- Swedish Railway Models
- Swedish Scenic Models
There are a number of cars buses and lorries that are suitable for a Swedish diorama in H0 scale. It would be impossible to list them all, but here is a reasonable selection of what to look for. There are of course, all sorts of makes of vehicles in Sweden, so this report looks at the types built in Sweden (or at least with a head-office in Sweden) and a few others that are available as models in authentic Swedish liveries!
Cars
There were two main manufacturers of cars in Sweden, and until recently, they both had an abysmal following in the H0-scale model world. In recent years both brands have been given a little more attention, at least for the older ones!
A third manufacturer is worth a mention also, despite being so ‘slight’ on the market, but because at least one H0-scale model exists. That’s where we’ll start!
KOENIGSEGG
The company was founded in 1994 in Sweden by Christian von Koenigsegg, with the intention of producing a “world-class” sports car. Many years of development and testing led to the CC8S, the company’s first street-legal production car which was introduced in 2002. In April 2009, the media reported that Koenigsegg Group, consisting of Koenigsegg Automotive AB, Christian von Koenigsegg, Bård Eker and a group of investors led by Mark Bishop had signed a letter of intent with Saab to take over the brand from General Motors. General Motors confirmed on June 16 that they had chosen Koenigsegg Group as the buyer of Saab Automobile. In November 2009, Koenigsegg decided not to finalise the purchase of Saab and therefore, left the negotiations. The timing uncertainty of finalisation of the take over was the reason Koenigsegg stated for leaving the deal.
Agera RS
The Agera RS was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. It was an advanced version of the Agera R, implementing some of the new technology and features of the One:1 and combining the features of the Agera R and the Agera S. The Agera RS was initially going to be limited to 25 units, however another two were built, one being the factory development car and one as a replacement for a customer car damaged while it was being used for shakedown testing. Each Agera RS could be fully customised by its owner. The last Agera RS rolled off the production line on 4 April 2018.
- A model has been available only from Koenigsegg directly (so one can boast that they have bought a car directly from them…). It is not a rolling model and comes plinthed in a presentation box.


SAAB
Saab was originally a division of Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, which had been created in 1937 in Linköping for the express purpose of building aircraft for the Swedish Air Force to protect the country’s neutrality as Europe moved closer to war. As the war drew towards a close and the market for fighter planes evaporated, the company began looking for new markets in which to diversify. In 1944, “Project 92” began, with the goal of creating the first Saab passenger car. The result, the Saab 92001 (or Ursaab), was unveiled three years later, with a design that highlighted the company’s roots in aviation. Notably, the car’s drag coefficient of 0.30 was the lowest of any production car of the time. The prototype had a borrowed 13 kW (18 hp) two-cylinder two-stroke engine, which was placed transversely in the front of the vehicle. The first engine and gearbox came from a DKW vehicle, but they were later replaced with an engine and gearbox designed in Sweden. The original 1946 Saab 92001 is in the Saab museum in Trollhättan. It is called Ursaab, meaning ‘original SAAB’.
Three years into Project 92, a company site in Trollhättan was converted to allow automobile assembly and the project moved there. The company has remained headquartered there since. In 1949, Saab was ready to bring the car to market, and the Saab 92 went into production, selling 20,000 examples through the mid-1950s. In 1969, Saab merged with the Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania-Vabis AB to form Saab-Scania AB. Owing to its great success, the millionth Saab was produced in 1976. Saab entered into an agreement with Fiat in 1978 to sell a rebadged Lancia Delta as the Saab 600 and jointly develop a new platform. The agreement yielded 1985’s Saab 9000, sister to the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Lancia Thema; all rode atop a common Type Four chassis. The 9000 was Saab’s first proper luxury car. 1978 also was the first year for the Saab 900. Nearly one million 900s would be produced, making it Saab’s best-selling model. A popular convertible version followed in 1986, all of which were made at the Saab-Valmet factory in Finland, making up nearly 20% of 900 sales. Even today, the “classic 900” retains a cult following among enthusiasts.
Sadly, the company was acquired by General Motors who put their technology into the brand, and having failed to create any positive outcome, put the brand up for sale, but blocked many attempts at being purchased because GM feared that any purchaser will steal its secrets! (The way to save Saab is to remove all GM artefacts!) SAAB (or rather NEVS – National Electric Vehicle Sweden) has started producing cars again. But, cars are only going to the Chinese market to start with, and then production shifting there as well. NEVS was closed in March 2023, with the company going into “Hibernation Mode” to avoid bankruptcy. This essentially liquidated the company.
(Information mostly from Wikipedia.)
92
The first production car from Saab was the model 92. Note that the doors were hinged nearer the back and that there was no opening boot! Engine was a basic two-stroke model. The 92B had an opening boot and a few other refinements.
- VVmodel produced the Saab 92 exclusively for the Stockholm Model Club.
- Brekina has produced a model of the 92B in various colours.
- BoS (Best of Show) has produced the 92B in more than one scale, including H0 (1:87).




