How to Collect Herpa Miniature Models

Miniatures are popular collectibles around the world, and Herpa cars, trucks and aircraft are especially desirable. The Herpa company uses actual factory specifications and CAD drawings to design and build these replicas.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet Access
• Computers
• Internet Explorer
• Internet Explorer
• Scale Auto Enthusiast Subscription
• Curio Cabinets
• Model Aviation Subscription
• Display Cases
• Display cases
• Herpa Boeing 767s
• Herpa Concordes
• Herpa Airbus 320s
• Herpa Boeing 727-200 Federal Express
• Herpa Douglas DC-10 Hawaiian Air
• Herpa Boeing 747-200 Air Force One
• Herpa Porsche 911 Carrera 4
• Herpa Trabant 601 Universal
• Herpa Mercedes Benz S-Class
• Herpa VW T4 Minivan
• Herpa MB Bus Fire Dept.
• Herpa BMW 7er Police
• Herpa Scania Dump Truck

1. Be aware that Herpa is a German company that is a half-century old and is located in Dietenhofen.

2. See that Herpa models are high-quality and truly affordable - costing less than $20.

3. Understand that Herpa models are replicas of current production models and thus prime candidates for building a collection that builds value over the years.

4. Remember that Herpa car and truck models are plastic, which allows for excellent detailing and a superior silk-screen-painted finish.

5. Check out Herpa die-cast, zinc-alloy aircraft replicas. Note that airplanes such as the Concorde, Airbus and Boeing 757-200 are finished in exact airline liveries.

6. Purchase the miniature models through the shopping list below; eHobbies.com and other hobby shops in the United States and around the world (listed on Herpa's Web site) also carry the popular replicas.

7. Check Internet auction sites such as ebay.com and Amazon.com for sales and trades of classic, out-of-production Herpa models.

8. Buy accessories and merchandise bearing the Herpa name directly through its Web site. Much of the site is in English, but an elementary knowledge of German is helpful.

9. Join Herpa's Collectors Club for about $90 a year. The price includes a special, limited-edition "Wings" airplane model.

10. Use Herpa models for dioramas, model train and electric racing-car course scenes, business promotions, and desk and shelf displays.

Tips & Warnings

• Herpa makes car and truck models in HO size (1:87); O size (1:43); and N size (1:160).
• Herpa aircraft replicas are made in 1:200, 1:300, 1:400, 1:500 scales.
• Sign up for the Herpa free electronic newsletter at the company's Web site.
• Herpa also publishes "Wings World" magazine. Order a free sample copy or pay for a subscription through the company Web site.
• When in Germany, visit Herpa's World of Motion Museum located in Dietenhofen, near Nuremberg.
• Keep Herpa replicas out of the reach of small children. The models are tiny.
• Herpas make excellent gifts, but be aware of the nature of the recipient's collection and choice of scale.