My Code 3 Diecast Fire Truck Collection

Pierce Quantum Las Vegas Fire and Rescue

2014-07-14T07:48:00.000-04:00

I haven't kept up with the Amercom models in awhile now. I see there is a new Pierce Quantum w/Snozzle rescue truck on their website:
http://www.amercom.com.pl/88-strazackie-giganty-najwieksze-wozy-strazackie-swiata

Looks like it is based on the original Code 3 Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Pierce Quantum w/Snozzle (12757) .

American La France Eagle Pumper SFFD #10

2013-11-15T20:55:00.000-05:00

I really liked the deep burgundy colours of this San Francisco ALF pumper when I saw pictures of the Code 3 model, so I was really stoked to find out that Amercom had copied the Pink Ribbon Engine #10 12317. Upon receipt, I discovered that this was probably the worst quality model put out by Amercom. The right side wheel well flashing is not trimmed properly and very rough looking. There are chips and scuffs in the paint in several places, in addition to many greasy fingerprint marks from the person who assembled it.

On the good side however is that the die-cast body seems solid that sits on the chrome plastic chassis. The wheels and rims look nice and there are lots of details like nozzle extrusions, door handles, mirrors and wiper blades. The headlight and emergency lights are flawless as are the graphics. I'm almost tempted to order another model to replace this one, hoping that the quality of build will be better. The original Code 3 model of this San Francisco pumper was $49.99, and the Amercom version costing $14.

Code 3 model details: http://www.code3firetrucks.com/co3pirien20s.html

Brand: Amercom
Series: Fire Trucks Giganty
Model: American La France Eagle Pumper
Year Issued: 2012
Scale: 1/64

Seagrave Rear Mount Ladder FDNY #43

2013-10-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

This is Amercom's version of the Code 3 model of the FDNY Ladder 12740. It's the second model in their Giganty series of Fire engines. From a distance it looks like a reasonable facsimile, however upon closer inspection, you'll notice a number of differences. The extending ladder and rotating turret still work, but are made of flimsy plastic instead of diecast. Best to be very careful as the ladder does not move easily.

On the real Code 3 model, the hydraulic stabilizers extend out from the body and lower, whereas the Amercom model does not. The tampos and graphics are fairly decent except the flags behind the front doors are a little fuzzy and some of the details are already starting to rub off. I do appreciate the fact that the body is all die-cast while the chassis is plastic.

There are certainly some paint flaws on the right side of the vehicle towards the front roof line, and the light bezels are sloppily added on the front of the the vehicle. However, you have to consider that the retail price of the actual Code 3 FDNY ladder was $109.99 whereas this model was about $14, a huge difference.

The Code 3 reference model can be found here: http://www.code3firetrucks.com/code-3-fdny-ladder-34312740.html

Brand: Amercom
Series: FireTrucks Giganty #2
Model: Seagrave Rear Mount Ladder
Year Issued: 2012
Scale: 1/64

Mack Hazmat Operations Truck

2013-09-15T21:01:00.000-04:00

This month's Amercom model is the Mack Hazmat Operations Truck, which faithfully copies the Code 3 FDNY Hazmat vehicle (12555). While it looks like the real deal with all the appropriate detailing, it is probably the lightest model put out thus far by Amercom. The chassis, body and cab are all made of plastic, although you might not be able to tell from the pictures. This is number twelve in the Gigant Fire truck series, but it's only number ten of Code 3 clones, as there were two non Code 3 substitute fire truck models that Amercom added to the lineup late 2012.

Brand: Amercom
Series: Gigant Fire Trucks
Model: Mack Hazmat Operations
Released: 2013
Scale: 1:64

Link to the actual Code 3 model: http://www.code3firetrucks.com/co3fdhaoptr1.html

E-One Ladder Cincinnati OH 12961

2013-08-15T12:13:00.000-04:00

Today's display model is the Code 3 E-One Ladder for the Cincinnati Ohio Fire Department. This is a beautiful and solid fire truck and was Code 3's first ever model representing the city of Cincinnati. Lots of nice details including working platform and ladder and there are even four stabilizers that extend.

