NZG: Nürnberger Zinkdruckguß-Modelle since 1968 in 1:50 scale

NZG stands for Nürnberger Zinkdruckguß-Modelle (zinc diecast models from Nürnberg) — and so for one of the oldest names in promotional models of construction machinery. NZG does not build a mass-market range, but what machine manufacturers need as a model: mining excavators, dump trucks, concrete mixer trucks, large cranes. This guide explains the brand and shows what makes the small but high-quality NZG range in the shop stand out.

The brand behind NZG

NZG was founded in 1968 in Nürnberg by Gerhard Schmid and Betty Hauer — at first on the second floor of a furniture store. By 1974 the range already covered at least 30 models; over the decades more than 700 different models were made. Since 2000 the company has been entirely in the hands of the Ludwig family.

The core of the business has been the same from the start: diecast models in 1:50 scale as promotional and collector's models for makers of heavy machinery. Alongside that, NZG has also worked in 1:25, 1:87 and, for commercial vehicles, in 1:43, plus materials handling equipment such as forklifts, pallet trucks, scissor lifts and reach stackers — equipment categories that hardly any other model maker touches.

What sets the NZG range in the shop apart

The NZG range in the shop is deliberately small and is entirely in 1:50. In content it sits a good deal heavier than the rest of the shop: mining machines and large equipment instead of the everyday building site.

• Mining and large excavators — the Liebherr R9600, the Komatsu PC2000-8, the Komatsu PC1250-11 with demolition attachment, plus the Liebherr HS 8130.1 as a cable excavator
• Dump trucks — Komatsu HD785-7 and the Dresser 730E Haulpak, a prototype from the time before Komatsu took the brand over
• Large cranes — two versions of the Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1, the strongest telescopic mobile crane
• Concrete logistics and special equipment — concrete mixer trucks on Mercedes-Benz Arocs, the Schwing-Stetter concrete pump S51 SX, the Liebherr rotary drilling rig LB45
• Meiller three-way tippers on Mercedes-Benz Arocs 8x4 in three colour versions

The average price is around €220 and so well above the shop average — that is no accident but a result of the vehicle class. The range runs from about €110 for a three-way tipper up to €555 for the R9600. All models are in the NZG overview, sorted by category in excavator models and tipper models.

Item numbers at NZG

Unlike Conrad or WSI, the NZG range in the shop gives no numbering system to work from — there are too few models for that. In practice the numbers have three or four digits (857, 1050, 1062, 1070, 9991), some with a version suffix after a slash (732/28 and 732/34 for the two LTM 11200 variants, 1066/20, /50 and /55 for the three tipper colours). So the same logic as at Conrad applies here too: the digit after the slash stands for the version, not for a different vehicle.

Promotional model — what that means for collectors

A promotional model is made on behalf of the machine manufacturer, usually for a trade fair or for the launch of a new series. That has two consequences. First: the models are very close to the prototype, because the manufacturer supplies the data and signs the result off. Second: the production run follows what the client needs and not demand in the trade — once it is gone, it is gone.

NZG, Conrad or WSI — what is the difference?

• NZG — promotional model specialist from Nürnberg since 1968, small range, focus on mining, large cranes and concrete logistics. See this page.
• Conrad Models — also from the Nürnberg area, German production, by far the broadest range: construction machinery, cranes, trucks, accessories.
• WSI Models — Dutch specialist for road vehicles and heavy haulage combinations, plus a 1:87 line.

In the display case all three fit together, as long as the scale stays 1:50. If you are setting up a building site, it is common in practice to combine NZG large equipment with Conrad construction machines and WSI transport vehicles.

Common questions about NZG

What does the abbreviation NZG stand for?

For Nürnberger Zinkdruckguß-Modelle, zinc diecast models from Nürnberg.

How long has NZG been around?

Since 1968. The company was founded in Nürnberg by Gerhard Schmid and Betty Hauer.

What scale does NZG build in?

The focus is on 1:50; all NZG models in the shop are 1:50. Historically NZG has also worked in 1:25, 1:43 and 1:87.

Why are NZG models more expensive on average?

Because the range in the shop consists mostly of large equipment — mining excavators, large cranes, special machines. The vehicle class sets the price, not a brand premium.

Are NZG models toys?

No. They are collector's and promotional models with fine attached parts, not suitable for children under 14.

All company, brand and model names mentioned are the property of their respective rights holders and serve only for description and identification.