Wings Highlights 2024
Herpa is in party mode for its 75th birthday. The company was founded on 9 March 1949, our high-quality car models being launched in 1978, our trucks added in 1980, and our first miniature aircraft produced in 1988. Reason enough to present high-quality models in various scales at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, as we always have, but with a definite nod to our anniversary.
Bulk freight and raptor looks
The “Dreamlifter” from Boeing is comparable to the “BelugaXL” from the European manufacturer Airbus. Herpa is bringing out the model in the 1:500 scale as a mold novelty at the Toy Fair. Naturally, the model can be displayed with the tail flipped to one side, or latched in place.
There have already been flying lions at Embraer - as a special livery for its airliners. Now a bird of prey is following suite as the new “Tech Eagle”. With its eye-catching livery and confident marketing, the Brazilian manufacturer is aiming to convince airlines around the world of the qualities of its E2 series. The “Tech Eagle” promises immense improvements in performance, which is why it bears the name “Profit Hunter”. Herpa is initially presenting the new “Tech Eagle” at the Toy Fair in the 1:200 scale.
For the first time, Herpa is producing a metal model of the “Alouette III” developed in France. Over 2,000 examples of this reliable and striking helicopter were built and some are still in use in various parts of the world today. The 1:72 scale model will initially appear in the colour schemes of the French Civil Defence and the Austrian Armed Forces.
Colourful Memorials and even more giants
It was probably the most colourful airline in the world. In 1967, Braniff from Texas (USA) revolutionised commercial aviation with a radical new corporate image: 15 different colours certainly attracted attention. This year, Herpa is launching a series of colourful Braniff aircraft models in 1:500 and 1:200, starting with two Boeing 707s in beige and lime green as Snapfit models.
One model that is still very popular is the Antonov 225, which was destroyed on 27 February 2022. The largest aircraft in the world nicknamed Mriya (dream) held no fewer than 240 world records, including the highest payload of 253 tonnes. With Herpa, this giant is at least available as a model, namely as a high-quality Snapfit model in the 1:250 scale. The model has a quite remarkable wingspan of almost 36 cm.
Another giant is the Mil Mi-26, the largest helicopter in the world. Developed in Soviet times in 1977, it is still in production and in use worldwide. With its load capacity of 20 tonnes, it is virtually irreplaceable. It is the world’s largest serial production helicopter. This 1:200 scale metal model can be displayed with the rear cargo door open or closed.
AThe 777-9, Boeing's new flagship, is equally gigantic. When it is delivered from 2025, it will be the longest passenger aircraft in the world, even longer than the 747-8. The impressive wingspan of the original is reflected in the 1:200 scale, almost 36 cm. As the wings of the original are too large for many airports, the wingtips can be folded upwards. This will also be possible in the model.
Meanwhile, the Beechcraft 1900D is one of the smallest turboprop aircraft in regular service. The metal model in the 1:200 scale will appear in the liveries of several airlines, the first delivery to be a variant from 1991. The aircraft was mainly used in feeder service for numerous airlines, especially in North America and Europe.
Further new moulds, also in the 1:500 scale, are planned for 2024. These include the Boeing 757-300 with the extended fuselage. There will also be special models celebrating 75 years of Herpa at various events throughout the year.
Text: Mathias Neigenfind
Photos: Herpa, Boeing
