Contents
16. Apr. 08

Mercedes-Benz first-generation A-Class model collection ::

Introduction

Big friend - Vaneo
Older brother friend - 2. gen. A-Class
Smaller friend - Smart
Cousin . Colt

Inclusion criteria - When collect?
1. gen. models - Missing models
2. gen. models - Don't collect!

Duplicate collections
Helicopters

1. gen. A-Class - Lengths and models
2. gen. A-Class - Web pages

Vision A 93 - 1993 concept car
The elk (test)
Side doors
A-Class web pages
This page on the net
Scale model scales

Gifts given

In memory of my father

1/43 - 

Why are there so incredibly many A-Class model cars out there? Model car designers must have got a common itch from not getting their eyes off this rather well shaped creature. I understand them.

Same with me. I did not and still don't seem to be able to get my eyes off them. Fascinated by the then 1/1 first-generation A-Class, I finally found my first model in Wales, UK in the year 2000 - presently the NewRay model no:33. I had not been searching the internet then. At first I imagined that I did not collect. I just "picked them up" I initially wrote in this page. Having observed myself over the past years I have, in fact for a long time, realised the truth: I do collect.

However, in order to limit the collection, I use a private inclusion criteria list (see Inclusion criteria). Even with it, I presently own a collection of 45 unique models. The number without this list would have been prohibitive for my shelf space. There are many variations per die-cast (or "diecast", for search engines) - in colour and smaller detail. However, my collection is not complete. Some missing models I do know about (see Models not here) - and some I would surely be ignorant of. If you started collecting before me, or have been better at it ... and have any to spare ... I'd be happy to "help" (-; see mail address ;-) .

You would see that I also write notes about the models and the life going on around them. The French 19th century novelist Gustave Flaubert once said that he wanted to write something, which had form only - but no contents. Along that line it would have been easy to write one story about a blue model, and then another story about a red model of the same form. However, I am not able to tweak my words that much, am I. Please bear over with me. To read 44 stories must be bad enough. To write them has been a thrill.

Most notes are written when a model is new in the collection. I have had to rephrase later on to remove inconsistencies. Models are arranged with respect to scale, beginning with the smallest 1/160 and ending with 1/18. This mix of time and scale, with the time axis more or less lost, should still hopefully make reading the script top to bottom - possible...

Models are numbered "no:nn" to make renumbering easier when I insert new models.

I do this for fun, to please my aesthetic senses.  I do this to hold the things in my hand and to enjoy the models as artistic entities. After all, my sources are  the Readymade Art of Mercedes-Benz A-Class models. Some time my better half Mari finds a model first. I do it for the joy of living those seconds for no other purpose. I made this page for all the same reasons. Even if nobody reads it, I have had much fun and sound escape.

Two more things: For some reason I at first threw away the the boxes. And I always have made non-functional the "speedy power" pullback spring engines and thrown away the tooth wheels, originally misplaced in some models - for all future. After all, I want the models to stay unbroken, if not unworn.

(*) I have all the A-Class models listed in the Mercedes-Benz "Model cars. Current passenger cars" booklets (the '02 and '03 versions). But that only accounts for 6 of my 44 models. Mercedes-Benz also has made a selection, I guess. Mine are of the same die-casts as those in the booklet, as far as I can tell. However, colours may differ, because I have collected them mostly from other sources. Again, I have limited myself to one colour per model type. See (*) in headings below

If you want to see a slide show of all of the pictures, click here or on the picture above. I am happy for comments of any kind (mail address at the bottom of this page). Especially, I am not fluent with car speak. But I have been helped by Dictionary of Automotive Terms now and then.

Collect

Criteria

Comments

Since I strive for as many unique A-Class first-generation forms as I can find, and not so much contents (free interpretation of Flaubert, above) - I cannot ever end up with a true collection, can I?

Yes

Different casting moulds

Main criterion. If the casting moulds used to produce two different shapes of models differ, I would collect. Bigger, longer, detail in the moulding. All other rules are derived from this criterion.

Yes

Before 2001

Mercedes-Benz year versions.  Basically 3 different bodies, see Lengths

I would collect these 3 different lengths.
Also, see the Busch model no:06 Busch about how I erred.

After 2001 facelift

After 2001 facelift long

Yes

Different triangular window behind C-pillar

This is the upper of the windows behind the C-pillar, not the lower one connected with the liftgate. This detail is often compromised. There would be models with such a window - translucent plastic or an opening; or models without such a window - filled with "body" (plastic or metal). Not same form, so I collect. See no:39 Sunnyside for a discussion.

No?

1/220 - Z-scale

It seems to me that Märklin (Marklin) does not have any A-Class Z-model coming with any flat railway car? A search with "Mercedes" and "Z" keywords reveals some other Mercedeses, but no A-Class. This seems to cover the year productions of the A-Class' life time (since 1997). Still, I am not certain! (But they do deliver 1/87 Busch models, see no:07.)

Yes

Any up to 1/18

1:18 is the largest scale I collect - 21 cm just fits my cabinet!