Brand: Code 3
Model: E-One Ladder Cincinnati Fire Dept
Item: 12961
Scale: 1/64
Issued: October 2004
Quantity: 3000

Retail price on this was about $69.99.

Pierce Dash Rear Mount Ladder

2013-07-15T12:26:00.000-04:00

It's time for another fire truck review and this week it's the Amercom Pierce rear mount ladder. I was pleased to find that the body is mostly diecast with only the chassis being made of plastic, after the disappointment of the Amercom Mack C Hazmat being made completely of plastic. Detailing is excellent, showing the Cedar Hill Texas markings, except for the front headlights and emergency lights which were applied sloppily. Again, as with previous models, there are those darned fingerprints on the windshield. I guess they don't wear plastic gloves when they assemble these. Other than that the model displays well.

The rear ladder assembly is completely different from the Code 3 Pierce Rear Mount version it copies. The under ladder crank is missing and it feels a touch fragile being made completely of plastic. I used a bit of clear plastic to hold up the ladder as it will not stay up on it's own. It took a bit of careful nudging to get the turntable to swivel and the ladder does fully extend though. They have molded in the stabilizers and they do not work unlike the original Code 3 Collectors Club model which this is based on. Here's the original reference model : http://www.code3firetrucks.com/co3cehitxpid.html

Brand: Amercom
Series: Gigant Fire Trucks #11
Model: Pierce Dash Rear Mount Ladder
Scale: 1:64
Released: 2013

Matchbox 1963 Cadillac Ambulance

2013-06-15T01:23:00.000-04:00

It's not a firetruck, it's an ambulance and it's a Matchbox, not a Code 3 model, but I haven't had a chance to pickup any new emergency vehicles. I don't collect a lot of Matchbox vehicles anymore but this one caught my attention. It's a 1963 Cadillac that originally made it's debut as a hearse but is now seeing double duty as an ambulance. Hope we see more of this casting as ambulances in future.

Brand: Matchbox
Model: 1963 Cadillac Ambulance
Year issued: 2010

Johnny Lightning Chevy Suburban Ambulance

2013-05-15T14:29:00.000-04:00

Today, I thought we would take a break from Code 3 and Amercom and take a look at a Johnny Lightning 1/64 scale vehicle instead. Here is a 1950 Chevy Suburban done up as an ambulance. This panel van came out in 2009 as part of Johnny Lightning's Forever 64 Release 5. It has a plastic chassis, plastic wheels with shiny mag wheels and the hood opens to display the quaint little motor. These Johnny Lightnings aren't too hard to find and originally cost between three and four dollars when they first came out.

Brand: Johnny Lightning by Tomy
Series: Forever 64, Release 5
Model: 1950 Chevy Suburban
Scale: 1:64
Year Issued: 2009
Retail cost: $3.50

Updated List of Amercom Models

2013-04-28T09:52:00.000-04:00

Here is a table I made for each of the Amercom models that have been issued thus far, and where applicable, it's corresponding original Code 3 model.

Issue #	Issue Date	Model Name	Jurisdiction	original Code 3 Model
01	2012 August	1958 Mack C Pumper	FDNY	12503
02	2012 September	2001 Seagrave Rear Mount Ladder	FDNY	12740
03	2012 September	1989 Oshkosh Crash Truck	Calgary, AB	12157
04	2012 October	1999 E-One Heavy Rescue	FDNY	12695
05	2012 October	1977 ALF Century Pumper	Metro Dade, FL	12865
06	2012 November	2003 Seagrave Pumper	FDNY	12814
07	2012 December	2006 ALF Eagle Pumper	San Francisco, CA	12317
08	2013 January	1997 Pierce Quantum Pumper	Palm Beach Gardens, FL	12778
09	2013 February	*1998 VPCA 75E14	France	not Code 3
10	2013 March	*1999 Firetech 4000	Italy	not Code 3
11	2013 April	2006 Pierce Rear Mount Ladder	Cedar Hill, TX	12908
12	2013 May	1991 Mack C Hazmat	FDNY	12555
13	2013 June	2005 LDV Command Truck	Chicago, IL	12539
14	2013 July	1999 E-One Cyclone II Pumper	Boston, MA	12808
15	2013 September	2005 E-One Rear Mount Ladder	Boston, MA	12847
16	2013 October	2006 Pierce Dash Top Mount Pumper	Wichita, KS	12843
17	2014 November	1998 Luverne Pumper	Chicago, IL	12996
18	2014 January	2007 Seagrave Aerialscope Ladder	Christmas Edition	12802
19	2014 May	2001 Pierce Quantum Snozzle	Las Vegas, NV	12757
20	2014 August	1979 Mack CF Pumper	FDNY	12582
21	2014 September	1999 Freightliner Tanker	Collectors Club	12630

