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Okay, I’ll admit I got this image because I liked the milk truck version of this particular step van. Plus, I've become a fan of fire department images in 1:24 scale of late (thanks to the great pumpers issued by Yat Ming). That being said…how could I resist? To be honest, step vans are a great choice—they have a high roof, lots of room for gear, and are as rugged as a hockey puck—they’re a natural fit for Fire Department Rescue work.
The Fairfield Mint (FFM) has put out another version of this step van in the $39.99 ($35.99 on sale) price range. Here’s what you get for your money: The driver’s area up front is accessible through two, working, bi-fold doors that can be opened and closed by utilizing tiny studs that protrude through a curved slot in the floor. The engine cover lifts to reveal a fully wired (well, almost fully wired—only five wires are evident), Ford Blue, 6-cylinder engine. As is the case with vehicles like these, the back on the driver’s seat folds forward. The steering wheel turns the front wheels but doesn’t have a very large range of motion. Pedal and dash details are simplistic. You get a surprise when you swing open the two rear doors—a light comes on! Yep, it illuminates the interior of the image, where you will see cabinets and racks for an array of tools that would look right at home in a Snap-On truck. I suppose they could be of use in a fire department rescue vehicle as well, however. The only puzzling things are the Police Department signs on each side—isn’t this supposed to be a fire department vehicle? The image is painted in vivid, fire engine red, and has a siren and red “bubble-gum” light on top. As is the case with Unique Replicas images, there are lots of separate chromed parts such as the gas cap, hubcaps, door handles, wipers, mirrors, license plate frames, siren and grille. On each side, you’ll find the words FIRE DEPT. and SQUAD UNIT No. 1 in gold lettering. On the front and rear, are the words FIRE DEPT. The two license plates show the year of the van—1950. Undercarriage detailing is simplistic but adequate. An additional surprise here is an operational suspension system fore and aft. Extras include an extension ladder, a fire extinguisher, an ax, a stretcher, and a compressor (?) You also get an additional set of sideview mirrors. My only quibble is the fact that there are no additional seats in the thing—jump seats or otherwise. It’s highly unlikely that there would be only one man operating the rig (as would be the case with a milk truck).
I like to collect 1:24 scale trucks for my collection of working hardware. They offer a nice counterpoint to all those cars and are fun to add to dioramas. If you’re any sort of fire department buff, you’ll want to add this inexpensive (but quality) piece to your collection. I think it’d look nifty in with your 1:24 pumpers and such. After all, firemen do rescue work in addition to fighting fires.
(07/05/2005)
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