February 10, 2011, Milwaukee, Wis. - Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. is pleased to announce the company will be distributing new and exciting products unveiled at the 2011 International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany.
Brekina, noted German model vehicle maker, has agreed to make Walthers their exclusive North American distributor, marking the first time this line of HO and N vehicles will be available to hobby retailers and enthusiasts in North America. “We are very proud to add Brekina to our portfolio of quality European vehicle brands, especially as they continue to add terrific HO scale US cars and trucks to their line,” said Phil Walthers.
Brekina officially unveiled their HO replica of the 1964 Dodge A100 van in 5 different colors and two body styles: a passenger van with side windows and a cargo/delivery van without side windows. “These colorful, highly detailed vans will look terrific on auto racks as well as in a mid-60s/early 70s setting,” added Phil Walthers.
Brekina currently offers models of the 1970 Chevrolet Z28 Camaro and 1957 Chevy El Camino, as well as a wide variety of European cars commonly seen in North America.
Availability of current in-stock models, delivery schedules of new models and pricing will be published soon.
Wiking, known for its HO and N vehicles to many US hobbyists, unveiled a pre-production prototype of the 1964 Ford Mustang convertible. This original “pony car” includes a highly detailed interior and will feature Wiking's usual attention to exterior detail and decoration. Availability and pricing will be announced soon.
Wiking will also continue to re-issue models originally made in the 1960s and 70s, including North American vehicles. While the original factory in Berlin closed a few years ago, production continues in Germany and demand among 1:87 vehicle collectors for re-issues of classic Wiking vehicles is strong. Walthers will import and distribute these as they become available, however production of some models will be limited.
Faller premiered digital controls for their popular Car System. Rather than equip each vehicle with a decoder, digital devices will be embedded in the roadway, so any generation of Car System vehicle can operate on a digitally-controlled system.
Noch, best known for its innovative scenery products, is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011 with the premier of six different HO classic motorcycle replicas. Included in the initial offering are a Honda, a BMW (with and without sidecar) and a Zündapp. Extremely detailed, each model will include correct paint and additional decorating as appropriate, as well as “chromed” parts. Pricing and delivery details will follow soon.
2011 marks the 125th anniversary of the automobile and Busch has been commissioned by Mercedes-Benz to create an exceptional HO four-vehicle commemorative set. Featuring replicas of the original 1886 three-wheeled vehicle built by Karl Benz, plus three additional milestone cars, the set depicts Mercedes history from the first to the latest automobile.
Complementing the Busch set will be a new replica of the first workshop used by Karl Benz, created by Vollmer. The building kit represents the building as it stands today: A visitor center and museum. The Busch anniversary vehicles will look right at home parked outside the Vollmer structure!
