Wiking
Scale Models | Brand
Wiking Modellbau is a German manufacturer producing factory assembled plastic models in 1/87 (formerly 1/90) and 1/160 scale (H0 & N gauge). There also was a line of 1/50, 1/40 and 1/25 scale models, as well as individual commissioned items in various other scales.
Wiking was founded in 1932 by Friedrich Karl Peltzer and is now owned by 'Sieper Werke GmbH', who also owns the Siku (Sieper Kunststoffe) brand, but initially, before and during WWII, Wiking models were made of lead based zamac. They depicted ships and airplanes, and were even used by the German military for training and tactical planning, not unlike the British Dinky models of the time did for the British armed forces.
One could argue that the Dinky models served as the inspiration, right down to the 1/1200 scale for ships and 1/200 scale for airplanes.
Subject ID: 3324
MoreWiking Modellbau is a German manufacturer producing factory assembled plastic models in 1/87 (formerly 1/90) and 1/160 scale (H0 & N gauge). There also was a line of 1/50, 1/40 and 1/25 scale models, as well as individual commissioned items in various other scales.
Wiking was founded in 1932 by Friedrich Karl Peltzer and is now owned by 'Sieper Werke GmbH', who also owns the Siku (Sieper Kunststoffe) brand, but initially, before and during WWII, Wiking models were made of lead based zamac. They depicted ships and airplanes, and were even used by the German military for training and tactical planning, not unlike the British Dinky models of the time did for the British armed forces.
One could argue that the Dinky models served as the inspiration, right down to the 1/1200 scale for ships and 1/200 scale for airplanes.
Post WWII, Wiking became one of the pioneers of plastic models, and these are considered iconic and have cult status in the DACH region and some surrounding countries. One could argue that they are even considered cultural heritage in Germany. They have traditionally been produced in (West) Berlin, but shortly post war also in Buer near Osnabrück, and Kiel, before Peltzer considered his home Berlin safe enough to move back there.
Since 1995 some models are also made in Zlotoryia, Poland, and since 1999 some were also made in China. However, the Chinese production was moved to Lüdenscheid, Germany, after the takeover by Siku in 2008.
Subject ID: 3324
Subject ID: 3324
