Wiking's Saab 900 (left), Brekina's 96 and Eko's 96, seen at Månstorp.
Swedish Scenic Models in H0 Scale
We are creating a new model guide; one about models that are suitable for a Swedish diorama that are not the trains themselves. We will cover cars, buses, lorries and eventually buildings! We will be adding to this guide over the next couple of months before settling down, but modellers' notes are welcome. Again, we are concentrating on models ready to 'place upon the layout' out of the box, but the photos might shew one or two others...
Enjoy!
Road Vehicles: Cars | Buses | Lorries
Structures: Railway Station Buildings | Other Railway Buildings
Somewhere to Live | Somewhere to Work, Shop, etc
(( Swedish Railway Models in HO | E-mail | Appeals ))
Road Vehicles
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 are two manufacturers of cars in Sweden, and until recently, they both had an abysmal following in the H0-scale model world. Even now, Saab only appears in two versions of one design and one of another; but Volvo has recently gained a better following, at least for the older ones!
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 is blocking all attempts at being purchased because GM fears that any purchaser will steal its secrets! (The way to save Saab is to remove all GM artefacts!)
(Information mostly from Wikipedia.)
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 on the model 95 estate, technically. 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.
Brekina has recently 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.
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).
Wiking has produced a model of the 5-door hatchback in a few colours over the years, but is no longer available.
Wiking's Saab 900 (left), Brekina's 96 and Eko's 96, seen at Månstorp.
Rumours are rife about a Dutch model manufacturer going into production with H0-scale models of the Saab 99 and 900 Convertible; but if this happens, we'll let you know!
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.)
AMAZON / P120
Introduced 1956 as a 4-door sedan, with the 2-door sedan in 1961 and estate in 1962. The model was known as the "Amazon" 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. (The models at the FLMJ are identified (not strictly correctly) as 121 (2-door), 122 (4-door), 120 (Estate) and 123 (sport 2-door).)
Brekina produces some very nice models of the entire range in an assortment of liveries.
Top Left - The green car in the left foreground is the Amazon 2-door sedan, the blue/white car is the 4-door model. The red car is the elegant estate.
Top Right - A Volvo Amazon 123GT from Brekina in a typical 'sport' livery complete with special wheels and missing bumpers!
Bottom - A Volvo Amazon estate is seen at the work hut at Lövhöjden. The real thing has a split opening tailgate, top and bottom.
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) produces 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 produced a good quality model of the PV544 in a few basic colours.
The classic Volvo PV544 was an improved version of the PV444; this is the Busch model
P210
Following the development of the PV444 to the PV544, the "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 their PV445 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.
A Volvo P210 (strictly speaking, not a "Duett") basks in the sunshine at Månstorp.
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! (Ya gotta love British Industry!)
Eko has produced a model of the P1800 for a number of years, but this is of very poor quality.
Herpa is advertising the P1800 as a new model (later version) and we hope to shew a photo soon!
An Eko green Volvo P1800 contrasts unfavourably with the Herpa white Volvo 1800ES!
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 - no 'regular' models presently!)
Brekina produces 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!
Top Left - The Volvo 144 and 145 are very recent (and very welcome) additions to the model range. These two models are first series with the pressed grille and no traditional diagonal line across the front! The front of a 264 (with the diagonal line) is seen to the right.
Top Right - An interesting picture of the Volvo 144 and 264 sedans (and back of the 145 estate). Clearly, the 144 is a much refined model; but the 264 is at least 25 years older, and therefore very good for its age!
Bottom Left - Volvo 142 nearest the camera, at a VOC rally in 1994, just one week before 'she' bailed out! This was the Director General's car, and of the three Volvos that he has owned, his favourite! Sadly, Brekina have declined (so far) to produce the two-door version of the 140 series.
Bottom Right - The first two (of three) front designs on the Volvo 140 series. The "Polis" car on the right has the earlier grille without diagonal bar, but the sedan on the left is the next version where the bar was reintroduced.
1800ES
In 1971, a 'fastback' version of the P1800 was introduced, and became known as the 1800ES.
Herpa produces the 1800ES in a few basic colours.
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.
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! It has completely the wrong front end to be a 244, it is a 264!
Rumours are rife about a Dutch model manufacturer going into production with H0-scale models of the Volvo 244 and 262C; but if this happens, we'll let you know!
Left - The Volvo 264 was the first Volvo model (in 1:87 scale) to be purchased by the Director General.
Right - On the left is a car absent from our review because it is a metal kit! It is a model of the Volvo PV831 from 1950, and as such would probably have been a taxi. Next to it is a modified Volvo 264 that has been converted to a 262GL, a design that was produced for only two years before the celebrated 262C was produced. The FLMJ's Director General has seen a blue one near Märsta, and has a friend who had one not far away!
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 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!
From this angle, these Volvos could be 740 or 760 models! The design had a poor media following, criticising them for being to 'square' and 'boxlike.' It seems that IMU incorporated these 'qualities' into their models and produced cars that weren't quite right!
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 being withdrawn at about the time that the estate was relabelled V70!
