. With miniature-specific information of course - it is a foretaste of a new decade!

2020

Promising start to the new decade

Wealth of facets at the start of the new decade! At centre stage was the new generation of Fendt 942 Vario heavy-duty tractors. In contrast was the appearance of classics like the Eicher Königstiger tractor with front loader and matching manure spreader based on the Blumhardt prototype from Wuppertal. The Lada Niva 4x4, for example, complemented the sequence of milestones in the history of the four-wheel drive, while the special edition of the Mercedes-Benz Pullman commemorated the start of the front-drive era in the 1950s. With the BMW 1600 GT Coupé, the Tempo Matador, and the semi-trailers with Henschel, Krupp, and MAN “Pausbacke” tractor units, the traditional model makers presented significant lorry classics from the time of the German Economic Miracle. Having been a staple of the 1:87 scale range for 54 years, the Hanomag bucket loader was also miniaturised to N-gauge. In addition, the Fuchs dragline excavator with a matching customer service vehicle were introduced, and the VW Golf I appeared for the first time as a bicolour police vehicle. With the Henschel HS 165 T, WIKING miniaturised Aral’s tanker trailer, while the popular theme of the ASG haulage company was successfully rekindled several times. In the form of the Claas Xerion 4500 and the Krone BiG Pack 1290 HDP VC big square baler, cutting-edge agricultural machines celebrated their premieres. And also in 1:32 scale, the WIKING designers proved that they were in top form: The Fendt 942 Vario, the Claas Axion 930, and the Claas Torion 1812 wheel loader also appeared, as did the John Deere 9620RX crawler tractor. The Manitou MLT 635 and the JCB Fastrac 8330 were further additions to this range.

2021

Making history palpable in model making

Over and over again, modern classics and classics followed by up-to-the-minute models: WIKING jumped into 2021 with the launch of the Volvo N10 as a three-axle concrete mixer. Also sending their regards were the years of Germany's Economic Miracle in the form of the Porsche 356 convertible, the Setra S8, and the Magirus S3500 with a cargo comprised of oil barrels. Finally, Economic Miracle romanticism in its purest form: The Mercedes-Benz car transporter came included with a precious trio of the finest chrome Ponton limousines. WIKING complemented their lorry fleet with prototypes made by Freyaldenhoven, ASG, Bölling, and many others. Meanwhile, WIKING also released a model quartet of VW classics to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Sieper family business, which became the new home of the traditional model makers in 1984. The gorgeous convertible version of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE was treated to a new interior, while the legendary “Millipede” was released with paintwork in the colours of the Dortmunder Union brewery. Major excitement among fans of lorries that have become modern classics: WIKING introduced the Volvo F88 from Sweden as a triple-axle lorry with steel flatbed. What is more, the traditional model makers took the wraps off the Clark forklift truck and Normag tractor, which where produced in the 1950s by legendary master model maker Alfred Kedzierski as part of an industrial order in a larger scale. In 2021, the originals crafted based on their own model prototypes finally returned to the range of 1:87 scale models.

2022

Old semi-trailers shaped in new moulds and the début of the “little” Mercedes-Benz G

WIKING kicked off the 2022 product year with a slight delay: Delivery issues linked to the pandemic made it necessary to release a combined delivery for February/April 2022. Despite this snag the delivery became an immediate hit as it paired the trendy and authentic colour compositions of the MAN Pausbacke road train with the Hanomag ST 100, a tractor unit that complements the favoured cycle of Bölling themes. WIKING furthermore reunited enthusiasts with the legendary German Magirus “Baubullen” building site behemoths from Ulm – the square hood trio released with an authentic colour scheme made the limited special edition perfect. Specially introduced for fans of the classics, the 1:87 version of the Normag Faktor I with plough and the legendary Faun tractor unit pulling Culemeyer’s wagon-carrying road trailer in DB colours joined the selection as enriching additions. For the first time ever, WIKING furnished the low-side flatbed of the Tempo Matador with a tarp. Another brand new addition was the two-axle box semi-trailer of the MAN Pausbacke, which sprang from new moulds based on the historic WIKING prototype and came with the old advertising. Other new additions included the Fendt 942 Vario with the latest filigree interior and the black Claas Arion 640 with front loader. The traditional model makers furthermore released a special theme edition, waxing lyrical about the time in Berlin-Tempelhof when the VW T1 with double cabin still flaunted the colours of the venerable US airline Pan Am while towing baggage carts across the tarmac. Newcomers were also welcomed at the construction site of the Economic Miracle era. The cubic Mercedes-Benz was treated to a new rear tipper lorry, while the latest generation of Magirus-Deutz square hoods graced the model construction site with its presence as a heavy-duty tractor unit. The majestic Claas Trion 730 with its Convio 1080 cutting unit rang in a new era of cutting-edge models for agricultural machinery fans. WIKING also unveiled the twin-axle box semi-trailer with the look and feel of a Dorsay vehicle of the sixties. Shaped in brand-new moulds, this twin-axle classic bears the signature of master model maker Alfred Kedzierski and stays exceptionally close to the true-to-scale original, whose original moulds were irretrievably lost in the course of a modification process. Even before the year drew to a close, Mercedes-Benz’s “short” all-wheel drive vehicle was launched as a G modern classic. Last, but not least: 2022 was also the year that witnessed the tenth anniversary of the SIKU/WIKING Model World. 1:87 scale models.

2023

Container sideloader was to lend WIKING fascination to the company’s 75th anniversary

75 years of WIKING model vehicles: 1948 was the year WIKING founder picked to launch a series that came to be a favourite in the product range – first on the 1:100 scale, then on the 1:87 H0 scale. The anniversary celebrations were kicked off with a firework of model releases and the launch of the new WIKING book “Leidenschaft Wiking-Autos” (Passion of WIKING Cars). It surely was a year full of surprises! After all, WIKING's idea to intensify the production of attractive true-to-scale models in container logistics was conceived more than five decades ago. Now, 2023 witnessed the première of the original model as designed by master model maker Alfred Kedzierski – naturally brought forth from new moulds. WIKING Modellbau opened a new lorry chapter with the release of the mighty Scania L111. Boasting the allure of a model that marries power with charm, the 1:87 scale miniature of this bonnet truck from Sweden was unveiled as a stanchion trailer truck and as a container transporter. 

Fans of modern classic passenger vehicles had reason to rejoice, too: Manta, Manta – the second Opel generation of the legendary sports coupé was rolled out with not just one, but with two modern classics. But, the new releases of model-making marvels did not stop there: The gorgeous convertible the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE line added as much style to the model landscape as the legendary DKW Munga, which made its début in the colours of the Civil Defence corps of the time. The box semi-trailer with the Mercedes-Benz Pullman tractor unit LPS 333 complemented the forwarder theme of “Schenker & Co. Wien”, while the Mercedes-Benz 1317 in the colours of Raab Karcher pulled oversized steel girders into the selection. And, naturally, collectors were fascinated yet again with the contemporary themes that WIKING created in the typical fashion collectors have come to expect. The Büssing 8000 presented itself for the first time as a tipper truck with trailer modelled after the Vidal tipper truck combinations, while the Henschel Bimot rolled up as an awe-inspiring crane truck. The new releases were rounded out by a light grey everyday version of the “little” G-Class from Mercedes-Benz.