The largest existing model probably is a 43 cm, scale 1:8 model from Simba, sold as the doll Steffi Love's car (but Barbie can also come along..) The Robion51 collection contains it (as [1001]), together with a Song Sen 1:16 [2005] and an anonymous 1:16 [2007].

Yes

Unique manufacturer

A model may be tagged by the original OEM toy model manufacturer or a reseller (see "OEM" and "VAR" at no:12 Schuco) - and in that chain only one is collected. I.e. if I find the Schuco (reseller) or the Hongwell (OEM) model first does not matter: I would be happy and collect only the first I found.

Yes

Wheels must exist

A model must have wheels of some sort. I used to have "- and they must roll" here - but this was voided by model no:03. I guess the rule now means "wheels must either be free rolling, or cast in one piece as part of the bottom chassis". This would exclude models that are made in one piece only, I guess.
I got another surprise with model no:41 Revell - where I had to immobilise the wheels because an axle broke during assembly. So, the rule is expanded with "or the wheels have been meant to roll..".
My rules seem to either be either useless or modified. Some kind of rules;-!

Yes

Hearts decoration

Any model with hearts only on, I simply cannot reject. 1/87 Herpa 189064 is it! See Herzen

Some

No sun roof

I don't adhere to this 100%. Open and closed and in variation with other details makes this problematic. But, yes, I have some where sun roof is the only difference.

Closed sun roof

Open sun roof

Only if different casting moulds

Classic

Basically 3 different models - Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde - exist for all model year versions. There is so little difference here, so I would consider them as equal - and not collect more if I have one - at least as long as models don't seem to be unique.

Elegance

Avantgarde

No

2nd gen. - after 2004

I do not collect the second generation A-Class, introduced 2004. However, see bottom of this table and brother friend.

The first

New colour

Different colours do not count - (so, I would not collect). So, if I have a blue, and I see a red model, I would not collect. Neither would I collect one with letters and flames in that case. It is the first model I acquire in this group that counts.
Exception: The 1/56 Realtoy no:19 duplicate colours collection (I came upon this idea in June 06 when my list of missing models earlier had reached 11 going up - and it had stayed stable for just too long ;-) (But they are still duplicates, that model counts for only one entry in my complete collection.)

New letter decoration

Different letters like company names, does not count.

Painted decorations

Flames and dolls etc. do not count.

No

Roof light

Police, fire brigade and taxi units, that I would own before in plain versions, I would not collect.

Roof box

Too little difference.

Roof surfboard

Too little difference.

No

Wheel caps

In some cases the same model is seen with different wheels. I do not collect.

Some

Remote control (RC - R/C)

I collect if they are small enough (1/18 or smaller). See the Edocar model no:38, and Nikko iRacer infrared remote controlled car no:11, and Tronico no:42

Will collect & don't have (size ok)

• 1/43? Sander, see Sander

Will not collect (too large)

• 1/16 - TopCruiser (or "Top Cruiser"). Found nothing else on the net. (On Nakashima's list)
• The two 1/10 shells below seem to fit on all chassis types (below), from what I learn on eBay:
  
• 1/10 - Shell: HPI shell model 281, 345 mm long body
• Chassis: HPI RS4 Mini, radio controlled ultra detailed, see www.hpiracing.com. (On Nakashima's list)
• 1/10 - Shell: Dickie - Tamiya & Carson / Kyosho (choose any name you like). 98111 porsche boxster MB-A-Class.
• Chassis: TAMIYA M-03M FWD type
• Chassis: Tamiya M-04 (230 mm). 4 standing fastening bars on the chassis hold the body; two pass straight through the hood, and two through the roof. Remote controlled and kit to build, see www.tamiyaclub.com. Normal max speed is 55 km/h, but a seller on eBay claims that it may be tuned to 80 km/h.  (On Nakashima's list)
• 1/10 - Shell: COLT (#M1107)  (M-chassis)
• Unpainted body for EP Touring Car. Wheelbase: 210mm. Front tread: 160mm, rear tread: 160mm. Suitable for M-Chassis (Excluding Tamiya M03, Xpress Mini) (eBay shop rcMart). Search on www.rc-xpress.com
  
• 1/10 - RC-Graupner Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse F1 5034, 2.11 ccm motor, 33cm, 1.3 kg.
  (In German eBay I see this? model as "Graubner Verbrenner". I don't know if "verbrenner" is the maker or just means "combustion engine")

No

Extra units in the box

Horse trailers, other cars etc. I may give them away. I collect A-Classes, nothing more.

In doubt
Yes

Kits

I could not resist these. My collector's immune system broke down on this point on Jan.16th 2005

Yes

Smart

I have one friend "down"..

Vaneo

..and one "up"..

2nd gen. - after 2004

Don't collect these, see Models almost not here (2. gen. A-Classes)

Mitsubishi Colt

one cousin

No

One piece

No solid or monolithic A-Class, be it (white) metal, plastic, glass or wood.  So, it has to be made from more than one piece.

No

Flat

No flat or two dimensional (2-D) A-Class. It has to have an inside and an outside, and it has to be three dimensional (3-D). A picture or a brochure or a refrigerator magnet won't do.