95
Introduced 1959 as a seven-seater estate, this model had a 2-stroke engine with 3 in-line cylinders. A standard 4 cylinder model (with body refinements) was produced later.
- NEO produced a highly detailed metal model of the earlier 95 estate.

96
Introduced 1960 as a 2-door sedan with three cylinders in line, 2-stroke engine. It was a development of the model 93, but was more closely based technically, on the model 95 estate. It was later fitted with a V4 engine, based on the design used by Ford in their Taunus model. There are design changes between the 2-stroke and V4 cars, and further visual differences between different V4 specifications.
- Brekina has produced a very good quality model of the V4 96, and this is available in plain and Rally liveries.
- Eko has produced a model of the 2-stroke 96 for a number of years, but this is of very poor quality.


99
The 99 was produced from 1968 to 1984, both in Sweden and Finland, and was succeeded by the 900, although the 99 continued to be produced alongside its successor for many years. The 99 was finally replaced by the 90, a smaller version of the 900. It was produced as a 2/4-door saloon and a 3/5-door hatchback. (The first series of the 99 actually had Triumph engines!)
- PCX87 has produced a model of the 99 (2-door) in various colours, of the first style (which would have had the Triumph engine).


900
Introduced 1978 as a 5-door hatchback, this was a development of the model 99 which had been in production for about 10 years. The 900 was later produced as a 4-door sedan, 3-door hatchback and 2-door convertible; before being retooled (and the retooled version was later rebranded the model 9-3).
- NEO produced a highly detailed metal model of the later 900 cabriolet.
- Wiking has produced a model of the 5-door hatchback in a few colours over the years.
- PCX87 has produced the 900 Turbo in an assortment of four colours, representing the 1986 body-shapes, both as a 3-door coupé and the cabriolet. Early 2025 they proposed the 4-door sedan also!





9000
Introduced 1984, the Saab 9000 was developed with other manufacturers and is technically similar to the Alfa Romeo 164, Fiat Croma and Lancia Thema.
- PCX87 has produced the 9000 CC in 1985 condition.


VOLVO
Volvo means “I roll” in Latin, conjugated from “volvere”, in relation to ball bearing. The name Volvo was originally registered in May 1911 as a separate company within SKF AB and as a registered trademark with the intention to be used for a special series of ball bearing, but this idea was only used for a short period of time and SKF decided to use “SKF” as the trademark for all its bearing products. Although Volvo was incorporated in 1915 as a subsidiary of AB SKF, the auto manufacturer considers itself officially founded on 14 April 1927, when the first car, the Volvo ÖV 4 series, affectionately known as “Jakob”, rolled out of the factory in Hisingen, Gothenburg. In 1924, Assar Gabrielsson, a SKF Sales Manager, and Engineer Gustav Larson, the two founders, decided to start construction of a Swedish car. Their vision was to build cars that could withstand the rigors of Sweden’s rough roads and cold temperatures. This has become a feature of Volvo products ever since.
After several large and impressive models, the new, small car, christened the PV444, was introduced in the autumn of 1944. Even at this stage, Volvo knew that the car would be unique, as it combined American design with European size. This later proved to be a highly successful combination. It stayed in production for more than 20 years, somewhat modified during that time!
Volvo’s plans for a two-seater sports car came as a great surprise. After all, the Volvo was known as a good, sturdy car, albeit a little boring. The Volvo Sport, also called P1900 was subjected to grueling tests in Sweden. The engine was a B14A with twin carburettors, which developed 70 hp, but the other components had been taken from the PV444. There was very little demand for the Volvo Sport in Sweden; only 67 cars were produced and production ceased within one year. It was the only Volvo to have a fibreglass body!
Volvo was acquired by Ford at a similar time to Saab’s acquisition by General Motors, but Volvo’s departure from Ford has been into the hands of a Chinese firm and the company remains in business.
(Information mostly from swedecar.com.)
PV56
The Volvo PV51 was introduced by Volvo in December 1936. In the autumn of 1938 the PV51-52 was replaced by the PV53-56. These cars had a new front end, modified suspension and steering, uprated interior and dashboard. Most of the war-time cars had a wood gas generator mounted on a trailer behind the car, since the engine had been converted to run on this domestic fuel.
- VVmodel has produced the Volvo PV56 exclusively for the Stockholm Model Club (with trailer).

