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To see the prototypes of the new Sword Oshkosh Stryker and Pierce unit check out:
http://www.imcats.com/ click on left column "PREVIOUS SHOWS", then "2007 4th Annual" and scrowl down, about half way down and again the last few pictures, quite impressive in my book.
There is a poster in front of the table with the Pierce pumper that shows a full scale Pierce Quantum. Do you know if they intend to replicate the Quantum also?
But, the Quantums are the newly-designed versions, which Code 3 does not offer (yet) AND it appears that the compartment doors will be able to be opened on all of these models. Big bucks for museum quality models (I see it as better quality control than Code 3's!) plus compartments that open. I don't think Code 3 offers any of these options! So these ARE more than just repainted versions of Code 3's stuff.
Still too steep for my pocketbook. Nice models but too expensive.
My comment was not about the THW models being Code 3 repaints. Rather it was everyone complains about Code 3s repaints. But here is a company anouncing 5-6 models all "repaints" right from the start. Yet no one has a negative commnet concerning this.
I expect them to be great. For $200 each they should be. I doubt I will get them even though they are 2 of my favorite trucks. Price certainly is a factor.
I know Buffalo Road Imports will be a dealer, they arelisted on their web site as coming 5/08 I beleive. Go to Products and do a search for Oshkosh.
http://www.toyline.com/bri/
Ken...the best place to get Sword is the store that gets them produced and that store is DHS collectibles...the link is http://www.dhsdiecast.com/index.cfm.
I have three Sword models and there is none better than these by a long way.
GC1: I agree that the new Sword (and THW) models are very well done -- I have several, including the Oshkosh plow and the forestry pieces, and two of the Schneider National trucks. I haven't bought a lot from Chuck (Sword), but I've dealt with him on occasion and have visited his warehouse/store (picked up one of the Peterbuilt low loaders that had a broken fender and missing light, for about half price). I had a much longer history with Roger Hull (Hiram Hobbies); when Roger retired he sold his business to Chuck (that's the H in DHS).
But I would suggest checking around before buying the Sword models. Diecast Direct has had them also, with cheaper shipping, and Awesome Diecast had the Schneider National trio at much less than the DHS price.