Note that after the fifth issue, Amercom decided to release a new model monthly. I guess trying to put out 2 models a month was too ambitious for the company. Also , I don't know why they opted to use non Code 3 models on issues nine and ten, but glad to see they are back on track with the Pierce Rear Mount in issue eleven.

GMC Suburban Richmond Fire #3 12363

2013-04-15T15:07:00.000-04:00

The only other GMC Suburban in my Code 3 collection is the Richmond Fire and Emergency Services support vehicle that was issued in 1999. Very detailed inside and out!

Brand: Code 3
Model: GMC Suburban, Richmond VA Fire
Item: 12363-003
Scale: 1/64
Release Date: 1999
Quantity: 5000
Retail Price: $29.99

Seagrave FDNY Squad 61 Pumper

2013-03-15T21:08:00.000-04:00

Here's my second Amercom model and the sixth one put out by Amercom. This one is modelled after the Code 3 FDNY Squad 61 Seagrave Commander II Rescue Pumper (12814).

The main differences between the Amercom model and the Code 3 model are:
1) Rear of vehicle is plastic, not diecast, so the vehicle is much lighter
2) Less detailing of rear wheel hubs
3) Eagle graphics look muted and the Squad Co. 61 font is different
4) Diamond plate is not as shiny
5) No detailing on the door pulls
6) Traffic cone is on the opposite side of the vehicle
7) Some of detailing pieces are not glued down straight.
8) Giant fingerprint on the front windshield (not mine)
9) Giant chip on the front bumper.

If this pumper is admired from afar it looks pretty good, just don't get too close to it or you will see some lack of fit and finish. I would give a 7 out of 10 which is not bad given that his Amercom is about one-tenth the price of the original Code 3 model cost.

Here's a link to the Code 3 Squad 61 model for reference purposes:
http://www.code3firetrucks.com/co3fdsq611.html

Here's the writeup of the 1:32 scale Code 3 Squad 61 apparatus:
http://www.fireengines.net/reviews/squad61

And here's the real deal:
http://www.squad61.com/rig.html

Brand: Amercom
Series: Giant Firetrucks
Model: Seagrave Pumper FDNY Squad 61
Scale: 1:64
Year Issued: 2012
Cost: $12

E-One Cyclone II Pumper 12345

2013-02-15T19:23:00.000-05:00

This E-One Cyclone II Pumper commemorates the 2001 Firehouse Expo which was held in Maryland. It's one of the most detailed models that I own. And it's my only orange firetruck. Check out the ladders and the pump detailing all over this fire apparatus. Here are the model specs:

Brand: Code 3
Model: E-One Cyclone II Pumper
Item # 12345
Scale: 1/64
Release: July 2001
Edition Quantity: 2508

The Code 3 Collectors club member price for this vehicle was originally $34.99 but I think I bought it for around $25 on ebay.

Ford E-350 Los Angeles Fire Dept #39 12053

2013-02-01T14:59:00.000-05:00

This is the second Code 3 Ford E-350 Ambulance in my collection. This one is the Los Angeles Fire Department unit. It's got the requisite California plates, opening rear doors and even a gurney (not shown).
A very nice Paramedic unit.

Brand: Code 3
Model: Ford E-350 LAFD #39
Item: 12053
Scale: 1/64
Release: February 1999
Edition Quantity: 5,000

American La France Metro Dade Century Pumper

2013-01-15T22:18:00.000-05:00

This is the fifth in the Amercom Gigant Firetruck series. This ALF Century Pumper was released around October/November 2012. It is a clone of the Code 3 model #12865 however the significant difference is that the Amercom model is totally plastic, body and chassis, whereas the Code 3 was solid die-cast. Excellent details have been carried over from the original including headlight bezels, ladders and pumps and even the axes on the side of the engine.