PV444
The first mass-production car from Volvo was the PV444. Note that there were many technical differences between this and its successor, the 544 (modelled by Busch and Wiking).
- VVmodel produced the Volvo PV444 exclusively for the Stockholm Model Club (and is seen on their website).
- The Stockholm Model Club’s model is now available in a ‘luxury’ version (as from 2020).


PV544
Although based upon (and a development of) the PV444, the PV544 was introduced after the Amazon, in 1958, much to the surprise of the public! It was a much refined model, and despite its later arrival, it was withdrawn before the Amazon.
- Busch (previously Praliné) has produced a good quality model of the PV544 in an assortment of liveries. The older Praliné models are poorer quality, only in that they were very drab. Busch seem to go to greater efforts to include body trims and other details.
- Wiking has produced a good quality model of the PV544 in a few basic colours.


P210
Following the development of the PV444 to the PV544, the PV445/”Duett” (from 1951) was similarly modified in 1960, and the name dropped in favour of the designation P210. This is effectively an estate car, also available as a van, and was Volvo’s own development on the same chassis, in response to other manufacturers building estate car bodies on the commercially available chassis-cab! The main visible difference from 1960 is the new one-piece curved windscreen instead of the split flat screens, but technically, there were of course, many more differences.
- Brekina produces a good quality model of the P210 (often incorrectly referred to as the “Duette” – even with wrong spelling), and this is available in a number of liveries as a van or car.

AMAZON / P120
Introduced 1956 as a 4-door sedan, with the 2-door sedan in 1961 and estate in 1962. The model was to be known as the “Amason” (yes, with an ‘s’, not a ‘z’) in the Nordic area, but due to the name being used by an obscure motorcycle manufacturer elsewhere, the 4-door model was known outside Scandinavia as the 121 (or 122S for the Sport version). However, the “Amazon 121” was the name given to the 2-door model when it was available only in Scandinavia! In 1966, a new sport version, the 123GT was introduced. The range is often referred to as the P120, but the estate as the 220.
- Brekina produces some very nice models of the entire range in an assortment of liveries.


P1900
The Volvo Sport (also known as P1900) was a Swedish fibreglass-bodied car of which sixty-eight units were built between 1956 and 1957, but they were not really up to Volvo’s usual standard. Volvo’s president took one for a drive on a holiday weekend and was dissatisfied enough that, on returning to his office the following week, cancelled the remaining production. “I thought it would fall apart!” is the legendary quote.
- BOS produced the P1900 in at least two different colours as a limited edition.


P1800
Following unsuccessful testing with the model P1900 sports car, the P1800 went into production in 1961 as a 2-door sport coupé. The phenomenal success of this car is largely due to its appearance in the television series, “The Saint,” made possible by a British manufacturer’s refusal to provide “the first choice car” in time for filming! The P1800 was made in the UK, but production was moved to Sweden for the 1800S. For a later significant change, the car was rebadged 1800E.
- Eko has produced a model of the early P1800 for a number of years, but this is of very poor quality.
- Herpa has produced a model of the later 1800E (different bumpers are the easiest things to spot on the models)!


1800ES
In 1971, a ‘fastback’ version of the 1800E was introduced, and became known as the 1800ES.
- Herpa has produced the 1800ES in a few basic colours.


140 series (142, 144, 145)
With a previous working title of the “1400” (and tested under the name, “Mazuo ZT92”), the 144 4-door sedan was introduced in 1966. It was a design that lasted into the 1990s, albeit as the 240, but as a precursor, it has had a poor following by enthusiasts! (The FLMJ’s Director General has owned both 240 and 140 models, and prefers the 140!) The 142 (2-door model) was introduced in 1967, and as that year closed the 145 (estate) was also introduced. In 1969 the 145 Express was introduced to replace the just withdrawn P210; this was a 145 with high roof. Also at this time the basic 145 was modified with a ventilator eliminating the need for the split rear opening side window!
(Special Note: The 164 is a very different car with a different wheel-base, and is reviewed separately!)
- Brekina has produced the 144 and 145, both very fine models, the 145 with unsplit rear side windows. They produce the first and second series (identical lighting layout, but one has a metal grill without the traditional diagonal bar, the other has a black grille with Volvo’s traditional diagonal bar – introduced from 1971). Whether or not the 142 will be produced, remains to be seen; but the third series is unlikely as that will require some re-tooling!




164
The Volvo 164 is a 4-door, 6-cylinder luxury sedan unveiled by Volvo in October 1968 and first sold as a 1969 model. The car was succeeded by the 264 in 1975. Apart from the front design of the car, it has many similarities with the 144; but it has a longer wheelbase.
- PCX87 has produced a model of the 164 in original condition.
- Worthy of a mention here is a kit of the 164 in later condition, by Kniga Modelle.