No

Base of model

The base plate of a model often contains the name of the brand, scale, where it has been produced, and what car make the 1/1 car is. If the model is not produced by the brand owner, the bases may differ. I do not collect. Most often, in the bottom line of my descriptions, the "Base plate text" (mm length) is shown.

The base plate of a model also reflects how it has been fastened in the enclosure that it was shipped in. There are many variants. One collector friend explained this in a e-mail about the Hongwell 1/72 models, on my question of what a "long slot" was: "The long slot refers to the hole in the base. I'm not sure if you know, but the first Hongwell models had no hole, then they had a long slot for attaching to the display case. This was replaced about 2 years ago by a short slot and now they have a screw hole. You are correct, there is only one metal cast of the MB A Class."

Yes

Missing Mercedes-Benz star in grille

If manufacturers make a model without the MB star in the grille, I guess they avoid royalty fees to Daimler-Benz AB or later DaimlerChrysler AB. The models are unlicensed models. Of course I collect, there is no doubt about what kind of car they are: A-Classes. I have 4-5 such unlicenced models. Do a text search on "unlicensed". There are many intersting legal things around this, of which I know nothing. But I'd like to!

No

Diorama

A diorama is a plastic display case with some nice contents. Like an empty aquarium with an A-Class and some other stuff. I don't collect, since I assume that the contained A-Class is not unique for the box. Here are the dioramas I know of (you can see both at www.geocities.co.jp/MotorCity/3888/raremodl.htm (also mentioned in "Quality collections", below):

Busch 1/87 (H0) "Formula 1 Design" diorama with an A-Class and a person waving the start flag, etc.. Is it my no:07 model clothed as a Formula 1 A-Class?

Busch (in 1998) manufactured a "Christmas diorama" containing a red 1/87 (H0) A-Class, a Christmas tree, a snow man, Santa Claus and of course a bag of gifts. And a little boy eagerly awaiting. The model is loaded with gifts on the roof. Is this also my no:07, in red this time?

Any?

Kinder Surprise

I have no idea whether Ferrero, the Italian producer of Kinder Surprise (Kinder Sorpresa, Kinder-Ueberraschungseier, Kinder-egg, Kinderegg, Kindereggs, Kinderägg) have included any A-Class inside their chocolate eggs, in any of their markets. If so, I would certainly collect. Nov.06: White/yellow (top/bottom) Maisto 1/34 models decorated with "kinder"appeared on eBay. They are duplicates of no:32 Maisto, so I would not collect. Nice models! 

No

Peculiar models

Very peculiar models or general peculiarities. I do not collect any of those - and, yes, I know it's subjective! The Robion51 collection contains a very nice anonymous "Van Colablik" 1:24 model [2005]. See "One of a kind" (see below)

One of a kind

Amateur made or "aritisan hand made" units based on moulds I already have, I do not collect. However, there are some nice once's out there! And some are so transformed that it's hard to find out about the original body. If the body is well done and in fact unique, I'd be interested. However, see "Peculiar models" (see above, below)

Some

Scalextric

"Slot car racing" of mostly 1/32 models, like Scalextric cars, I would collect if there were one appearing from a unique mould. However, one of a kind artisan or amateur hand made models rebuilt from NewRay or Welly (or other?) 1/32 models I would not collect (see above). However, I could buy one to give away, even an artisan model, if all the electric details, like brushes to pick up the current, would be completely hidden inside the car. On the artisan model I have seen on eBay, the brushes were visible and sticking out in front of the model. (In Norwegian: "bilbane".)  Scalextric on Wikipedia: there.

Some

Duplicates

Since I don't want to delve into a new collection of anything, I seem to invent new ways to get these small kicks. So, I stretch it by collecting some duplicates! I have limited myself to small models of about equal scale (so they won't fill the house too much, and so that I can display them together) - and single coloured units with no pictures, logos or letters. I just seem to like them better. None of the duplicates count as being part of the numbered collection, and I may not devote a picture for each model.

1. 1/57 Matchbox
2. 1/56 Realtoy - long wheelbase, facelift
3. 1/72 Real-X - long wheelbase, facelift

No

Helicopters

The first was acquired when several collegues at work bought R/C battery operated flying helicopters with brush-free electrical step motors and all niceties. I matched(?) them with these little passive models. Now I have three small helicopters, to modernize my A-classes display-for-fun at work. The continuous, years long display at work, is not only for fun: it's also for aesthetic enjoyment. So, I bet it increases my productivity as a computer programmer! However, I absolutely don't collect helicopters!

I assume the length, as I find them on Wikipedia are full length, including rotor(s), as www.bellhelicopter.com/../407_2006_jan_web.pdf seems to show, where external dimensions of Helicopter-4 are shown to be 12.6 m. Most helicopters here are 12-13 m. in real life

1. Helicopter-1 - 1/80 on box, 1/120 as measured (Eurocopter AS 350) - Full:11cm =? 12.9m
2. Helicopter-2 - 1/72 (Bell?) - Full:17cm =? 12.3m
3. Helicopter-3 - 1/60 (Eurocopter EC 135) - Full:20cm == 12.16m
4. Helicopter-4 - 1/43 (Bell?) - Full:29cm =? 12.6m

No

Pre-production

By some strange means some people have got hold of pre-production units. I have only seen these as diecast, on eBay. They don't have any paint and must be unpolished. Certainly something for anybody who would want to make their "own" model. I don't collect. 

