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Wiking Diecast Production History - WIP

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#1 · (Edited)
Wiking is a German based company, who made small scale diecast motor vehicle models in 1:87 (HO) and 1:160 (N) scale that were oriented towards the model railroading hobyy activities. Prior to this they had made plastic promo models for real cars. These were later reissued in a new series.

Founded in 1932, they are now owned by Siku a brand holding company of Sieper.

In 1994, Sieper had also bought Roskopf who had made military vehicle miniatures. They then became a part of Wiking who was also owned by Sieper. Subsequent to that, Wiking made a very rare series of white UN Roskopf Bundeswehr MAN trucks and the Fuchs armoured transport vehicle before also closing down their own range of military vehicles.

Friedrich Karl Peltzer was born on February 5, 1903 in Berlin. As the son of an officer in the German Imperial Navy, he was exposed to the seafaring life from a very early age. In 1930, he developed a business ideal to cast model ships as waterline models. This started out as just a side-line busines, because he was already the publisher of “Das Tier” (The Animal) magazine.

In 1932 though, he made a career decision to change over to become a professional model maker. Peltzer ended up selling his magazine and book publishing company to concentrate on model making. Which eventually became another route to success for him. What was once a hobby of Fritz Peltzer, turned into a new profession and the Wiking-Modellbau line started to produce its first water line model ships in 1:1250 scale. Peltzer privately designated this the founding year, as entering the young company into the commercial registery did not come until later.

In the Autumn of 1936, "Wiking-Modellbau Peltzer & Peltzer" was entered into the Greater Berlin commercial register. The company was located in a section of Berlin Lichterfelde. In additon to the 1:1250 scale waterline models they also made larger scale vessels - as made-to-order items - on request.

Operations expanded from the water, to land and air in 1938. The first examples of their WIKING model vehicles appeared in the 1:200 scale at the Leipzig Autumn fair.. They were basic display models that, thanks to the cast metal used, are considerably valuable as collectibles today on there own. By 1939, their model aircraft were already being made out of plastic. And WIKING Wehrmacht models also appeared as cast metal miniature military vehicles without moving wheels.

From 1939 to 1944, and as in many other countries during the War, Wiking-Modellbau was declared an armament factory for the War effort. State bodies having realized that helpful ship, aircraft and vehicle models could be made to specification for military training purposes and records departments. Certain models were even exported to neutral states.

In 1941, Peltzer bought the premises they had been renting since 1935 at “Unter-den-Eichen 101” in Lichterfelde. The entire building was now being used for administration, prototype building, tool making and production operations.

After the War,. all of the WIKING business segments collapsed. But a new reconstruction efffort of them quickly followed. Starting out with combs and button manufactureing this enabled preparations for the reconstruction of their model businesses to occur.

In 1947, shorterly after the post war currency reform happened, their first model vehicles - in the architectural scale of 1:100 used for play and traffic education began. Peltzer also acquired a second branch office location in Buer, near Melle in North-West Germany. The production of wire axles and model ships began there (?) in an old wooden barrack building. There “Life models” in the scale of 1:50 and merchant shipping vessels in 1:1250 scale also began production there. The Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg became one of the company’s first post-war customers. Models in 1:40 scale and models for the tractor industry were soon also added. All models were now being made entirely of plastic - except for the steel axles. Their first printed catalogues appear.

In 1949, Wiking was a founding member and exhibitor at the first Nuremberg Toy Fair. They became an annual participant.

The Berlin Blockade motivated Peltzer to create his own range of related models. Made in the 1:400 scale range, their aircraft, passenger vehicles and trucks commemorated the Allied air bridge. During this time frame, Wiking-Modellbau models were made at both the rebuilt factory site in Berlin-Lichterfelde and at the temporary branch in Buer, located in Melle near the Wiehen Hills. Both sites continued to be used during this time to ensure reliability of supply. For Peltzer, Berlin under the power of the four Allies was still too an uncertain place to be their sole produciton location. It was also a period of more busines expansion. Everywhere WIKING model ships were found before the war - opticians, hairdressers and of course, toy shops - was now a marketer of their model vehicle ranges.

In 1951, window glazed models premiered with the Büssing Trambus being made with a transparent roof part which later became a much-copied construction principle by others to this day. Their first 'roll' axles replaced their wire wheel axles. Model vehicles were given base plates and running axles. The scale deminisons were reduced and the models become more authentic and functional.

In 1953, Kiel became the future WIKING branch office location. The provisional North-West branch of the barrack located in Buer was closed down.

With the advent of window glazing, also came more attention to other details. The open windows making their cars the most realistic of all models. Many of the old molds where modified to bring them up to the new production quality standards with open windows now being obligatory. Demand for them remained below expectations though, (?) despite Germanys undergoing progressive car mobiliation in the post-war years. Young and old could now be more enthusiastic than ever about their cars and their models of them - the future path was essentially paved in diecast zinc.