66
The 66 was a development of the Daf 66, and came from the recently acquired Dutch factory in 1975. It was a available as a 2-door saloon or 3-door hatchback, and was withdrawn in 1980. The 343 was its successor.
- Brekina first produced a model of the 66 as the 3-door version in various colours, and soon it was followed by the 2-door sedan. (Both are also available as the Daf 66).


240/260 series
Introduced in 1974, the 244 (4-doors) was a direct development of the 144, and the 264 (4-doors with V6 engine) was a similar design to replace the 164. Also introduced that year was the 242 and 245. The 262 and 265 both appeared in 1975; but that 262 was the GL version with standard-height roof, the low-roof 262C appeared in 1977. From 1976 to 1981 Volvo produced the 264 TE (top executive), a stretched limousine version of the 264; many of which were exported to the former German Democratic Republic for use by the government. (And, a 265T was an estate version for the home market, designed to have additional rows of seats for use as taxi or rural school bus!)
- BoS has produced the 264TE in a few liveries, including an east German flagged diplomat specification, where they were most used. BoS has also produced an ambulance on a stretched chassis.
- NEO produced the 244DL in early condition (with circular headlamps), as a highly detailed model (though not entirely correct). NEO also produced the 262C in dubious condition (early spoiler and vinyl roof, but wrap-round rear lights) in a few colours, not all of them authentic.
- Wiking produced a model of the 264 in a few basic colours, and has recently re-introduced it into their “classic” range, but shewn as a 244 DLS! The 244 DLS (1977–78) was an export model to the former German Democratic Republic with the 264 grille. About 1000 were made in five colours, none of them as depicted on the Wiking model!
- PCX87 has produced the 240 sedan and estate (1989 body refinements) in an undetermined assortment of colours.








340/360 series
The 343 was launched in 1976 as a complement to the larger 240 models. It was originally developed by DAF as DAF 77 (or project P900 as it was called internally) to ultimately replace the 66. The car was initially only available as a 3-door hatchback (343). From the 1980 model year there was a five-door hatchback (345) and from 1984 there was a 4-door sedan (360). The engine was initially only a 1.4-litre Renault engine with carburetor that worked together with a stepless belt-driven automatic transmission (CVT – Continually Variable Transmission) combined with the final gear. Manual alternatives were introduced from 1979.
- PCX87 has produced models of the 1976 343 in at least four different colours.

480
The Volvo 480 ES is a small sports coupe, which was produced by Volvo in the Netherlands and which was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1985. It was the first series-produced Volvo with front-wheel drive, but the car was not available in Sweden until 1987. The following year, the Turbo model arrived.
- Minichamps has produced a model of the 480 Turbo.

740/760 series
Introduced in 1982, the 760 4-door sedan was the new flagship of the range (the 240 series was upgraded at the same time); with the 4-cylinder model, the 740 being introduced in 1984. Estate versions of both models appeared in 1985, as well as the exclusive 780 2-door coupé. Just as the 140 series developed into the 240 series, the 740/760 series developed into the 940/960 series in 1990. Very few changes had occurred before then.
- IMU (subsequently Euromdell) produced a model of the sedan and estate for a few years, but these are of very poor quality. As new, they had the chrome (well, grey actually) front grille of the 760, but with a little black paint, the 740 could be represented quite easily!
- Minichamps has produced the 740 as a 4-door sedan and 5-door estate, each in an assortment of four colours, and representing the 1986 body-shapes.
- PCX87 has produced the 740 as a 4-door sedan and 5-door estate, each in an assortment of four colours, and representing the 1985 body-shapes.



850 series
Introduced in 1991, the 850 was in some ways the intended replacement for the now ageing 240 series (the 260 had been superseded by the 760). The design has won numerous awards, but the sedan was short-lived. The estate was rebranded the V70, but this label lent itself to two significant rebuilds (completely new body-shapes); the sedan became the S70, but only for a short period.
- Minichamps has produced the 850 in sedan and estate versions.
- Wiking produces a model of the 850 estate in a few basic liveries. This, until 2023, was the most modern model of a Swedish car!

V60
The Volvo V60 is a car produced as a compact executive estate related to the S60. The vehicle was first released in autumn 2010, facelifted in 2014, and has been in its second generation since 2018.
- PCX87 has produced a 2019 version (second generation) of the V60.

V90
The Volvo V90 is a mid-size luxury estate manufactured since 2016.
- PCX87 has produced a 2019 version of the V90.

