VIKING 1/87 MERCEDES METZ DLK 23-12 FIRE DEPARTMENT (061803)

Plastic model of MERCEDES METZ DLK 23-12 car from Wiking for H0 scale dioramas (electric trains).

Mercedes-Benz's new NG driver's cab influenced WIKING's decision early on - the company's long-standing focus on Magirus turntable ladders was to be abandoned - at least temporarily. In addition to making Mercedes-Benz a new favorite, the innovation introduced with the Metz DLK 23/12 turntable ladder allowed the model maker to showcase a much higher level of turntable ladder detail - as well as highlight the removable rescue basket. After the predecessors of the true round and square hoods, and even the first generation of the engine with a cab, still came from Ulm, WIKING decided this time to miniaturize a generation of the turntable ladder that replaced the crew cab for six firefighters with a crew cab that accommodated only three, thus reflecting the strategic shift in firefighting that was taking place in all fire departments in Germany at the time. In those days, firefighters found that crew cabs with enough seats for two crew members and one machine operator were sufficient. What's more, the Karlsruhe-based rotary ladder experts, who today operate under the Rosenbauer Corporation banner, were already relying on the vertical basket - unlike their Ulm-based competitor Magirus. To the delight of model enthusiasts, WIKING has created a fully functional basket in its 1:87 scale miniature. The basket in this generation of vehicles was designed to rest under the turntable and must be set vertically.

Model specifications:

• scale: 1:87 (H0)
• length ( with ladder ): approx. 107 mm
• height: approx. 38 mm
• year: 1973-80
• color: red
• manufacturer code: 061803
• manufacturer: Viking Germany

For more information, photos and 360° visualizations, visit the manufacturer's website (link in the tab above).