Once the WIKING model vehicles were established though, Peltzer identified new opportunities for their model ships and aircraft. In 1959, a new series of silver-grey injection-molded plastic 1:200 scale aircraft were introduced. They come with a flexible positioner for display, a model data sheet and a decorative picture.

In 1961, the main creative phase of the legendary master model maker, Alfred Kedzierski had begun. His influence gave their car models the unmistakeable Wiking brand character. The last unglazed window WIKING model was dropped out of the model range as demand for their window glazed models continued to grow rapidly.

In 1963, WIKING introduced their Mercedes-Benz 300 SE convertible with transparent headlamp inserts.

Beginning in 1966, the first interiors were used. Their model railway line had also become the most popular hobby in Germany. This lead to the inevitable increase in the importance of the WIKING 1:90 scale. These true-to-scale miniatures were used in model railway layouts and had also attained a special status as a collector’s focus on their own.

In 1968 Peltzer made another attempt to accelerate sales of his 1:1250 scale water line model ships with little success.

In 1969, available models included the “Mini model” line made in 1:160 scale. These were patterned after their HO scale line of vehicles, but moveable wheels were still a long way off.

In the 1970s, the available model range was changing just as much as the one on Germany's roads did. The era dominated by Hauber brand trucks was slowly drawing to a close with the front wheel drive vehicles of Mercedes-Benz, MAN and Magirus dominating the market. This continued to shape the WIKING range long into the 1970s. The cubic driver’s cab of Mercedes-Benz and the “Pausbacke“ chubby cheeks of MAN become modeling legends.

WIKING also becomes an increasingly significant player in the toy retail trade. Most stores once again had counter displays consisting of transparent collector’s boxes. While other manufacturers had come to package their products in - at times very elaborate - boxes, the majority of the WIKING models were still available as ‘loose' items.

When Alfred Kedzierski retired, the era of the legendary master model maker came to an end, although he did continue to work on a few ongoing projects. His successor, Siegfried Schulz from the branch office in Kiel, took on the task of the prototype building process.

In 1973, a series of classic cars from the 1930s were launched with five models available. These included the Mercedes-Benz 540 K and 260 D, along with the 1939 Opel Blitz and Lanz Bulldog.

In 1975, the veteran range (?) began 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 appeared. The original had had a Mercedes-Benz chassis and cubic driver's cab.

In 1978, at the repeated request of collectors, Peltzer launchesd a collection folder containing reprints of old brochures and a chronological overview of all their new items among his ongoing model vehicles. The “yellow catalogue” project was almost abhorrent to Peltzer though. Not because the models are listed chronologically, but because they also included speculative prices. Throughout his life, Peltzer was never able to come to terms with the profitering concept among collectors and their marketing initiatives.The WIKING founder had long since learned how the collector market ticked. He knew how to appreciate the honor of being sought after, but did not think much of the way some individual collectors blatantly pushed up the prices of the models. (A practice and counter viewpoint still debated by many 40 years later today still.)

In other discussions, he continuously made it clear that WIKING models should be available to one and all. (Another viewpoint made today by many collectors.)

On another subject, Peltzer apparently replied to the question of whether he finds it problematic that others were copying Wiking models: his reply "Why should it upset me when our models are copied. It allows me to go fishing rather then having to sell our models. " (Source: Joerg Haidinger) (Meaning royalities or licensing fees were in place?)


In 1981, Peltzer died unexpectantly on November 20th, at the age of 78. WIKING assures the retail trade of his wish for continuity.

There is though a reduced range of new items in 1982. An executor had started the search for heirs to Peltzer, but this also begana difficult economic phase for the company, A few other makers had since already appeared who had copied the WIKING business model and were also making models in 1:87 scale. At the same time, the remaining managers tried everything possible to keep WIKING above water during this owner-less phase with various marketing initiatives occuring during this time for their available models.

On July 1, 1984, to the surprise of the entire diecasting industry, Sieper from Lüdenscheid took over Wiking. The Sieper Group, who had also produced plastic models in the 1960s and later specialised in die-cast zinc toy models, rebranded the company to be known as Wiking-Modellbau GmbH & Co. KG, thus ensuring the continuation of the life work of Peltzer. Combined distribution methods were developed but as per Peltzers wishes the independence of the WIKING product philosophy remained

In 1985, WIKING launched their first color catalogue at the 1985 Nuremberg Toy Fair. A new logo design also became the figurehead of the model brand from 1985 onward.

In 1986, a new branch office appeared at “Industriestraße 1” in Tempelhof, Berlin.