And Finally…


HONOURABLE MENTIONS
These cars are not of Swedish manufacture, but are models of imported designs that carry authentic Swedish liveries. The list is not exhaustive; suggested additions must be supported with a photo of the model!
Audi A4
- Rietze has produced the Audi A4 estate as a Swedish paramedics’ car (probably not long enough to carry a stretcher).
Audi A6
- Rietze has produced the Audi A6 estate as a Swedish fire department car, and as a taxi.

Chevrolet Minibus
- Trident has produced a Chevrolet minibus in three Swedish “Polis” liveries, one each for Stockholm, Göteborg and Malmö. These are probably no longer available.
Chevrolet Blazer 4×4
- Busch produces a Chevrolet Blazer 97 in Swedish “Polis” livery, marked especially for Arlanda airport.

Ford Mondeo
- Rietze produces a Ford Mondeo estate in Swedish “Polis” livery.
Ford Transit
- Brekina produces a model of the Ford Transit minibus in old Swedish “Polis” livery, as well as one in SAS livery.

Mercedes Benz ‘Binz’
- Herpa produced a model of the Mercedes Benz long wheel-base ‘Binz’ ambulance in Swedish livery.
Opel Kapitän B
- Brekina produces a model of the Opel Kapitän B sedan in old Swedish “Polis” livery.
Renault Berlingo
- Norev (a French manufacturer) has produced a model of the Renault Berlingo van in Swedish ‘Post’ livery, but it is incorrect in that Post vans in Sweden are right-hand drive (so that the delivery driver can post letters into fence-mounted mailboxes without leaving the driver’s seat)! This was probably a limited edition.

Rover / Land Rover
- Busch has produced a model of the ‘Discovery’ in Swedish ‘Polis’ livery.
Rover Mini Cooper
- Herpa produced various liveries on their original-style mini (the Rover version, not the BMW version), and one such car was yellow with a Swedish flag painted onto the roof!

VW Passat
- Herpa has produced the VW Passat sedan in Swedish “Polis” livery.
VW Sharan
- Rietze has produced the VW Sharan in “Akutbil” livery and as a Stockholm taxi.

VW Vans and minibuses
- Brekina has produced early ‘split-screen’ and ‘bay-window’ VW minibuses and vans in an assortment of Swedish liveries, too many to list here, but two in SJ ‘works’ liveries are worthy of mention!
- Herpa, Roco and Wiking offer more modern VW minibuses and vans in Swedish liveries.
A mention of notable absentees…!
- Kalmar Tjorven is a little known postal van built upon a Daf 44 chassis, with right-hand drive. A 00-scale model (in Finnish postal livery) was produced by Motorart, but none exist in H0-scale in any livery! They were built, unsurprisingly, in Kalmar, Sweden.
- Scania-Vabis known for lorries and railway wagons, also produced some top-of-the-range cars in the early twentieth century. No models exist! It is understood that they were produced at the Södertälje (Sweden) factory.


Buses
Buses are an odd commodity to follow. One firm will usually build the chassis and technical specification, and another will construct the body. Therefore, there is hardly a 100% identifiable factor with them! It appears usual to identify them by the chassis manufacturer, so this seems a viable option here, also. There are two manufacturers of buses in Sweden, Scania and Volvo.
SCANIA
Scania-Vabis Capitol C70 / 3
In 1955 Stockholm Tramways’ first “Capitol” was delivered. Scania-Vabis became the chosen supplier after requesting quotations from 7 various European bus manufacturers. When driving on the right was introduced in 1967 several of these buses were rebuilt. The last Capitol was taken out of service in 1981. The engine was a D647, 6-cylinder diesel 165HP
- Jeco has produced a very limited selection of hand-built metal buses with many etched details, and therefore priced at over £100 per model.


Vabis CF
From 1959, this type of bus was built by Scania Vabis. The type quickly became very popular in both urban and intercity traffic. Approximately 900 of them were built until 1966. From 1964 all buses were adapted for driving on the right, and during the period 1964 to 1967 many had makeshift doors to work on the left front in 1967. SJ had over 200 buses of this type in the Stockholm area since 1967, most of them were used on the south side, in Huddinge and in Nynäshamn. In 1969 SL took over the buses in the Stockholm area, and many were painted in their colour (dark red). In the mid-80s SL withdrew this type of bus, thus ending completely with buses that had the engine mounted at the front. But associations and small companies (including Wasatrafik) continued to drive this bus type for a while longer, and a few are preserved.
- Jeco has produced a vast range representing the CF in several liveries and destination options.