The 12 missing models (*)

1. 1/100 [8003 or 8006] Famosa Turbo Ball. The model belongs to some sort of speed game, and has a metal ball in the bottom to roll on. (3.5 cm)
2. 1/80 [6016] anonymous model made in Thailand. It is quite similar to ChoroQ no:10.
3. 1/80 The pre facelift version of the no:11 NIKKO iRacer. It has the Mercedes-Benz star on the hood, not in the grille. It is out of stock/available(?) from www.tisinc99.com. I wonder, is it only an OEM ChoroQ model, i.e. no:10 with different windows (wipers missing)?
4. 1/55 [5099] FlexiToys (Sweden, made in Thailand)
5. 1/48 [any 4024, 27,29,31,33,35] Anonymous. Text underneath "MADE IN CHINA" (7.5 cm)
6. 1/43? Sander. Radio controlled, 27 MHz. See aozla.sakura.ne.jp - translated
7. 1/36 Anonymous [3068] - This was an item once sold by Mercedes on their stand at the German Motor Show. Silver chrome like finish (10 cm)
8. 1/32 [3017] A Welly (almost equal to no:35) but with no frame in door above and around the mirror. Study front doors. Text underneath: "WELLY NO.9731 MADE IN CHINA MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS" (11 cm)
9. 1/30 [2048] - Anonymous
10. (1/27 [2050] - Anonymous. Maybe this is the Hongwell 1/43 no:23?)
    
11. 1/18 ト イコー Toyco - Radio controlled. www.toyco.co.jp is invalid
12. 1/18 [1017](*) Anonymous. Is it a Song Sen? No text underneath. (20 cm)

Other

• I will collect: 1.) See 1/18 Toyco.
• I won't collect: 1) HPI, see - 2) Tamiya, see - 3) TopCruiser, see.
• I already have: 1) タ カラ - Takara - ChoroQ - my model no:10, 2) ト ミカ - Tomica - my model no:18, 3) フ ジミ - Fujimi - my model no:40, 4.) 1/20 Tronico. R/C - my model no:42

(*) Legend: Album number [xxxx] in the Robion51 collection (above, right). Many thanks to Robion51, for the details above.

Observe Inclusion criteria (above).

1. "Robion51" collection
   A huge (202+) Dutch collection of A-Classes:
   www.picturetrail.com/...
2. A Japanese page by Toru Nakashima, see www.a-class.com (also at geocities). See his fantastic list of models (left, "Other").
3. "Auta 5P" - Some A-Classes -
   Polish. I have all, but look at the nice pictures!

• www.toynutz.com/a-z.html
  Automotive Toy & Model Brands A to Z
• homepage1.nifty.com/harumaki
  Japanese collection of links

• A クラス
  "A-Class"
  "A KU RA SU"
• ミ ニカー
  "Minicar"
  "MI NI KA -"
• メ ルセデスAクラス
  "Mercedes A-Class" ("AClass")
  "ME RU SE DE SU A KU RA SU"
• メ ルセデス・ベンツAクラス
  "Mercedes-Benz A-Class"
  "ME RU SE DE SU - BE N TSU - A KU RA SU"

1. gen. vs. 2. gen: The picture above shows (left to right) (top, 1/43) 2. gen: Schuco - vs. - 1. gen: Herpa (no:25) (bottom, 1/36) 2. gen: Pro Innovation / Dickie Toys - vs. - 1. gen: Tins' Toys (no:28)

Three 2. gen.: Dickie (top, 1/24),  New-Ray (front left 1/43), Maisto (right, 1/43)

