In the late 1960s, when the still-fledgling gauge N had found initial popularity with model railroaders, WIKING founder Fritz Peltzer did not have to be asked twice: He decided to let fans of the “mini” gauge enjoy WIKING models as well and added them in 1969. This decision made the new scale all the rage and a particular favourite to this day. The popular catalogue created by Horst Fechner is required reading for every collector and holds both attractive new products and welcome model upgrades crafted by WIKING. This is how you make collecting fun! Better yet, you will also write stories that are truly one of a kind as some developments can only be miniaturised by a traditional model maker of WIKING’s calibre. This level of excellence explains why WIKING recently managed to take a 1:87 wheel loader classic and shape it into a classic for the N-gauge. The Hanomag wheel loader B11 is miniaturised true to scale and even retains the movability of the front lifter with bucket in the 1:160 scale model. Considered to be the larger brother of the B8, the Hanomag B11 boasted a powerful 6-cylinder engine that generated 110 hp. Remarkably, no fewer than 2,423 units of this ten-tonne wheel loader were delivered. It has always been the “large” 1:87 prototypes that guaranteed the success of WIKING's miniatures in the N-gauge market segment. The company now intends to achieve the same level of success with a 1:160 scale miniature of this construction machinery classic!
Modern farming and typical WIKING classics
The farming selection saw some requested updates as well: The Pöttinger loading vehicle adds the current dimension of today’s agricultural machines to the selection of 1:160 scale models. The 1:160 scale model of Pöttinger’s powerful “Jumbo” loading vehicle cuts the same voluminous, yet attractive figure as the original. Painstakingly crafted, the combination with a top tractor works in perfect harmony in any type of miniaturised scenery. The new line-up would not be complete without two classics that are celebrating their début in the series and that WIKING founder Fritz Peltzer himself had conceived for the N-gauge: The Mercedes-Benz L 10000 has been an integral part of the product selection for more than three decades now – a pre-war classic with a bonnet size that is equally imposing in the original and in the 1:160 scale miniature. Sometimes details make all the difference. This certainly holds true for the Mercedes-Benz L 2500, which is now launched with a filigree imprint on the side of the flatbed. The 1:160 scale model of this lorry classic radiates the same appeal as the original of the 1930s - thanks to the miniaturisation of the square bonnet that defines its character.
WIKING expert has documented 2,319 N-gauge models
And, just in time for the new collector’s year, the highly anticipated N-gauge catalogue 2021 is finally here. It was Horst Fechner who played a key role over the span of two decades in expanding the 1:160 scale, virtually becoming a mentor to all N-gauge model collectors. With the 13th edition of the N-gauge catalogue - which will be the last to carry his signature - Horst Fechner has created yet another work of unparalleled precision and meticulous detail. The painstaking care that marks his work has allowed the WIKING aficionado from Berlin to compile no fewer than 2,319 vehicle models in 1:160 scale with the help of 880 photos, 23 of them in colour. 20 EUR including postage is the price of the compendium, which can be requested directly from Horst Fechner by emailing him at hofeberlin@hotmail.com . Starting with the next edition, he will entrust younger enthusiasts with continuing his successful legacy. It is only right and just for the collector community to say thanks to Horst Fechner!