Bf 76
The Bf 76 was a 1963 development of the Bf 1950s design and was designed for right-hand traffic, but introduced with temporary doors on the left. 18 were acquired by SJ for the routes Stockholm – Södertörn and Björknäs Stockholm – Värmdö; and these were later acquired by SL. The bodies were built by workshops in Katrineholm, with a very durable aluminium and fibreglass; the front was designed by renowned SAAB designer Sixten Sason. Some are preserved.
- One87 produced a model of the Bf 76 in an assortment of SJ varieties in 2016.


Irizar PB
Introduced 2002 and showered with honours and awards, the Irizar PB has been described as the “most comfortable to have driven.” It is quieter inside than most luxury cars and has all mod cons.
- Rietze has a model of this bus in the Swedish “Sennans Buss” livery, but the prototype has conference seating at the back which is not represented on the model.

VOLVO
B12 600
In 1994, Volvo took over the German Drögmöller coach production company. The Drögmöller was considered the “Rolls-Royce” of tourist coaches, and very soon after acquisition, Volvo produced the B12 600. This was very similar in appearance including the stadium type floor, and windows that followed the sloped line of the floor!
- Rietze has produced the B12 600 in an assortment of liveries, but none especially Swedish. They did however, produce one in white with a yellow sunshine motif on without any writing as such, and so could probably be ‘at home’ anywhere!

HONOURABLE MENTIONS
These buses (below) are not of Swedish manufacture, but are models of other designs that carry authentic Swedish liveries, or are often built upon Scania / Volvo chassis. The list is not exhaustive; suggested additions must be supported with a photo of the model! Much of the material here was obtained from Wikipedia!
BÜSSING
Senator 12D
Büssing was a German truck and bus manufacturer in Braunschweig, acquired by M.A.N. in 1971. During the 1960s, before right-hand traffic was introduced, SL (Stockholm) bought a large series of buses from Büssing. During the 1960s and 1970s, they were the most used by SL (270 units). During the late 1970s, the very first examples began to be replaced by newer buses and the bus type completely disappeared from Stockholm’s streets during the 1980s. A small number of buses from Büssing are today preserved as museum vehicles.
- Brekina has produced a model of the Senator 12D (1962) but it is clearly a post-1967 modified bus for right-hand traffic!

JONCKHEERE
Deauville
The Deauville was first introduced in 1989. Some of their bodies are built upon Volvo and Scania chassis, among others.
- Limo Cars has produced the Deauville in authentic Dutch “Interliner” livery, but we have included it here due to the possibility of using the Scania / Volvo chassis!
MAN
Lion’s City
The MAN “Lion’s City” is a city bus built by the German truck and bus manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus (previously MAN Nutzfahrzeuge) since 1996. A new generation was launched in 2004. (A modified “Lion’s City” exists in the UK, having been marketed as the East Lancs Kinetec.) The “Lion’s City G” (also designated as A23 and NG xx3) is the articulated single decker, 18m long.
- Rietze has produced the MAN “Lion’s City G” in SL Blue with destination 2 for Sofia. This appears to be especially commissioned by the SL museum (Spårvägsmuseet) because this is the only place that seems to be selling them; and it so happens to be the blue number 2 to Sofia that will take you (from Kungsträdgården, Slussen etc) to the museum! Rietze has also produced the shorter non-articulated version more recently, in SL Red with destination 55 for Sofia. This is also a Spårvägsmuseet item.
More recently, a Biodieselhybrid Lions City has been produced, along with a red articulated G-18.







MERCEDES BENZ
Citaro
The Mercedes-Benz Citaro (or O530) is the current Mercedes-Benz/EvoBus mainstream bus intended for public transport, introduced in 1997, and replaced the Mercedes-Benz O405/O405N series. It features a low floor for easy access. The usual Citaro models are powered by diesel or natural gas, but there is also a hydrogen fuel cell-powered version, designated Citaro BZ or O530BZ. About 35 of these buses have been in service in a variety of different cities around the world in order to test the feasibility of hydrogen fuel cells in different operating circumstances and different conditions, especially weather conditions.
During 2004/5, SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik) experimented with a Hydrogen Cell bus in the city centre. We have been unable to establish the manufacturer of the (three?) buses, but Mercedes Benz is an educated guess!
- Rietze produced a model of the Mercedes Benz Citaro Hydrogen Cell bus, and this has appeared in SL livery. They have also producedd a more regular bendy-bus in SL livery.



O404
In 1991 Daimler-Benz presented the O404 coach range (as the successor of the O303 – though the O303 was produced for another year). Amongst the main features of the O404 were the sheet metal stampings, disc brakes, independent front wheel suspension and the V-engine range delivering up to 381 hp. It was also the first integral coach from Mercedes-Benz to be available in a double-deck version.
- Rietze produced a model of the O404 in (Stagecoach) “Swebus” livery.

