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At the beginning of the 2000s, Arwico AG made a good name for itself by importing and distributing high-quality metal collector models. With Franklin Mint and Schuco as general agents, the spectrum of interesting aircraft and car models could be covered. Many specialist dealers and even more end consumers and collectors were delighted with Swiss PTT, fire brigade or police versions as well as historical or contemporary metal aeroplanes of the air force, which Arwico AG commissioned as special series. However, it became apparent that there were large gaps here and there and that important Swiss vehicles and aviation models were still missing. None of the manufacturers agreed to produce specific types for the Swiss market; only colour variants based on the existing injection moulds.
Arwico.chAs a result of specially initiated market research, surveys and numerous discussions with the aviation collector community and the specialized trade, it quickly became clear which models based on Swiss models would meet the greatest demand. To everyone's surprise, a 1:72 scale model of the De Havilland Vampire DH-100 Mk.VI was at the top of the list - and indeed, no international manufacturer has yet dared to produce this model. No sooner said than done!
After a relatively long development period, Arwico AG broke new ground here, the first model produced in-house was launched on the Swiss market in November 2007. The call quickly went out for more Vampire versions and for another Luftwaffe icon; the Hunter Mk.58. and the model found its place in collector showcases from 2010.
The situation was similar in the model car scene and among 1:87 model railroaders. There were enough Swiss painted variants of mainly German vehicles. But real Swiss vehicles of the brands Saurer, Berna, or FBW?
The need was great - and the willingness to acquire such models even greater. So it was only a question of obtaining all the plans, documents and records, as well as an extensive photo series, then the epitome of the Swiss Postbus; the Saurer Alpine Car, the so-called Schnauzenpostauto could be released for production. The launch took place in 2010
It quickly became clear that a new collector's mark was born. It was obvious that the word and figurative mark had to have something to do with Switzerland. So that the terminology would not come into conflict with the national languages of German, French or Italian - and incidentally also be geared to the international market - the decision was made to use the English term Swiss Line Collection. The models were actually developed into a larger Swiss collection based on the Swiss model.
The categories were expanded to include militaria and agriculture, so that there was soon a large variety of models to be presented in a first catalog.
The range was not only expanded within the thematic areas, but also within the various scales. Aviation collectors prefer the 1:72 scale, tractor collectors 1:32, and H0 railroaders 1:87.
As a result, more and more Swiss models were added to all standard sizes. The company's own mold construction was hardly sufficient for this. Thus, cooperation models were regularly produced with manufacturers who had injection molds that matched the Swiss prototype. The manufacturing processes and materials also began to diversify.
The classic die-cast collector's model made of metal was joined by highly detailed miniatures made of plastic. Also produced by injection molding. Another production field that opened up was the resin casting process, which arguably commanded higher prices but allowed for lower minimum production quantities. A great opportunity to work the market in 1:43.
The new Swissness law came into force in 2017. This regulates the use of the Swiss cross and its application to goods and services. This also includes all designations that are associated with Switzerland. Switzerland, Swiss Made, etc. are examples of this. For industrial goods, at least 60% of the manufacturing costs must be incurred in Switzerland. However, since this is largely the case for toys and collectors' models in Asia, the previous designation had to be abandoned. The new word and figurative mark should therefore be as similar as possible to ensure continuity. The Arwico Swiss Line Collection became the Arwico Collectors Edition. The respective initial letters thus resulted in the word combination ACE, which means ace in English.
New items
In the meantime, the ACE models have become a permanent fixture in the collectors' market. Hardly any specialist dealer or online platform in the collectibles industry today carries an assortment without Swiss miniatures in it. A gratifyingly large proportion concerns models from ACE.
At home in the collector's showcases or on dioramas, the picture is often similar. Testimony to this are the numerous contacts with end consumers, some of whom submit very well-researched model suggestions to us or send us pictures from their collections.
An interesting aspect from the collector scene; Despite the presence on almost all channels and activities on social media, the annually published catalog in printed form enjoys extraordinary popularity. With each new edition, the circulation is increased and in the course of the second half of the year, the catalogs are always sold out.