1. 1/90 Takara-Tomy - Choro-Q model (Targa), 4/5 doors (there)
• I have one: red here
• Making something so far and at the same time so close to the real thing, and do it like this, is art. I more and more like these quite exaggerated models. It's even available in gold! And a series decorated as the 1. gen. (yes, first gen.) A-Class F-Cell model. Very much like no:10.
• It is 42 mm long, and the 2. gen. A-Class is 3838 mm long.
2. 1/87 Wiking, 4/5-doors (there)
• I have one here
3. 1/87 Wiking, 2/3-doors (there)
4. 1/43 New-Ray, 4/5 doors (there) 
• I have one: lower  picture, front left. Labeled "City Cruiser",  imported to Norway by Toyco, Trondheim.  Model 19003. The picture on New-Ray's web page (of model 19013) seems to be of the much more detailed & pricy Schuco model, below. Is there a connection? (Like, do New-Ray produce the Schuco models?)
5. 1/43 Schuco, 4/5-doors  (there)
• I have one: the silver metallic, upper picture, top left
• It seems like Schuco also produce these models with different styling and hubcaps - an observation made from studying eBay ads.
• Minichamps do not have A-Class models of any sort, no matter what some eager eBay seller may state! See www.minichamps.de
6. 1/43 Schuco, 2/3-doors (there)
7. 1/43 Maisto, 2/3-doors (there)
8. 1/43 Maisto, 4/5-doors (there) 
• I have one: it's gray with sun roof, lower picture, right. It came in an original Maisto box, with no extra label, and with ©2005. It's product #21198 from Maisto in Fontana, California. It is a solid toy, with lower part of doors not bending in under the body, like it should. Probably easier to get it out of the mold?  And it has protective plastic half-circles just inside the wheels on the rear plate, to releave the axles of  bending forces. I have never seen that before.
9. 1/36 Pro Innovation (there) 
• I have one: the blue in upper picture, bottom left - which says "DICKIE Toys" underneath. Ordered through Mercedes, so it should be the "Pro Innovation" stated by Mercedes in their model car 2005 and 2006 booklets. The model is "for children". I doubt whether they use the correct picture, they might just use the Schuco 1/43 model, which has an antenna.
10. 1/24 Dickie, 2/3-doors 
• I have one: lower picture, back. "DICKIE SPIELZEUG. MADE IN CHINA. 05/06" underneath, found at a local store here in Trondheim, March '07. Article no. 3314375, "Salon car". A beautiful, silver toy model. No trace of it there.
11. 1/18 Maisto, 4/5-doors (there)
12. 1/18 Maisto, 2/3-doors (there)
• I have seen an 1/18 "Kyosho" on Bay, but I cannot find any there, so I assume it's a Maisto.
13. 1/18 Welly, 2/3-doors (must be there, but I can't find any!)
    •  A German company has them, here is a  model

• The picture series of the A-Class models to the right has been taken with the models sitting on the top of the stove chimney tube. I used some backlight and some sidelight and quite a lot of daylight.
• I have noticed that the pictures appear light enough on LCD screens only.
• Most pictures have been reduced to 50% jpg or more.
• "BELOW, small and quoted text is the text underneath each CAR" (Length of model)

Vaneo, 2. gen A-Class, Smart and Mitsubishi Colt

no:dontcount

This larger Vaneo (top picture) and the smaller Smart (third picture) were included in my A-Class collection for several reasons. Firstly, the models charmed their ways into the collection. Secondly, I fancy exceptions. Thirdly, a Smart and a Vaneo included unfloats the collection by giving it feet to stand on. Self referencing systems are difficult to relate to. And lastly, I have noticed both cars with respect. A 1/1 of the little rascal overtook us in our rented A-Class on the Italian autostrada. As always, it's what's inside that counts. And the Vaneos have always caused my head to turn. It's not as nasty as the A-Class design, but elegant in another mode. "This model is an Accurate Scale Model and not a Toy. Collectors model: Not suitable for children under 14 years. 1 of 1008 pieces" the box declared. The mental space of this collection takes me to previous and new days. My late father once bought a Matchbox model of his 1959 Austin. Even at 88 it was still with him, carrying his fainting memory. So, friends come in all forms. To the right, the 1/43 Vaneo is greeting the 1/43 model no:24 - and the 1/33 Smart is pulled by the 1/34 model no:32. It is the almost equal scale of the two latter which caused the Smart to go up on the trailer - to disguise some visible unevenness. Comparing on equal terms is easy. But finding those terms is not equally easy.

2. generation A-Classes: The center picture shows a birthday present, June 2005 - a 1/87 Wiking A-Class 5-door 2. gen. model (left). Its companion (no:08) is also a Wiking model. (Also see Models mostly not here (2. gen. A-Classes))

The Mitsubushi Colt (2004) 1/43 model by Vitesse also has a reason to enter my collection - as a cousin. The 5-door model seemed so reminescent of the A-Class when Mari and I first saw it displayed at Flesland airport, Bergen in October 2004. The Colt had been transformed from a boring car into a jewel. How come? Now, three years after, after having studied every one I walked by and decided on the cousinship, only then I read in Wikipedia that it was designed by the French designer Olivier Boulay. He had had years in Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studio also prior to this. However, it's only the 5-door version that deserves the honour to enter my collection ;-) The model by Vitesse is #61of a limited edition of 2160, produced by Sun Star Models Development Ltd. in Macau. It is perfect. How do they make the logo and Colt text so chromish?

I hereby close the friend & relative pseudo-collection. No more additions after Feb.2007.

- My H0 2. gen Wiking model is really perfect, I cannot see it any other way. But I notice that Wiking now don't print "Germany" underneath any more.
By the way, Minichamps have never produced any A-Class model. Too bad! (At least not up to Nov. 04.) I have seen Herpa models been mistaken for Minichamps. Easy to do, since both companies make only the best.

