Herpa Wings

Lore & Background

The company behind Herpa Wings was founded in Nuremberg in 1949 by inventor and patent holder Wilhelm Hergenrother as Hergenröther Patente, initially producing accessories for model trains. The name Herpa is derived from the initials of the company's name. From 1949 to 1987, Herpa focused exclusively on its Cars & Trucks range. The first plastic samples of Boeing 747-200s in 1:200 scale were produced for Lufthansa at an initiation ceremony for a Boeing 737-300 at Nuremberg Airport, leading Lufthansa to order the Lufthansa Model-Edition in 1:200 scale exclusively for the airline. In 1988, Herpa launched that edition with a detailed replica of the Boeing 737-300, and plans for historical models like the Junkers Ju 52 were developed. In 1989, a partner company in Asia developed a new concept enabling the same detail and precision for smaller 1:500 models. By 1990, models featured authentic miniaturizations of engines and rolling landing gear. Herpa Wings was established in 1992, and the first 1:500 scale miniatures were presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, with several airlines placing orders. A licensing contract with Boeing was signed in 1995. In 1996, Herpa Wings offered propeller-driven planes for the first time with an ATR-72 model, and produced for Condor the replica of their anniversary plane, the "Rizzi Bird." The first set of airport accessories was also produced that year. In 1997, issue 1 of the collector magazine WingsWorld was released, and a new range of 1:200 scale replicas was released. In 1999, the Herpa Wings Club and the first models of airport buildings in 1:500 scale were produced; Herpa also celebrated its 50th anniversary. In 2005, Herpa Wings introduced the MAGIC Collection in 1:600 scale to contend with competitor Schabak, and a 1:1000 scale Airbus A380 model was released. The 1:1000 scale series was officially launched in 2006, and the SCENIX range of airport accessories and dioramas was introduced. Today, Herpa Wings has been surpassed in quality by some newer competitors, and also competes with Phoenix Models, NG Models, Geminijets, and JC Wings.

Reader's Guide

Herpa Wings established itself as a major force in die-cast model aircraft collecting, particularly through its pioneering of the 1:500 scale, which became the mainstay of the line. The brand's longevity—from its origins in model train accessories in 1949 to the launch of the Wings line in 1992—reflects a steady evolution in manufacturing precision and licensing. The introduction of the MAGIC Collection in 1:600 scale in 2005 directly targeted competitor Schabak, showing the brand's responsiveness to market competition. Herpa Wings also expanded into airport dioramas with the SCENIX series, integrating models into a broader hobby ecosystem. The Herpa Wings Club, established in 1999, fostered a dedicated collector community through the WingsWorld magazine and exclusive annual models. While the brand has been surpassed in quality by some newer competitors, its historical role in popularizing detailed, affordable airliner replicas across multiple scales—and its partnerships with airlines like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific for exclusive onboard sales—cemented its significance in the model aircraft collecting world.

Did You Know?

• Herpa Wings models are produced in scales including 1:500, 1:400, 1:200, 1:1000, 1:160, and 1:600.
• The Herpa name comes from the initials of the original company name Hergenröther Patente.
• The first 1:500 scale Herpa Wings models were presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 1992.
• Herpa Wings produced for Condor the replica of their anniversary plane, the 'Rizzi Bird', considered one of the most difficult models in the range.