Based on the interest so far, is there a lesson for Code 3, Corgi, and other companies here? And what is that lesson? That 100% input on molds is the way to go? Or is that a premature assessment at this time (duh, which it probably is)?

mjl

Location: Raleigh, NC

Mike....

My thought has always been you get what you pay for. So with that said, if I'm paying more than 40 bucks for an item called a "replica" then it better REPLICATE the actual 1/1 vehicle (aside from added graphics which individual depts like FDNY may add a month after the artwork for the model is complete). To capture the physical attributes of the actual truck--color or hose, light package/configuration, deck gun, pump panels, etc....are intangibles and I think anyone that markets "replicas" and sells them at a premium has a responsibility to issue an authentic product.

Case and point, I ordered the LA County FL Pumper....if that arrives with the standard (wrong) rear light warning package, it's getting shipped back. You can't blow details that significant.

Code 3 does a good job.....although not as good anymore on the 1/64 side, Corgi has more misses than hits, but First Gear is actually listening and taking it to the next level.

To me, rather than buying 8-10 $40 models per year that are mostly accurate, I'd rather buy 2 or 3 $80 pieces that are dead on.

With all the buzz about the FG Clinton piece, I couldn't pass it up. You know it may be the most detailed/accurate piece of appartus ever replicated.

Mike. Perhaps more detailed models are on the way from other manufacturers. Cost plays a role. Can a department afford every change possible? Most probably can't. I, for one, don't nitpick. As an example, I love the NMMM series (the CF, in general, needs work) and don't bother to find an actual photo of each piece they make to compare. I have pretty much lost interest in 1:64 so Code 3 is out (except for the 1/32 and if it's Ladder 10 I'm out again). John, good eye I suppose. I'd never known the lights on the LA County were wrong. Minor (to me) details like that don't bother me. The Coaldale Scope, however.....