1-2: www.minichamps.de - The Vaneo
2: "Mercedes-Benz Vaneo 1/43 Paul´s Model Art MINICHAMPS Made in China"
3-4: www.wiking.de (both are 1/87 Wiking models)
5-6: www.maisto.com - The Smart
6: "Maisto smart City-Coupé SCALE 1/33 MADE IN CHINA"
7-8: www.vitessemodels.com - dealer: www.biante.com.au (Biante Model Cars)
8: "Vitesse MITSUBISHI MOTORS 1/43 MADE IN CHINA"

Herpa model 065115 1/160 (N) green, plastic

no:01

This model came in a box with a BMW 3er. It suddenly appeared in the mailbox a day in August 2004, half a year after model no:24 had arrived - as a rest-order from the Norwegian distributor. A pleasant surprise manifested in 780 milligrams of plastic. This model is so small - view it (right) together with model no:06 - which is 1/87. Even if my wedding ring had been for the little finger, this model would have passed through. It has front lights and rear lights, grille (but without horizontal bars) and a MB star. It has side mirrors and even microscopic wipers. It has interior seats and headrests. Both cars have the same hubcaps - at that scale this probably is fine. The box's barcode product name is "N-PKW 1:160". There is no indication where the models are made, except Herpa's address in Germany. So, they might just have been made there?

By the way, a weight of 780 milligrams scales to a 1/1 weight of 3194 kg - enough for about three A-Classes. 160 * 160 * 160 is 4096000 - so we "should" have had a weight of about 1100 kg / 409600 = 268 milligrams. Doing this calculation is, of course, one of those complete nonsense things - which are still enjoyable.

Modellbil Design - distributor
www.herpa.de - Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH
"MB A-Class" (22.5 mm)

Wiking model 918 02 27 1/160 (N) red, plastic

no:02

This model came in a box with two other cars, a VW New Beetle (which my youngest daughter (then 20) absolutely needed) - and a Porsche Boxter. When this and no:03 arrived, I had three N scale models. It is interesting to see how the manufacturers have emphasized different traits. Here, the interior and hubcaps elevate the model, but the front lights, side mirrors and the MB star are missing. For the front lights only two small drops of paint are needed. Every time I see a model without a star (or with a dot star as here) I wonder how licencing is handled. The model is also free of any MB texting underneath. However, the box has "MB A 160" printed, so it's probably OK. This was my acquired model 33. This is the only N scale model with a B-pillar that the manufacturer can write home about.

Modellbil Design - distributor
www.wiking.de - Wiking
"Wiking" (22 mm)

Busch model 8310 1/160 (N) blue, plastic

no:03

This model came in a box with an MB ML 320 - with the 320's body not pressed correctly onto the chassis. But the A-Class was fine, except for a clear trace of the left and right moulding forms downwards on the middle of the hood. Here, the MB star and front lights are clearly visible. But instead of any interior, Busch has chosen to make the windows dark and made them reflect light in a pleasing manner - even to have a B-pillar visually appear. This was my acquired model 34. It has a quite exclusive look, even without any side mirrors.

(-: In my inclusion criteria list I used to have a rule stating that "it must have wheels, and they must roll". With this model I had to remove the latter part - for this model's wheels don't roll. Preben, a colleague at work, discovered this on his first glimpse of the model. And I, who thought I had studied it. My "rules" certainly are under pressure :-)
- 12 of these Busch models (of 6 colours) are carried by the Minitrix 15207 Autotransporter N-gauge automobile transport car (thanks, seller clballschnup on eBay for the info!)

Modellbil Design - distributor
www.busch- model.com - Busch
"BUSCH GERMANY MERCEDES BENZ A-KLASSE" (22 mm)

Herpa model 022941 1/87 (H0) red, plastic

no:04

Picture yourself in an air conditioned rented A-Class in a hot London summer day in 2002. One of the purposes is to have a visit to Hamleys to see if there is a 1/18 model of an A-Class in store. "No", the man behind the counter said, "you can't get that model any more, you will only find it in shops which have surplus stocks". That's when I really started to look for these models. Up till then I didn't collect. But I did find this beautiful tiny H0 model in Hamleys. Every detail is there! This is precision. Even the grille is complete with intact Mercedes star. When I was a boy I had Märklin trains in the same scale. The plastic house to the left I bought when I was 11, a century ago. I meet myself again now. Hello, Goodbye. But the feelings are the same. In the sky with tiny three-legged stars now.

This model is a true five-seater - as compared to models no:06, no:07 and no:08. There are three rear head restraints here.

Model no:09 and the left model are sunroof variations of this model.

The Herzen model decorated with hearts is my Mari's model which I, on a tip from Robion51, was lucky to get for her on eBay. Herpa have 6 different "Private Collection" models. The others are Landskron Bier, Tiger, W&H, Fußball and Amor. I don´t collect these, this Herzen is a duplicate I could not resist. Its Herpa product number is 189064.

Scale model scales:
I have used 'H0' (Half zero) for the 1/87 gauge. The same scale is also named 'HO' (Half capital letter 'O'). See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HO_gauge. Also see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Scale_model_scales "Scale model scales" for other gauges.

www.herpa.de - Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH
"MERCEDES BENZ A-KLASSE Herpa MADE IN GERMANY" (40.5 mm)

Herpa 1/87 (H0) silver metallic, plastic, facelift (*)

no:05

The facelift versions were introduced in 2001. They are 31 mm longer than the pre-2001 models (see Lengths). This yields a 31 / 87 = 0.35 mm longer plastic H0 model. It is easy to see the difference between the models in real life, but I have failed spotting the right version on some of the smaller scale models. 0.35 mm must be a nail's thickness? How do the manufacturers think when they scale something down? Do they accentuate some of the traits? Or do they scale as accurately as possible, every little detail, and hope that the traits will be perceived as intended? How do the eye and brain treat details on a small object - and how on a large?

