Heco
1 9 7 9 / 1 9 8 5 - "Heco Modèles" was created in 1979 by Herve Colombet. The company was installed in a room in the centre town of Saint Etienne. 21 years old, Herv» was impassionned by the models and he had only one idea, to manufacture its own models.
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Heco |
The success of its first realization, the "Bugatti 73A", sold with 300 assembled specimens, encouraged him to continue in this way. During the first years when he manufactured mainly of the "Bugatti" and "Rolls Royce", he learned how to control all the various techniques necessary to the realization of reduced models (prototype, modelling, moulding resin and white metal, painting with the aerographer, turning, photopartage, decals, etc).
In 1985, his efforts were rewarded as he received the price for the "Miniature of the Year" for the realization of "Bugatti 57C Rodney Clark".
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1 9 8 5 / 1 9 8 8 - During these years of full expansion where "Heco Modeles" produced also models of architectures and stylized models of decoration , Bruno the younger brother integrated the team to deal mainly with the moulding resin and white metal.
At that time some models were designed especially for the kit but the majority of the miniatures were delivered all build. The range being widened with new marks like "Porsche", "Citroen" etc. Special series especially "Bugatti" or "Rolls Royce" were also build for various retailers in France or in other countries.
1 9 8 8 / 1 9 9 0 - In 1988, the company taken a new dimension when moving into new buildings in Technopole of Saint Etienne. Six people worked then at "Heco modeles".
Better working conditions and an improved organization made it possible to develop other sectors and in particular the manufacture of models assembled of the type "Renault"19, 25, "Citroën" AX, CX, "Peugeot" 405, Seat Ibiza, or véhicles of public works in partnership with the companies.
These models at moderate price were a great success and were manufactured in important quantity.
1 9 9 0 / 1 9 9 3 - In the Ninety a new direction is taken by the company. Manufactured some model assembled "Top of the range" presented on base made of wood or base mirror in version unit or double with the representation of engine or of initial distinctive of marks.
It is at this period that Bruno dealt with the execution of the prototypes and that "Heco Modeles" manufactured series such as "Ferrari" (F40, 308, 328, 348, 400, 412, Dino, 288 GTO, etc...) or "Lamborghini Diablo"and Peugeot 405 Paris-Dakar.
1 9 9 3 - The year 1993 marked an additional step in the evolution of the company. Lucien Colombet, the uncle of Herve and Bruno was the instigator of "Miniatures Du Chateau". The ambition of this new mark was to manufacture prestigious models, in limited series, delivered in a very beautiful presentation around a conducting topic and with a possibility of subsription per number.
The first achievements of "Miniatures Du Chateau" were "Ferrari 348" in 1/24eme scale, followed by the two series " 24 formula one world championship Ferrari" and "Prestigious 911" made in 1/43eme scale.
1 9 9 3 / 1 9 9 8 - During these years "Heco Modeles" continued to cross the car History. Through the numbered series "Series 100", "Series 200" or "Series 300" many models of different types or times were carried out. "Peugeot" 905 of Le Mans, "Mercedes" W196, "Maserati" 4 CLT or 250F, passing by "Porsche" 356, "BMW" 850I, "Jaguar"XJ 220 and many others car. At this period the company carried out also several presentation in diorama and an engine 1/12eme scale "Ferrari 375 Plus".
1 9 9 8 - The year 1998 is marked by significant changes. Lucien Colombet takes his retirement, then "Heco Modeles" and "Miniatures du Chateau" gather in only one company: "Heco Miniatures".
This period is also marked by a very strong push of the industrial products, that is for, while preserving its traditional ranges, "Heco Miniatures" decides to create new collections around old very prestigious marks "Bugatti", "Facel" etc.
NOW - After the creation of the "Royal Bugatti Collections" and 57 Atlantic ou Ventoux, "Heco Miniatures" continues to create new topics. "The faboulous Bodybuilder" will make it possible to collect cars of different marks "Delahaye", "Talbot", "Delage" etc... drawn by the most prestigious coachbuilders "Figoni", "Saoutchik", "Jean Bugatti", "Letourneur et Marchand" etc.
The "Bugatti Stars" collection will make it possible to collect the most beautiful cars built by "Bugatti" and the "Presidential" collection will pay tribute to these always spectacular cars built for Presidents.
In short, the team of "Heco Miniatures" with all its experiment and its passion wants to offer to the collectors, great quality models in small quantity having a good "spirit".
