| Herpa Wings History |
| The Herpa company is based in Dietenhafen Germany, producing its miniture models of autos and aircraft in both diecast metal, and injection moulded plastics. The majority of the production is actualy carried out in China, (this is often why models seem to come out in Hong Kong a few weeks before they do in Europe) and the finished models are then shipped back to Germany for distribution. The German headquaters dealing mainly with administration and development of new models. During the development of its Wings 1:500 scale, plastic mock up models were used. Although these were never official releases, some have ended up as rare items in the hands of collectors. In 1990 Herpa produced its first 1:500 scale diecast metal model aircraft. These were shown to the public at the Nuremberg toy fair in 1992. Their first 8 page brochure 'Ready For Take Off' was also produced, from then on Herpa Wings was taking off!! Lufthansa being the first airline to be represented, with its models produced for them in 1990, it was their order that started it all! Soon many other airlines were to follow. The first true catalogue 'Around the World' was produced in 1994 as the range continued to grow. In 1996 Herpa's first limited edition models were released, first the 'Pepsi' Concorde, followed by the Condor 'Rizzi Bird'. The first Airport Accessories in 1:500 scale were introduced. June 1997 saw the start of Wings Worlds magazine, with its first edition. In 1998 the Herpa Wings Club was announced, including that there were to be special club models produced, one of which was to be a free model once a year. This year the first Russian airline model an Airbus A310-300 was added. Also released was a Lufthansa 747-400 'Berlin', this was the first 'Exclusive Series' model coming packaged in a plastic display case, the model featured extra detail in its printing. 1999 was the year Herpa celebrated its 50th anniversary, a special Jubilee Lufthansa DC-3 was produced, limited to 1000 models. The Herpa Wings Club was started, with the first club model being the Scanair DC-10. The first airport buildings in the Airport Accessories range were introduced. (See Classic Wings Archive for pictures.) The Herpa wings Archive CD-ROM made its first apperance covering all models to date. 2000 was the year the 'Yesterday Series' was introduced, covering aircraft in their former liveries. In 2001 the 'New Generation' models were first introduced. The Herpa Advent Calander was released for the first time, including four exclusive models limited to 2500 examples. 2002 brings more new generation models, and the slow decline of the old generation, most releases containing only one or two old generation models now.This year the Lockheed constelation mould is added to the Herpa fleet, with a release of a Lufthansa model.The second advent caiander is produced. Since 1992 there has been in excess of 600 variations of models produced for sale and promotion. These models have been in four basic groups; the main bulk of releases as featured in the yearly Herpa catalogue and bi-monthly new release brochures, plus some of which are a limited production number, all of these are available through model retailers. Then there are the airline only releases available either as an inflight sale or through the airlines giftshops, again some of these are produced in a limited number. Occasionally a regular Herpa release is available as an inflight sale, but with different box packaging. The Herpa Wings Club also releases club model exclusives, of a limited number to club members. (See Classic Wings Archive section for pictures.) Finally limited runs of models produced for private companies as promotional items for its customers, these can be especially rare as many may have been lost or damaged by the recipents, leaving few good examples in the hands of the collectors. (See Classic Wings Archive for pictures.) Approximately every two months new releases are announced along with models that are to be discontinued from the range, thus ensuring the older and limited runs have today become valuable items for collectors and aviation enthusiasts. The models produced from 1992 up to and including today are known as 'Classic Wings'. The moulds from which the models are produced were occasionally updated with minor detail changes, along the decal technology of accurately printing the airlines liveries on the models. Even the box packaging has gone through various changes. From the first Lufthansa models in the black box packaging, through to the various white boxes now used. The Yesterday series coming in a silver coloured box. Companies such as Dragonair have even used metal tins for their special editions. Boxes for promotional companys often do not feature Herpa logos.(See History In A Box for pictures.) In 2001 the first of a very new type of mould was produced with much greater detail changes to wheels, tails, wingtips, and fuselage. (See the Comparisons section for pictures detailing these changes.) The moulds for more than sixty aircraft types are revised for the 'New Generation' along with the box packaging. In addition to the aircraft, there is now the rapidly expanding airport accessory range, including buildings, vehicles, trees,figures, base mats, and other 1:500 scale items, to create the full on airport experience. A lot of space may be needed!! (See the Airport Acessories section for pictures.) |
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