O350
In 1992 the O404 was joined by the Turkish-built O340, a high-deck coach based on the O303 and aimed at a lower-price end of the bus market. This model was redeveloped in 1994 and renamed O350. Engine options included the 381 hp V8 unit available to the O404.
- Rietze produced a model of the O350 in “VS Trafik” livery, but this appears to be obsolete, now (both model and prototype), with transport arrangements passed to a third party. (If you can make more sense from VS Trafik’s websites, please let us know!)
NEOPLAN
Neoplan Bus GmbH is a German bus, trolleybus and coach manufacturer. The company is now a subsidiary of NEOMAN Bus GmbH, which itself is a part of MAN AG. The company is particularly known for its futuristic designs.
Cityliner
In 1971 the Cityliner was introduced. This design had a passenger platform at a level above the driver’s cab and included an onboard toilet. The vehicle also made use, for the first time, of glass-fibre reinforced plastic for certain areas of the body.
- Rietze produces a model of the Cityliner in “Interbus” livery and has produced models in “Lapplandsbuss” and “Westinbuss” liveries.

Megaliner
In 1992 the 15 metre four-axle Megaliner was introduced, prompting a change in European regulations to allow non-articulated vehicles greater than 12 metres in length.
- Rietze produced models of the Megaliner in “Mas Expressen,” “Norrlands Kusten” and (Stagecoach) “Swebus” liveries, but all are out of production, now.

Starliner
The Starliner was introduced in 1996, and was redesigned in 2004, representing arguably the most futuristic vehicle yet to bear the Neoplan name.
- AWM produced a model of the Starliner in “EkmanBuss AB” livery.
- Rietze produces a model of the Starliner in “RystadBuss AB” livery.


SETRA
Setra is a German-based manufacturer of commercial buses and touring coaches, and recently a subsidiary of Daimler AG. Until 1995 the firm operated under the name Kässbohrer-Setra, but in that year economic difficulties enforced its sale to Daimler Benz (after 1998 known by the name of its then newly created holding company Daimler Chrysler). With an eye to export markets, the company was aware that for non-German speakers, the name “Kässbohrer” is difficult to pronounce.
S215
The S215 was introduced from 1976 as part of Setra’s so-called, ‘Third Generation.’
- Herpa produced a model of the S215HDH in “Wätterbuss” livery.

S328
The S328 was introduced from 1991 as part of Setra’s so-called, ‘Fourth Generation.’
- Rietze produces a model of the S328DT in “Åström Resor” livery

SOLARIS
Urbino 12
This is a series of low-floor buses from the Solaris Urbino series designed for public transport, produced since 1999 by the Polish company Solaris Bus & Coach in Bolechowo near Poznan in Poland. Since 2010 there is being produced a hybrid version. Several were introduced in Stockholm, but they have all been taken out of service due to a number of defects.
- VK Modelle produced three buses in SL livery, on routes 2 (Slussen), 44 (Skansen), and 59 (Centralen). They also produce a similar model of the Trolleybus that is in reliable service in Landskrona.


VAN HOOL
T815 Acron
The T815 was first introduced in 1987. Later subsequent models are collectively known as the T8 series. It was available as 30, 40 and 45 foot length versions. Some of their bodies are built upon Volvo and Scania chassis, among others.
- Limo Cars has produced the T815 in a promotional “Acron” livery. The model on the FLMJ has been modified (authentically) with the Volvo diagonal line across the grille!

Lorries
Lorries were a little easier than buses to identify, in that in most cases chassis and body are built by the same manufacturer, rather like cars. Throughout this section, we will group the lorries together by type irrespective of formation. There are two manufacturers of lorries in Sweden, Scania and Volvo.
FORMATION NOTES
- A ‘Rigid’ lorry is one where the cab (where the driver sits) and the cargo area are on the one same chassis.
- A ‘Tractor’ is the cab part of an articulated lorry.
- A ‘Semi’ trailer is the cargo part of an articulated lorry.
- A ‘Drawbar’ trailer is a free-standing trailer with axles at front and rear, and where the leading axle (usually) is steered by the coupling bar – the drawbar.
- A ‘Tandem’ trailer is a free-standing trailer with axles (usually two) in the middle (rather like a caravan).
Note that larger lorries for exceptional loads do not necessarily match these straight-forward descriptions.
Manufacturer Note:
References to AWM and AMW are made. There is speculation that one of these is incorrect. However, our report is based on what is actually stamped on the underside of the models that we have here.
Models Note:
Most models produced today are of much more modern prototypes than we have an interest in, and it is not been viable to keep up to date. If readers want to provide suitable updates, then we will be glad to consider publishing them. Older prototypes are not so difficult!
SCANIA
Scania is a manufacturer of commercial vehicles especially heavy lorries, buses, and diesel engines for motive power of heavy vehicles, marine, and general industrial applications. Founded in 1891 in Södertälje, Sweden, the company’s head office is still in the city. Today, Scania has production facilities in Sweden and six other countries. In addition, there are assembly plants in ten countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. Scania is now majority owned by the German holding company Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG). Scania’s logo shows a Griffin, from the coat of arms of the Swedish region of Skåne (the Latin name for Skåne is Scania).
1 Series
Scania introduced the 1 series (111) to succeed the 110 in 1974. Visibly the two designs are difficult to tell apart. V8 engines were offered from 1976. The range includes the 141.
- Albedo, Herpa and Wiking have produced models of the 1 series in an assortment of styles and authentic Swedish liveries.


