This forum is for collectors of emergency vehicle models to discuss any aspect of the industry. Feel free to post comments on current releases, future models, items for sale/trade, or items wanted.
I disagree with Alan on comparing Ashton to Code 3, or other hand-built to mass-made. A model is a model is a model. If you place a same-scale or about same-scale hand-built beside a mass-made beside another mass-made, the level of detail, accuracy of scale, and so on can all be compared against each other. For myself, a hand-built model is no more awesome than a mass-produced piece, if the model *itself* isn't awesome.
I can agree with Mike that it's the model itself that counts, not how expensive or exclusive it may be. My Ashton LARC is a great model, only because no one else produces one, but I would have appreciated better details. My FDNY pumper in my opinon is a 2 pound lump of metal, with very sparse detail. How much a model is cherished is up to the individual collector.
I have ten pieces of Ashton in my collection, and I still consider them as the most beautiful models of American apparatus I've ever bought. The Foxes are outstanding, my favourites are the World's Fair HT and the Pawtucket Sedan pumper. I agree the Macks look odd. I 've never understood why mr. Klarwasser made them that way. The Ward LaFrance searchlight truck and pumper are beauties too, but with 3 kids in da house I don't have any money left to buy them...
Yes the AF from FDNY are beautifullI don't have chance to buy a Word fair one but the other one is
also nice.The Pawtucket is a very special one.
I got also 2 Ward LaFrance.
I just phoned today to Ashton Models and heard they have a brand new one; a FDNY Ward LaFrance,I'm waitting for a photo.
Patrick.
I just posted a photo of my FDNY Ward LaFrance Searchlight 1 on Larry's new General Fire/Rescue Modeling board, http://fireengines.net/smf/index.php#2
for anyone interested. BTW: Larry, thanx a lot. The new site is terrific!