Herpa

Herpa is a German maker of detailed miniatures, based in Dietenhofen. Since 1949, the company has made airplane, car, and truck models. Aviation is a key part of its range, from modern aircraft to historic military aircraft. The brand includes Herpa Wings and the Oxford Aviation line.

Airplane models

Herpa creates airplane models of modern and historic originals. The current Herpa Collection includes more than 1,500 readily available models. Herpa is an official licensing partner of airlines. Collectors and model railroaders look for these models. Herpa reaches customers through model specialty shops and an international dealership network.

• Focke Wulf 190D, Jagdgeschwader 4, Frankfurt am Main, 1945
• Gloster Meteor F3, 616 Squadron, RAF Melsbroek, Winter 1944 to 1945
• Grumman Avenger "Blopsy", Composite Squadron 76, USS Petrof Bay 1945
• Messerschmitt Bf 110G, II./ ZG 1 "Wespe", Montecorvino Italy 1943
• Royal Air Force Supermarine Spitfire MkI

Oxford Aviation 1:72 models

Oxford Aviation at Herpa focuses on historical military aeroplane models from the World Wars. These aircraft are high quality metal die-cast models. They are available exclusively in 1:72 scale. Prices on its site for Oxford Aviation models run from about €17 to €36.

History and milestones

Herpa was founded on March 9, 1949, by Wilhelm Hergenröther. In 1988, Herpa produced 1/500 Boeing 747-200 samples that were printed instead of using decals. In 1997, it launched WINGSWORLD, an international trade journal for airplane miniatures. In 2004, Herpa released the first 1/1000 scale airplane model as a giveaway for airlines. In 2005, a DC-3 in Herpa colors flew between various US air shows. In 2006, Herpa presented complete airport building kits in 1/500 scale, including lighting. In 2007, it cooperated with NASA to premiere a 1/500 Space Shuttle model. In 2015, Herpa launched its own Military brand. In March 2025, Herpa expanded its range to include the MicroCity brand. In 2026, Herpa added 1:64 die-cast models from the Trends Hobby brand. Herpa is owned by Fürst Andreas zu Leiningen.

Community and where to find it

Herpa employs about 200 staff members in Dietenhofen, Germany and at a facility in Hungary. The Herpa Miniature Museum with a sales display is located at the headquarters site. Herpa also hosts livestreams with product managers from the Wings division. Customers can find the models at specialty shops and through an international dealer network.

Pilots and aviation fans like Herpa for its broad aviation choice and focus on both modern and historic subjects. The museum, trade journal, and livestreams add to the experience of collecting and learning about aircraft in miniature.