Small cars and big dreams: The magazine “Modell Fahrzeug” has presented the “Model Vehicle of the Year” award for the 33rd time – people like to talk about the “model car Oscars” to give the model kits some Hollywood glamor. There are no VIPs in shiny robes; instead, the prizes were presented in the National Car Museum in Dietzhölztal. In July, a new museum was set up here with more than 150 automobiles from different eras.
Friedhelm Loh shows his collection in a historic industrial hall. Just the right place for little treasures. As usual at the trade press awards, a lot of winners are chosen because there are so many categories. The sizes range from model railway scale 1:87 to size 1:8.
An adult hobby
Overall, model making has a difficult time in children’s rooms today. The industry compensates for this with older customers who spend much more money on their hobby. Andreas A. Berse, editor-in-chief of “Modell Fahrzeug” said: “The interest in miniatures remains unbroken even in times of crisis and the willingness to spend on model cars remains high. The readership spends an average of 2,319.44 euros per year on their hobby. That is a noticeable increase compared to the previous year.” But you can start small. The cheapest winner only costs 11.90 euros, but there is a 911 (992) from Schuco in 1:87. This year the price range goes up to a whopping 1198 euros for the 1:8 kit of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut from Le Grand.
Kits as purchased
The candidates are chosen by readers’ vote. A special feature here: the readers of the magazine judge models and kits as they are offered for sale. This is a different approach than the prizes at trade fairs and meetings where finished models or dioramas are awarded, where the proud builders have usually significantly refined the purchased kit. There were two winners – big and small. The Ferrari racing transporter OM Rolfo from CMR in 1:18 was able to stand next to the original in the National Car Museum. Brekina presented a series of rally classics in an inexpensive 1:87 scale – for which they received the innovation prize. Berse: “When it comes to motorsport, the 1:87 size still has some catching up to do. Brekina is now fielding rally icons such as the Fiat 131, Opel Kadett C, Lancia Stratos and Ford Escort Mk II.”
You can find a detailed report in “Modell Fahrzeug” issue 1/2024.