Here is the link to the original Code 3 model of the ALF Century Pumper: http://www.code3firetrucks.com/co3medaamlae.html

Brand: Amercom
Series: Giant FireTrucks
Model: Metro Dade ALF Century Pumper Engine 20
Scale: 1/64
Year Issued: 2012

American LaFrance Eagle Violetville Pumper 12131

2013-01-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

Today's featured fire apparatus is the Violetville Maryland volunteer fire department ALF pumper. This model has a lot of excellent detailing. The window decals and pump panel details are nice touches.

Brand: Code 3
Model: American LaFrance Eagle Pumper Violetville
Item #12131
Scale: 1/64
Release: July 2002
Quantity: 5,004

The original MSRP was $34.99.

E-One FDNY Heavy Rescue #1

2012-12-15T20:27:00.000-05:00

Today, I direct your attention to this model of the FDNY Heavy Rescue #1. You might think this is a Code 3 model but it's not. Although it bears a striking similarity to Code 3 model 12695, it's actually made by Amercom. Here's a link to the real Code 3 version: http://www.code3firetrucks.com/co3fdehere11.html

The Amercom version is much lighter in weight than my other Code 3 Heavy Rescue models, given that the rear of the truck is plastic. The main difference is the fit and finish or the lack thereof. The Amercom model has a bit of sloppiness in it's paint and trimwork. The diamond plate on the top doesn't have the same metallic sheen as a real Code 3. And the antenna mast doesn't extend like the original.

Even with the deficiencies, this model shows quite well on it's own. And the price was a fraction of what a Code 3 would cost. I don't think I would have ever afforded the real Heavy Rescue, so I'm very happy to have this one in my fire truck collection even if it's not the real deal. Anyways, feel free to compare the pictures of this one vs the real one and you be the judge.

Brand: Amercom
Series: Giant Firetrucks
Model: E-One Heavy Rescue FDNY #1
Scale: 1:64
Year Issued: 2012
Cost: $12

GMC Suburban Los Angeles Fire Battalion #4 12400

2012-12-01T09:16:00.000-05:00

I'm really happy to have this Code 3 GMC Suburban in my die-cast collection. There's not a lot of representation of this model in 1:64 scale. It makes a nice companion model to my LAFD Ford Ambulance.

Brand: Code 3

Model: GMC Suburban LAFD Battalion #4

Item #12400
Scale: 1/64
Release: February 1998
Quantity: 5,000

Upcoming Amercom releases

2012-11-15T22:12:00.000-05:00

If the prices of the Amercom models continue to be under twenty dollars each, I may pickup the following fire rescue vehicles, assuming they are made. I believe these are planned to be released sometime soon. I found these images from a polish diecast forum called: http://www.motoshowminatura.fora.pl/inne-serie-gazetowe,5/strazackie-giganty-amercom,5175.html. The rescue truck and the two ladders definitely appeal to me! Here are the releases thus far:

#1 Aug 30: Mack C pumper

#2 Sep 12: Seagrave Rear mount ladder

#3 Sep 26: Oshkosh Crash Truck

#4 Oct 10: E-One Heavy Rescue

#5 Oct 24: ALF Century Pumper

#6 Nov 7: Seagrave Pumper

#7 Dec 7: ALF Eagle Pumper

#8 unknown: Pierce Quantum Pumper

#9 unknown: Pierce Rear Mount Ladder

Freightliner FL80 Collector's Club Tanker 12630

2012-11-01T14:21:00.000-04:00

Here's the Code 3 Collectors Club membership Freightliner FL80 tanker which had an original MSRP of $29.99. This is a very heavy model with full die-cast body and base. Details are outstanding. This was one of only two freightliner tanker models made by Code 3, the other being Jacksonville Fl. tanker.

Brand: Code 3

Model: Freightliner FL80 Tanker

Item: 12630

Scale: 1/64

Release: January 2004
Edition Quantity: 1500

HME Saulsbury Rescue Chicago Squad #2 16021

2012-10-01T05:38:00.000-04:00

This is probably my favourite Code 3 Emergency vehicle. The highly detailed HME Rescue looks perfect. I only wish it had opening doors so you could see inside.

