NZG Models facts for kids

Nürnberger Zinkdruckguß-Modelle GmbH, often called NZG, is a German company. They are famous for making very detailed diecast scale models. These models are mostly of heavy transport and construction vehicles. They are often used by big companies to show off their real machines. NZG is based in Nuremberg, Germany.

NZG models are known for being very precise. They are not just simple toys. They are exact copies of real vehicles, like trucks, cranes, and excavators.

History of NZG Models

NZG Modelle was started in 1968 by Gerhard Schmid and Betty Hauer. They began their business in a small space on the second floor of a furniture company. Soon, they moved to a much bigger place.

The very first model NZG ever made was a Weserhutte wheeled crane in 1968. By 1974, NZG was already making at least 30 different models. Since then, the company has created over 700 different models. Today, NZG makes more than 400,000 models every year!

In 1986, Inge Ludwig (Gerhard Schmid's daughter) and Hannelore Hauer took over the company. By 2000, the Ludwig family fully owned NZG. Today, Inge and Michael Ludwig run the company.

NZG makes models in several different sizes, called scales. Common scales include 1:25, 1:50, and 1:87. They also make commercial vehicle models in 1:43 scale. If a company wants a special model made, NZG usually needs an order of at least 300 pieces.

Haulotte scissors lift, showing the many types of industrial models NZG makes.

Detailed Scale Models

NZG creates a huge range of heavy equipment models. These include small hand pallet movers and forklifts. They also make giant ore-carrying dump trucks, front loaders, shovels, and excavators. Some models are even of pavement profilers, road rollers, and large cranes. NZG makes models for many different manufacturers, like Caterpillar, MAN, Volvo, and Liebherr.

These models are very detailed and can sometimes be delicate. They are not simple toys. They are precise replicas, meaning they look exactly like the real machines, just smaller. Because of their high quality and detail, some of the larger NZG models can be quite expensive.

Special Car Models

For many years, NZG also made very detailed model cars. These were often used by car dealerships to promote new cars. For example, NZG made many models of Porsches and Mercedes-Benzes. These models were usually sold in simple silver boxes with blue markings.

Most of these car models were in 1:43 scale. Some were larger, like the Mercedes coupes, which were about 1:35 scale. The bottom of these models often said "Made in the Federal Republic of Germany." Sometimes, there were stickers warning that the models were "not toys and not for children."

NZG made most of its car models in the 1980s and 1990s. They also produced models of vans during the 1990s. After 2002, NZG focused more on its trucks and construction vehicles.

NZG's car models were very realistic. They often had opening doors, hoods, and trunks. The headlights were made with clear plastic lenses, not just simple jewels. They even had tiny chrome-plated emblems and grille details. Each model had unique wheel designs, sometimes with the car brand's logo. While their cars were excellent, NZG's main focus has always been on trucks and construction equipment.

An NZG MAN cement mixing truck.

Marketing and Other Brands

NZG has worked with other model companies over the years, like Conrad Models and Cursor Models. These companies also made similar promotional models for truck and car companies. Sometimes, NZG models were even sold under the Conrad name.

NZG now includes several other model brands. These include TWH and Sword, which are American companies that license NZG products. Other brands are more independent, like Premium ClassiXXs, which makes classic German cars and motorcycles. Bubmobile and JNF Toys recreate classic wind-up toys from the 1950s. Lastly, the Y-Serie makes modern military trucks and equipment.

An older Scania L60 stake bed truck. NZG makes models of both new and older vehicles.

See also

In Spanish: Nzg modelos para niños

• Model construction vehicle
• Engineering vehicle
• Die-cast toy
• Scale model
• Mikro'67