"Franz Meersdonk, Günther Willers and their machines, 320 HP. They deliver scheduled freight all over the world – you can rely on them!"
These striking words in the opening credits made the TV series "Auf Achse," starring Manfred Krug and Rüdiger Kirschstein, unforgettable. First broadcast in 1977, a total of 86 episodes were produced in 6 seasons until 1996. Throughout the series, many different vehicles were featured.
In August 2009, Herpa Miniature Models launched a new model edition, "Auf Achse" – a selection of the most famous trucks from the series. The models, made at a scale of 1:87 (H0), are well-executed, with many detailed prints and fittings, even though some compromises were necessary and they are not always 100% true to the originals.
The release of the "Auf Achse" models reignited my interest in the vehicles and the TV series, prompting me to study the trucks and their background stories more closely. In my youth, I had already built one or another truck model. Unfortunately, the models I created back then were lost over the years.
To reproduce the "Auf Achse" trucks as accurately as possible, corresponding photos are indispensable – which sometimes leads to intensive research. A valuable resource for this is the DVD edition of the complete series. The "Auf Achse" fan forum was also very helpful, though it has since been discontinued.
All Herpa models are kept in their original condition and remain in their original packaging to preserve their collector value.