Herpa

Lore & Background

Herpa was founded in Nuremberg by inventor and patent holder Wilhelm Hergenröther to produce accessories for model railways. In 1978, the company presented its first model cars in 1/87 scale at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, using snap-fit construction that required no gluing. Truck models followed in 1980, and by 1981 these trucks featured tipping cabins with exact engine reproductions. The first issue of the magazine Der Maßstab was released in 1982. In 1986, Herpa launched the HIGH-TECH series in 1/87 scale, beginning with a Ferrari Testarossa comprising 22 pieces, an opening hood, a 12-cylinder motor, and wheels with separate suspension.

In 1987, the first plastic samples of Boeing 747-200 model aircraft in 1/500 scale were produced and presented to Lufthansa at Nuremberg Airport. Lufthansa subsequently ordered the Lufthansa Model-Edition in 1/200 scale, launched in 1988 with a Boeing 737-300 replica. The Herpa Wings series of 1/500 scale airplane models launched in 1992, featuring rolling landing gear—an industry first—and tamp printing for detailed liveries. A licensing contract with Boeing was signed in 1995, and the first airport accessories were produced in 1996. The WingsWorld magazine launched in 1997, alongside the first 1/200 scale aircraft model. The Herpa Wings Club began in 1999, coinciding with Herpa's 50th anniversary.

In 2001, the retailer initiative Herpa eXtra started with fifty initial retailers across Europe. The first Herpa Wings Christmas model was produced that year. In 2004, the first 1/1000 scale model was released, and a DC-3 flew in company colors at US airshows. The Scenix range launched in 2006, and in 2007 Herpa took on the Minitanks brand of military vehicles from Austrian manufacturer Roco.

Reader's Guide

Herpa's significance lies in its pioneering role in the model vehicle industry, particularly through the Herpa Wings line, which introduced rolling landing gear as an industry first in 1992. The company's use of tamp printing allowed for highly detailed airline liveries, leading to partnerships with numerous airlines such as Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, which stock Herpa Wings models in their onboard duty-free catalogues. Herpa's Cars & Trucks range, launched in 1978, established a standard for snap-fit construction in 1/87 scale, eliminating the need for glue and making models accessible to a wider audience. The HIGH-TECH series further demonstrated technical innovation with features like opening hoods and separate suspension. Herpa's acquisition of the Minitanks line in 2007 expanded its reach into military vehicle modeling. The company's magazines, Der Maßstab and WingsWorld, originally club-exclusive, later became available by subscription, reflecting Herpa's engagement with its collector community. The Scenix series, with light and sound features, and the production of airport diorama accessories in 1/500 scale, show Herpa's ongoing adaptation to hobbyist demands. Herpa's ISO 9001 certification in 1997 underscored its commitment to quality management standards.

Did You Know?

• Herpa is an acronym for 'Hergenröther und Patente', the original name of the firm.
• The first Herpa Wings models in 1992 featured rolling landing gear, an industry first that has not been duplicated.