Through the ages
In 1982, the company Hobbymodellbau Franz Schmidt from Mutterstadt launched a Vacu kit of the Pinzgauer 710M on a scale of 1:35. At that time, it was the only available model of an Austrian army vehicle in this scale. Matthias Pehofer was so enthusiastic about the model and the production method that he immediately began experimenting with the production of Vacu kits himself. As a result, a close and friendly collaboration developed with Mr Franz Schmidt.
1983 - After a year of intensive work, Matthias Pehofer was proud to present his first Vacu kit of the Steyr 680M in 1:35 scale. The small series was produced by him personally in his own modelling workshop using a specially designed thermoforming machine. The response to the kits from modellers was overwhelming.
1985 - As a member of the Army Sports Club (modelling section), Matthias Pehofer was given the opportunity to present his Steyr 680M Vacu kit to the general public during the special exhibition to mark the 30th anniversary of the Austrian Armed Forces. The Vacu model also attracted the attention of the modelling trade press. The magazine Modellfan published an article about this Vacu kit, which unfortunately did not mention Matthias Pehofer by name. This gave the impression that the Heeressportverein (modelling section) was the author of the kit.
In the following years, Matthias Pehofer developed a large number of fascinating Vacu kits with the help of his modelling friends. It is particularly remarkable that all the work stages - from the planning to the production of a kit - took place in his home hobby cellar.
2009 - The enthusiasm and passion with which the now 72-year-old Matthias Pehofer pursues his hobby can be seen in his last two projects (ÖAF Gräf & Stift ZA 200/2 6x6 and Saurer 6-GAVR-Z).
ÖAF Gräf & Stift ZA 200/2
ÖAF Gräf & Stift ZA 200/2
Saurer 6-GAVR-Z
2011 - In the search for a successor, Matthias Pehofer offers Wolfgang Inzinger the opportunity to take over HSV-Modelle due to their long-standing friendship.
2012 - Wolfgang Inzinger takes over HSV-Modelle, moves the location from Neunkirchen to Salzburg and defines the abbreviation HSV as Hobby-Spezial-Vacu for legal reasons. Production of the popular Vacu kits in 1:35 scale is continued. The exclusive marketing of the small series kits takes place under the slightly changed name Hobby-Spezial-Vacu, exclusively via SCALESHOP.AT
2013 - Mathias Pehofer produced his first Vacu kit 30 years ago in Neunkirchen (Lower Austria), laying the foundation for HSV models. HSV Vacu kits are still being produced in 2013. In keeping with the spirit of the times, Hobby-Spezial-Vacu was given a presence on the Internet at www.hsv-modelle.at
2014 - The HSV-Modelle website has a new design and is now also optimised for smartphones and tablets.
2017 - Matthias Pehofer passed away unexpectedly on 19 April 2017 at the age of 80. He will be remembered as a particularly lovable and kind-hearted person, a good friend and an outstanding model maker.
Obtaining information on the history of HSV-Modelle is a challenging task, which is why this article is constantly being revised and updated. I am aware that the success of HSV-Modelle is due to the contributions of several people. As soon as I become aware of their names, I will of course mention them accordingly. Any support, be it in the form of photos, newspaper clippings, background knowledge, etc., is very welcome and will be gratefully accepted.