This model is perfect. Only one of the details: it has a perfect liftgate handle, with space for some (1/87!) fingers. I need a magnifying glass to study it. On the pre-facelift models the liftgate opens by pushing a lock button. This is, perhaps, the easiest way to spot a facelift version: watch for the larger oval handle. It has two parts: the upper handle and the lower space for fingers. It is all inside the liftgate, being flat on the surface. On the picture you can barely perceive it, below the sign plate.

In Sept. 2005 I again ended up with a duplicate. It was in Porto, Portugal. I had quite happily put the white 1/87 facelift Herpa model back into the display case - after all, I don't collect new colours! Then, 100 metres up the crowdy sidewalk a lady from the "Bazar Paris" shop overtook us gesticulating that she had found another A-Class - we thought. Not being certain that my 39th and previous model (no:44) would be the final entry (I don't think I have all yet), we climbed to the first floor - only to watch her happily offering me the model I had just abandoned! I did not know how to reject her enthusiasm, and for €7.61 the model was welcomed. My duplicate collection is growing, language failing me to control.

www.herpa.de - Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH
Model B6 696 1321 in the Mercedes-Benz "Model cars" booklet
Similar to model in Herpa two-pack 033107, but different colour
"MERCEDES BENZ A-KLASSE Herpa MADE IN GERMANY" (41.0 mm)

Helicopter-1 (left) (next) by Matchbox, "limited edition", 1/80. It's a white Eurocopter Ecureuil / AStar labeled "Air Maui" used on that Hawaian island. A jewel of a toy. "1:80 Matchbox RESCUE CHOPPER © 1998 Mattel Inc. CHINA 2014EA"
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurocopter_Ecureuil
www.airmaui.com/helicopters.html

Busch model 48601 avantgarde 1/87 (H0) green, plastic

no:06

How do I know whether I should collect or not collect a certain A-Class model? For a long time I thought that I collected both classic and the elegance/avantgarde models because I believed the latter two were a little longer than the classic model. But this was completely wrong! I finally have realised that there had to be different die-casts (my main collection criterion) for the pre-2001 and later A-Class models - because all newer models in fact have the extra length. Mercedes calls the newer models "facelift". Studying an old and a new A-Class brochure helped me. I have tried to summarise this in the inclusion criteria (above) and lengths (bottom). So I bought this and no:07 in good faith. Luckily for me, it was easy to spot some difference between the models' bodies: the sunroof. This is acquired model 23, and I have not been paying attention to the roof earlier. I am not certain if I should in the future either. But the sunroof is the only difference from model no:07.

All these H0 models are next to being perfect. The front wipers on these Busch models (this and no:07) are not part of the window, yet they exist. This makes them the most volatile part of my whole collection, as they may easily be squeezed off the front.

www.modelglobe.de - distributor (Their model 20545)
www.busch- model.com - Busch
"BUSCH GERMANY Mercedes Benz A-Klasse" (40.5 mm)

Busch model 48600 1/87 (H0) blue, plastic

no:07

Why don't somebody invite me to an H0 model maker to show me how they make these things? Herpa! Busch! Wiking!

See description no:06 about this model. Wiking has included paper numberplates to be cut out and glued to the model. Nice for any collector. But no Norwegian "DK-34383" - however, only correct for my facelift & long models no:13, no:45 (and perhaps no:11) - and the one in the garage.

Get the opportunity to hold and study an H0 A-Class model. It weighs nothing and yet have everything.

Busch has also produced a version with functional front and rear lights of this model! But too bad, it is a version with closed sun roof only - which I consider a duplicate. See www.modellbahn-kramm.com

The Marklin (Märklin 47122) flat railroad car contains eight Busch H0 A-Class models.

www.modelglobe.de - distributor (Their model 16823)
www.busch- model.com - Busch
"BUSCH GERMANY Mercedes Benz A-Klasse" (40.5 mm)

Wiking model 6010429 1/87 (H0) red, plastic

no:08

This is a "Berliner Feuerwehr" model. On the Berlin Fire Brigade web page, the text accompanying a picture of an A-Class, reads "Mercedes A Class. Emergency operations vehicle for the staff of the Berlin County Fire Brigade Chief's Office. In this vehicle, frequent space requirement changes can be accommodated through the removal of the car's seats. Likewise, the car drives so well that all of the Brigade's expectations are met (See about the Elk test below). Its blue light is not permanently fitted to the roof of the car, but is rather a magnet light stored in the boot which can be placed on the roof of the car as needed, powered from an outlet inside the vehicle. A hidden Wandel & Goltermann siren is fitted and can provide the appropriate sound signals." (Thanks, son Andreas, for the translation)

This model is just as nice as the Herpa and Busch models (above). Wiking has, however, chosen not to make visible the A, B and C-pillar grooves which should mark visible the door edges on their window top parts. This is an awkward observation, I know. The plastic translucent tape visible on the picture holds the model so it does not fall off the chimney tube. This is because the wheels are made of a hard plastic - whereas the other H0 models have more rubber type wheels which grip much better.

www.modelglobe.de - distributor (Their model 17033)
www.wiking.de - Wiking
www.berliner-feuerwehr.de/elw1.html - Berliner Feuerwehr
"WIKING Germany" (40.5 mm)

The elk (test)

Using the A-Class as a fire brigade car must have been after the "elk test" (also called "moose test" or "double avoidance manoeuvre test") had been successfully passed, and the A-Classes were on the road again. This was in Feb.1998, and all cars had been updated with ESP and more. Because, after the car had been introduced in Sept.1997, the Swedish test sent both the A-Class and Mercedes into a "rollover crisis". Mercedes withdrew all models in Nov.1997 for the crucial updates. Read more at www.autozine.org.

