A Singapore, Asia
company,
Masterpiece Collectibles, has ventured into the
model fire apparatus market with this highly detailed
model of a
Singapore Civil Defence [Defense] Force (SCDF)
Scania P270 fire pumper.
According to NG Kok Soon
(Dickson), owner of Masterpiece Collectibles, there are
three other projects he has completed:
SAR 21 Scale 1:6
Rifle |
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WRX Scale: 1:24
Police Vehicle |
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Diversion 900 Scale 1:6 Motorcycle |
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The Scania pumper is his
latest project. He is also working on other
projects but I am not sure if any of them are model fire
apparatus models.
The
Scania P270 Pumper
The Scania P270 Pumper has is a Multi-pressure water
pump. One high pressure hose reel. RTP foam system. Roof
mounted remote controlled 2,200 liter/minute water
monitor, 1,200 liter Fabricated in stainless steel tank,
portable water pump. and a front mounted winch. Below
are photos of the real apparatus Dickson chose to model.
In can carry a crew of six including the driver.
Currently there are ten operated by the Singapore Civil
Defence Force. The
words PL on the pumper stand for "Pump Ladder". It is
the equivalent of the Engine in the in the States. For
this model, its based on the pumper with call sign 411.
This means it is from fire station 41, which is
Jurong Fire Station in Singapore, and the other
number 1 means its pumper number 1 in the station. Each
station carries two Pump Ladders, which means the sister
pumper will be 412. There are also various other rigs
with similar numbers such as the ladder and breathing
apparatus tender etc depending on the location of the
station.
Jurong Fire
Station
Photos by Gregory Ng'
Scania P270 Pumper 411
Photos by
Gregory Ng and Juncong
This resin model was
designed by a team of specialist and manufactured in
China. Below you can see photos of the original
prototype samples of the model.
Another project is the 1/18
Light Fire Attack Vehicle (LFAV). The unpainted
prototype is pictured below.
The Model
First, this article is presented
without the aid of the real model. It was written
using comments and observations of collectors who work
with the real pumper and own the model, the owner of
Masterpiece Collectibles, and collectors own the model
itself.
Second, I would like to thank
Singapore firefighter
Muhd and Detroit firefighter
Jeff for
their assistance with this article. Both
provided their time, photos, and input. Thanks
guys!
This resin cast 1:32 scale
measures 11 inches long, 3.5 inches wide, and 3.5 inches
high.
Comparing size of Code 3 Diamond
Plate to Model
This model was originally
crafted for Singapore Civil Defence firefighters.
In fact, is was crafted with the help of the SCDF. In order to purchase the model, the
country's
firefighter had to present their fire service Icard.
Only 100 of these resin models were
crafted. Dickson is making 25
of these models available to collectors in the United
States. He is currently working out the details
to sell this model with an American based model emergency vehicle
dealer here in the states.
It comes fully assembled
and includes the following items that must be added:
One
extension ladder |
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Two rear ladders |
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Two side mirrors
Two smaller mirrors that
go on the drivers door above the side window and one in
the front left corner
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This model
also has working bright LED lights. You activate the lights
using a small micro switch under the model.
Click here to see a video of the model's lighting
cycle.
Collectors that have seen
this model are struck by the detail it contains.
One collector tells me "it is about as close to the real
rig as you can get."
From the exact lighting,
apparatus plumbing, water/foam nozzle, and ladders the
attention to detail in this model is amazing. The
single feature that drew me to it was the
SK
Rosenbauer deck mounted water monitor with feed line on the model.
Even the bolts holding down the monitor are detailed and
painted.
SK Rosenbauer Deck Monitor
The model presents clean,
crisp, and smooth lines that are true to the real
pumper. The diamond plating throughout the model
is well done using a two different patterns indicative of the
real apparatus.
Emergency Equipment
The top of the model reveals
a very good reproduction of the Sacol ladder, a chrome spotlight with clear plastic
lens, black cable reel, triple extension ladder, tripod
stand, antennas, and a forcible entry tool.
Emergency Equipment and Sacol Ladder
The front of the model is
reproduced in exacting detail. The collector can
lift the winch cover to reveal the electric winch.
Again, you see a very goo representation of the real
pumper with correct license plate, manufacture logo,
lean plastic lens, and emergency lighting. Very
impressive.
Winch Cover in Open Position |
Pumper Front |
The rear of the model is
acceptable. However, I think the painting on the
rear diamond plate could have been done better. Since these models are all
hand made the application of paint will vary from model
to model.
The
rear WORKING lights are very will done with wire light
protectors covering the lights. There are two vertical
ladders on both sides of the model that represent those
found on the real pumper. The ladder rungs are painted
black to simulate the rungs found on the real
apparatus. Additionally, the roll-up doors a done well
as well as the graphics found on the rear of the model.
Like all graphics on the
real apparatus, the graphics found on the model are
simple. Masterpiece Collectibles uses clear and
crisp waterslide decals on this model. However,
the with stripes that surround the cab do not bread up
where the cab doors connect to the body. This is a
minor problem that could easily be corrected by the
company cutting
the stripe and folding it into the door.
CONCLUSION
Again, the article is based totally on photographs and
comments supplied by other collectors. Based on their
comments and the photos provided, Masterpiece
Collectibles is supplying collectors a great looking
model that is slowly ending up in collectors here in the
states. The collectors interviewed for this article
tell me it is one of the best models in their
collection.
This model is the only custom made model that offers
working lights (a feature I wish other companies would
offer). I hope Masterpiece Collectibles develops a
working relationship with a dealer here so this and
future models can be offered to collectors in the
states.
I
am also looking forward to additional offerings from
Masterpiece Collectibles. One, if produced, will
be a spectacular offering that will really be a highly
sought after model by collectors around the world.
Price for the United States has not been determined.
Once a dealer is found, I will modify this article to
reflect the price and contact information.
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