Brand: Code 3

Model: HME Saulsbury Chicago Squad #2

Item: 16021

Scale: 1/64

Release: April 2005

Edition Quantity: 3,000

Part of the larger set 1/64 Chicago Squad Continuity Program (6 piece set) (16021-0000).

1958 Mack Pumper FDNY #305

2012-09-15T17:35:00.000-04:00

It's time to take a look my latest Amercom fire truck acquisition. Here for your review is the 1958 Mack Pumper representing engine 305 of the New York Fire Department (FDNY). This one faithfully reproduces the Code 3 Mack C Pumper Item 12503. It has all the correct markings and being the first issue from Amercom, the quality is about 95% of the Code 3 version. Note that this Mack C Pumper is the premier issue of the Amercom Giant fire truck series.

The diamond plate is fairly shiny and the some of the features and handles are molded as opposed to being separately added. As with all Amercom models much of the body and chassis is made of plastic, hence the lighter weight. I was surprised to find that the little grapples at the rear of the truck actually move. The only detractor are the fingerprints on the windshield which seems to be a common problem on other Amercom fire trucks.

For a look at the original Code 3 Mack C Pumper model, take a look at the pics I found at http://www.code3firetrucks.com/co3fdmacen30.html

Brand: Amercom
Series: Giant FireTrucks #1
Model: 1958 Mack Pumper FDNY #305
Scale: 1:64
Year Issued: 2012
Cost: $12

HME Luverne Chief's Edition Pumper #10 12260

2012-09-01T16:43:00.000-04:00

Todays fire apparatus is the Code 3 Chief's Edition #10 Luverne Pumper. This vehicle is stunning with it's glossy black and white paint and extensive diamond plating. It had an original MSRP of $27.99.

Item#: 12260
Scale: 1/64
Release: January 2001
Edition Quantity: 2,508

Ford F-350 Millennium Edition 12214

2012-08-01T09:09:00.000-04:00

This Ford F350 EMS is exquisite with it's excellent detailing and colour changing paint job. It looks great paired with the Pierce Heavy Rescue unit. Both were part of Code 3's Millennium series.

Item # 12214
Scale: 1/64
Release: January 2000
Edition Quantity: 2,000

"To commemorate the 21st Century, Code 3 Collectibles is proud to release the MILLENNIUM SERIES EDITION. Each Millennium model will feature Dupont Chrome Illusion paint that changes colors when light reflects off it. This special unique paint turns from blue to purple and different shades in-between."

The Code 3 Collectors club member price for this vehicle was originally $34.99.

Pierce Lance Century Heavy Rescue 12215

2012-07-01T13:11:00.000-04:00

Item # 12215
Scale: 1/64
Release: January 2000
Edition Quantity: 2,000

This is my second Pierce Rescue vehicle, in addition to the Saddlebrook NJ rescue. I also have the Ford F-350 Ambulance in the Millrnnium Edition colours also.

"To commemorate the 21st Century, Code 3 Collectibles is proud to release the MILLENNIUM SERIES EDITION. Each Millennium model will feature Dupont Chrome Illusion paint that changes colors when light reflects off it. This special unique paint turns from blue to purple and different shades in-between."

This model was only available through the Code 3 collectors club and retailed for $54.99.

Oshkosh Chief's Edition #6 12255

2012-06-01T10:46:00.000-04:00

Now here is die-cast you don't see everyday. This is the Code 3 Oshkosh Crash Truck adorned in special Chief's Edition colours. This Airport Fire and Rescue vehicle is massive but still true to it's 1:64 scale. It completely dwarfs the Greenlight state police car pictured above. I believe that the water cannon extends and lifts up but I have not yet removed the fastening wires from the model. The detailing on this model is incredible as evidenced by it's rather pricey MSRP retail price tag of $79.99. This model nicely complements my HME Luverne pumper which is also a Chief's Edition.

Brand: Code 3
Series: Chief's Edition
Model: Oshkosh Airport Fire and Rescue Crash truck
Item: 12255
Scale: 1/64
Quantity: 3000
Release Date: October 1999
Retail Price: $79.99