Elks (see left, bought on eBay from Germany) were placed in the returning modified A-Classes, as a compensation to the (un)patient owners (other aspects, see below). My question is, how does an organisation look like on the inside when it is indeed able to come upon, decide and actually implement such an idea? Buying lots of Elks from a toy manufacturer for these means! Model development, new factory, thousands of A-Class employees and a - tiltet car! Obviously, psychological aspects must have been present for such a decision. Well done - admirable for any organisation.

- This elk is produced by Rhön Plüsch in Germany and may be washed at 30°C. It is about 105 cm long. See www.rhoener.de
- In Jan.07 a somewhat different elk appeared on eBay, allegedly produced for Mercedes-Benz by "Fa. Super Billy". It had different colour on the nose, no nose holes, and a somewhat different scarf.
- A "Plüschelch der Firma Aliki" has also been sold on eBay. It's 40 cm high, has large eyes and pink hands, bottom of feet and horn. Also, gray inside the ears and mouth and gold nose holes. It also has a steering wheel attached. A real toy, compared to our serious elk!
- On the picture you will see the vertical shelf slot for my complete A-Class collection. All (then 44) models were present when Mari shot the picture.

Other aspects: Below are other aspects of the soft moose story. Which of the stories are true? Please mail me about this! Advertising: In Jan.07 another German seller on eBay stated that "The moose was used at that time for advertising purposes for the introduction of the A-Class". The seller's moose was equal to our's. Accessory: drive.com.au points out that "So confident is the company that it has overcome the episode, it even sells a soft toy moose as an official accessory at dealerships in Germany."

Herpa 1/87 (H0) bluemetallic, plastic (*)

no:09

This is a variation of model no:04 with a sunroof (and thus bodily exactly equal to the red Herzen duplicate, also see no:04). I used the sunroof criterion for the first time when I found an excuse to keep model no:06, so I might use it here as well. There is a good reason to do so: there must be different casting moulds for the models without and those with a sunroof. After all, the manufacturers probably don't sit there with a knife to cut out the opening. But I have not used that criterion for the 1/18 models - my shelf space is limited. This model arrived with the replacement model no:25 after the transport wreckage, as a gift!

I believe that this model is more distinct than model no:04, especially on the grille and the Mercedes-Benz star, shining like on a newly polished car. There now are two years since I bought model no:04, so I might have worn it a little pale since then. These models are looked at, studied in a careful hand, rearranged on the shelf - and carried around a little. I have had a display in my office at work so that my colleagues may have some fun, too. But only with a few models at a time. And I have carried them on my bike, carefully wrapped in a handkerchief. Of course this wears the models and their few microns of paint. I have thought, this way I might even wreck one of them some day, or loose one. But I wouldn't write poems for that loss.

www.modelglobe.de - distributor (Their model 19050)
www.herpa.de - Herpa Miniaturmodelle GmbH
Model B6 600 5636 in an earlier Mercedes-Benz "Model cars" booklet
"MERCEDES BENZ A-KLASSE Herpa MADE IN GERMANY" (40.5 mm)

ChoroQ 1/80 silver metallic, plastic

no:10

The model is as short as it looks on the picture - even if the camera lens distorts perspective somewhat. And the model is a Mercedes-Benz A-Class - even without a starred grille. The model and enclosure is void of both the star and the "Mercedes-Benz" name, so it is probably unlicensed. But didn't DaimlerChrysler AB trademark "A-Class" (A クラス) - since it is full of it? (But see Nikko iRacer comment, below.) I now wonder, how could I have withheld this model by thinking it was too particular? Of course, it's only one of some in the ChoroQ (チョ ロ Q) brand of models, meant to virtually fly. It is light and had an excellent pullback spring engine when I received it. I believe that freeing it of a couple of tooth wheels increases the model's life span. The scale of this model is more or less 1/80, considering the proportions. The rear wheels are larger than the front wheels - not hard to understand why. But beware, the lens perspective in the picture shows too small rear wheels. But too particular to like? Not at all! The model has a rear large plate (with text printed). According to Wikipedia (below) this is a penny racer, invented by Takara in 1978. Quoting the article: "What is also distinct about the cars is the slot at the rear, where a small coin can be inserted for the wheelie effect". This model is a pleasant A-Class caricature.

-See a missing model quite equal to this (#2 there)
- See the 2. gen. 1/90 model (above, left). A dramatic and elegant