2 Series
Scania introduced the new lorry series with designation number ending in 2 in 1980, with the T82, T112 and T142. Then in 1981 the forward cab versions (82, 112 and 142) followed (the ‘T’ range has a bonnet in front of the cab). There were also three chassis types, M (medium duty), H (heavy duty) and E (extra heavy duty).
- Herpa has produced models of the 2 series in an assortment of styles and authentic Swedish liveries. This includes a few ‘T’ cab versions.

3 Series
The 3 series was introduced in 1987 with the R143. Exterior changes were subtle, but the 3 series was voted “Truck of the Year” in 1989.
- Albedo, AWM, Herpa and Wiking have produced models of the 3 series in an assortment of styles and authentic Swedish liveries.

4 Series
The Scania 4 series was introduced in 1995.
- Herpa and Wiking have produced models of the 4 series in an assortment of styles and authentic Swedish liveries.


R Series
The R series was introduced in 2004, and won the prestigious International Truck of the Year award the following year. This is technically the 5 series (chassis type and engine size are no longer visible on the front side on the 5 series).
- Herpa has produced models of the R series, but we are not aware presently of any in authentic Swedish liveries!



VOLVO
When Volvo manufactured its first cars in 1927, the first lorry was already on the drawing-board and in 1928, the LV-1 (LastVagn) was introduced. It was an immediate success and 500 units were sold before the summer! The rest is history!
F88
The Volvo F88 was a heavy vehicle introduced in 1964. The F88 today is regarded fondly by many as the first of the modern generation of “driver friendly” lorries, and in Europe is recognised as “THE” classic truck, with examples in good condition worth a great deal of money!
- Albedo and Herpa have produced models of the F88 in an assortment of styles and authentic Swedish liveries.

N7 / N10 / N12
Introduced from the late 1960s, Volvo believed that despite the increasing interest in forward cab lorries, there was still sufficient demand to develop bonnet-cab lories. Only in more recent years, has this demand stepped up notably!
- Wiking has produced a model of the N10 as a pick-up truck.

F10 / F12 / F16
Volvo F10, F12 and F16 is a series of lorries manufactured between 1977 and 1993. The F10 and F12 was launched in 1977, with many innovative features for its time, most notably a safety cab with high level of ergonomics for the driver. The powerful F16 did not arrive until 1987. The F-series was replaced by the Volvo FH-series in 1994.
- Albedo and Herpa have produced models of the F10 / F12 / F16 in an assortment of styles and authentic Swedish liveries.

FL7 / FL10
Volvo introduced the FL7 / FL10 family of heavy-duty trucks (along with the ‘different’ FL6) in the summer of 1985.
- Roco and Wiking have produced models of the FL10 in an assortment of styles and authentic Swedish liveries; but the Wiking model does not follow the window layout correctly.


FH12 / FH16
The Volvo FH is a heavy truck range produced by Swedish Volvo Truck Corporation. Introduced in late 1993 as FH12 and FH16, production still continues with the now the second generation of FH range model line-up. FH stands for Forward control High cab where numbers denominate engine capacity in litres. The FH range is one of the most successful truck series ever, having sold more than 400,000 units worldwide.
- Albedo, AWM, AMW and Herpa have produced models of the FH12 / FH16 in an assortment of styles and authentic Swedish liveries.


Plant
Volvo also makes heavy plant vehicles, some of which are now available as models.
- Motorart makes a number of 1:87 scale plant vehicles from a number of marques, including Volvo.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS
There are many other lorries on the roads in Sweden (of course), and many of them are in quintessentially Swedish liveries. The variety available as HO scale models is huge and cannot be listed in a general report of this nature.
- Albedo, AWM, Herpa and Wiking have produced models of other lorries in authentic Swedish liveries.
- Brekina, Igra, Rietze, Roco and Roskopf have produced the odd one-off model in authentic Swedish liveries.


