FREUDENREICH FEINWERKTECHNIK started in 1992 with the production of DO IT YOUR SELF model railway kits, as a hobby. Initially, N-scale kits were designed and manufactured, using East German originals.
In 1994, however, the first Z-scale model products were offered, also based on East German originals. Since then, Z-models have taken priority over the manufacturing of N-scale kits.
In 1996, the design and manufacturing of Z-scale models and kits became a full time venture. During that time period (era), there were about ten small companies in Germany manufacturing Z-scale models and accessories, mostly using manual processing and assembly techniques. Considering the small market share in Z-scale, it was a great effort.

Within the chosen limitation to Swiss and U.S. models in design and production, FREUDENREICH FEINWERKTECHNIK has established a strong position as a manufacturer with international Z-scale model lovers.

FR's early Internet presentation, initially at Z-world, improved the activity for the U.S. market. By 1998, it was evident that one person could no longer handle both design and production. Therefore, since the beginning of 1999, a very experienced co-worker works exclusively at manual assembly of the models.

The existing production area soon became too small. Therefore, FR purchased, in the industrial section of Sanitz, a town east of Rostock (Germany), a 400 qm (4305 sq. ft.) real estate section, for the future site of FR. The current 50 qm (538 sq. ft.) of working space can easily be increased three times, using modular wall sections.
At this location, we design, manufacture, paint and do the lettering of the models, including packing and shipment. Many selected subcontractors manufacture individual parts using FR design specifications on their production lines. A small manufacturer would be unable to operate this kind of production line economically.

The main design work is done on a computer, the film layout for the etching process, the graphics for the reproduction of the decals with the original lettering, and many more items, such as drawings where the drive for the locomotive will be located in the model. Also dividing the drive into individual parts for a practical production process.

Before a new model is released for series-production, a prototype is assembled to optimize the manufacturing process and to eliminate any minor errors. The assembly process starts with cutting the pieces from the etched layout and the casting sprues; the parts are then deburred. The parts are primarily soldered and occasionally glued together; the mechanically-functional parts and groups are screwed together to allow disassembly.

The time involved, to manually assemble a model, can only be realized by the ambitious individual who is using a kit and builds the model himself, paints and decals it. From experience with the assembly procedure and to keep dimensions within allowable tolerances, FR designed, for some critical assemblies, positioning tools to facilitate continuous quality and dimensional accuracy. The manufacturing capacity for 2001 is estimated at 700 models (locomotives and cars), as well as 150 kits.

Before the design of a model and manufacturing, a great deal of information about the original must be collected, from libraries, magazines and from manufacturers and drawings and pictures obtained.

The last ambiguity can be overcome by visiting the original locomotive and talking to the locomotive engineers and technical staff. One of the best examples was the RACK-LOC (Zahnradbahnlok) Dzeh2/4. Libraries contained various drawings and pictures, but no details concerning the roof of the locomotive; a view that is very important to the Z-scale modeler. Therefore, for an exact reproduction, the model designer must accent the roof of the original locomotive, naturally the 15,000 volt catenary must be switched off.

Old-timer locomotives, which are out of service, can be found in museums; the question is at which?
For example, BOXCAB DIESEL # ZF 110 can be found in the Baltimore museum.

In 2008 we have increased our company's home with another two 20' container modules. With now 3 employees
we are now able to magage the increased customer's desire.