Wiking produces a model of the 850 estate in a few basic liveries. This body design is also suitable for the early V70, but note that with the exception of a few Nordic specifications, the V70 should have a spoiler over the rear window that the 850 didn't! This is the most modern model of a Swedish car!
The Wiking Volvo 850 was only ever produced as an estate, and despite its dated design, this is the most modern Volvo on the 1:87 scale market today!
Left - A Volvo Taxi from 1950 (dig the numberplate), seen at Malmköping; but they were also used aside from the Taxi business. They are a much lamented design, especially by the Taxi drivers!
Right - A picture used to promote a VOC rally at the FLMJ; can you identify all the various types?
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.
Two authentic Swedish taxi liveries are seen in this view, but the models are of Audi A6 and VW Sharan. The blue car in the background is a Saab modified with a Taxi sign.
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 4x4
Busch produces a Chevrolet Blazer 97 in Swedish "Polis" livery, marked especially for Arlanda airport.
Well the two on the right are Volvos (760 and 850), but next to them is a Chevrolet Blazer and then a VW Passat; all in "Polis" livery.
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.
A Ford Transit and a VW, both authentically in Swedish "Polis" 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 little-known 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.
The Renault Berlingo is authentic (one was seen at Vilhelmina during AJK's tour in 2006), but the steering wheel is on the wrong side!
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!
Spot the Swede amongst them!
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.
The VW Sharan and MB Binz (with a Polis Volvo behind) both in Swedish paramedic liveries.
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.
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
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.
This is the only known H0-model of the Scania Irizar PB in a Swedish livery.
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!
This is not a Swedish livery on this Volvo B12 600, but it could appear anywhere; note the line of the windows.
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!
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!
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.
Left - This is probably the only authentic Swedish livery to have ever appeared on a town bus model; and yet there were only three of them!
Right - And here is one of the prototypes, seen near the Town Hall!
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.
A familiar livery (for British eyes) on a Swedish bus!
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.
This Neoplan Cityliner is in "Westin Buss" livery, and seen at Lövhöjden.
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.
This Neoplan Megaliner is also operated by Swebus, but has the "Norrlands Kusten" livery.
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.
Left - One of Rietze's many Swedish model buses, the Neoplan Starliner, seen alongside the Scania Irizar.
Right - AWM's only known Swedish model bus so far is another Neoplan Starliner.
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.
Herpa's only known Swedish model bus so far is the Setra S215 in "Wätterbuss" livery. Next to it is the Mercedes O350 in "VS Trafik" 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
This Setra S328 in "Åström Resor" livery is produced by Rietze
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!
Modified in our workshop with the Volvo diagonal bar, the VanHool T815 Acron is equally authentic on a non-Volvo chassis, but this was one of our first model buses and we wanted something vaguely Swedish!
Lorries
Lorries are a little easier than buses, 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.
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.
Left - One of the oldest Scania types that we have at the FLMJ is seen here in "ASG" livery; this is the 111. Our very first model lorry (since sold on) was a 111 in a non-Swedish livery!
Right - And here is the version with the bonnet, also in "ASG" livery.
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.
Both Series 2 versions here, flat front and bonnet.
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.
The Series 3 was a bit more rounded than the Series 2, and for the first time with a raised roof!
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.
Left - The Series 4 is shewn very well with this Swedish "Polis Info" livery!
Right - Compare this Series 4 Scania with the photos of the Series 1 - DHL has taken over ASG, so there is quite a 'time-effect' with these photos!
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!
Top Left - More liveries on Scania lorries, here all the flat front types.
Top Right - And more liveries again, this time with bonnet cabs.
Bottom - Development within the Series 4, this R420 will have a slight livery modification to make it more "Swedish!"
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.
A custom-cab on a Volvo F89. We understand that the F89 was a modified F88, and was especially popular in the UK among other places; the distinguishing difference is the wider grille.
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.
The only bonnet-Volvo that we know of is this Wiking pick-up truck, seen here in a slightly modified livery!
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.
"ASG" livery again, this time on a Semi-trailer behind a Volvo F12 Eurotrotter. The Eurotrotter was a smaller version of the highly acclaimed Globetrotter!
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.
Left - Wiking's Volvo FL10. Note how the window divider goes all the way to the top. This is wrong, near the top it should turn to the back (so that it is like an 'L' shape).
Right - The FL10 is seen second from right. On the left is a F88; compare this with the picture of the F89.
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.
Left - Can you get more 'Swedish' than this? Two similar Swedish liveries behind a Volvo FH!
Right - The FH again, but with the higher roof.
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.
Top Left - An assortment of Scania and Volvo custom-cabs at a custom rally - a regular activity upon the FLMJ (as a side show to an open-day, usually).
Top Right - These two Iveco lorries are in authentic Swedish "Post" liveries - they are not quite the same, but they're both authentic.
Bottom - A MAN lorry in "Frigoscandia" livery (trust us, the wording is hidden by the next lorry); a Mercedes in "IKEA" livery; a DAF in "ICA" livery; and another Mercedes, this time in "SAS" livery.