In 1987, WIKING begins systematically converting to 1:87 scale production . The Grove TM 1100E truck-mounted crane proclaims this new era. With a previously unknown level of investment, WIKING surged ahead with more topical and attractive models giving the entire design and production process a new lease on life.

Following the German reunifaction in the late 1980s, and the related currency union, the new federal states are also incorporated into the new distribution network. WIKING later issues the Trabant 601 as a symbol of the recent reunification efforts.

In 1993, after decades of being absent from the line up, a 1:43 scale model is introduced again (?) for the first time - the Mercedes-Benz tractor unit is perfection, but is intended as a unique piece.

In 1994, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL appears with an even higher degree of detail with hinged doors and an engine hood that opens. Roskopf-Miniaturmodelle is taken over by Sieper-Werke GmbH & Co. KG. Both product lines begin to 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.

At a new site in Zotoryja, Poland, 300 kilometres away from Berlin, production on November 17, 1995 – WIKING is one of the first companies to invest in the area previously known as Goldberg. First off, historical models are reissued in 1:40 scale of the VW Beetle. Models of the VW 1600, VW T1 and Karmann Ghia follow.

A long-forgotten model is rediscovered in 1996: the Magirus S 6500 in 1:50 scale. Parallel to this, the launch of the Mercedes-Benz Actros at the IAA in 1996 unlocks visions of the model for the next millennium. The Actros impresses with even greater finesse and the proverbial attention to detail that has made WIKING so famous reaches a new peak. From then on, new vehicle generations are added year after year, with new milestones reflecting those of the automotive market, as it were.

Right on time to see out the end of the last century, WIKING presents the smallest ever Beetle to the world. A 1:160 scale miniature model with rotating wheel 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. A series of notable wheeled vehicles of the German Bundeswehr from the previous century also makes a start.

At the end of the century in 1999, WIKING ensures yet more excitement amongst passionate collectors with the reissue of historical agricultural models in a “large scale”.edition. This begins with the Normag Faktor I. And with the Berlin-based model maker taking everyone by surprise at the end of the year with the “Model Legend 2000” series. This was an edition of real WIKING classics.

2001 had even more to offer. The Mercedes-Benz Econic was launched with Metz turntable ladder and the MAN TG-A premièred. Fifty years of Unimog was celebrated with an exceptional miniature quartet that no collection should be without. The WIKING MAGAZINE 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 release of the Hanomag R16 and the MAN 4R3 complementing their other classic tractors. More and more agricultural machines are added to the range. The new E-Class and CLK from Mercedes-Benz and the VW Phaeton chancellor saloon car also make it 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 launches numerous new items at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. The legendary Borgward Isabella Coupé, the fantastic Mercedes Benz 280 SL “Pagode” and the Opel GT are all automobile fantasies for collecters of the last decade that create a striking appearance. A new 700 series from Fendt also makes it debut.

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 1:87 scale. They range from classic agricultural machines like the John Deere 6920 to the current generation of ambulances and fire engines.

In the beginning of 2004, and continuing for the next twelve months in the success of the retail trade. New 1:87-scale models included classics from the Magirus round hood with turntable ladder to the Krupp Titan and the Hanomag chain-laying tractor and current miniatures of the VW Caddy to the Unimog TLF and Claas forage harvester.

At the 2006 Nuremberg Toy Fair, WIKING launched a dozen new miniatures that would appear as new items throughout the coming year. These include the light-weight MAN TGL series; the classic Eicher Königstiger tractor; and “Little Grey Fergie”. This also included the Joskin barrel trailer, that added further strength to the agricultural theme. And the highpoint of the yearis the powerful “Panther 6x6” airfield fire engine from Rosenbauer.

Their brand tradition - as a key factor to success, is the subject of the book “Der Modell-Mythos WIKING” (“The WIKING Model Legend”). WIKING also made a 1:43 scale die-cast zinc model of the Rosenbauer Panther 6x6. Other 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 - as the pillars of their 2007 new items.

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” market. 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 in 1:87 scale. For classic car fans, WIKING concentrated on the traditional Mercedes-Benz short hood series of the 1960s and the VW Porsche 914.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.


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.


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.

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 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.


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.

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!






Sourced references -

Membership - @karl s @Kiwi78 @stanmax
Wiking | hobbyDB
 
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#2 ·
I am still a bit perplexed why the brand association to Wiking wasnt mentioned or covered in The Diecast Encyclopedia listings under Sieper or their umbrella brands of Siku, Roco, and Roskopf. Each of them has a long storied history in making both plastic and diecast models in a whole range of scales for decades! Ranging from carriages, to farm, military, nautical, and avaition models let only their many cars, trucks and emergency services models....
 
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