Presented here is the 1:50th scale Seminole County Quantum pumper, Engine No 16 which is an exact replica of the "In Use" fire truck at the Sabal Point station on Wekiva Springs Road, Florida. The Seminole County fire department has over 400 personnel across 18 stations with 16 engines, 2 ladder trucks, 17 Advanced life support rescue units and a heavy rescue/special response unit at their disposal.
The main cab is hinged and can be tilted forward to reveal the fully reproduced diesel engine beneath, complete with battery compartments and exhaust pipe all visible. A small bracket can be lifted up to hold the cab in the raised position. Even the electrical cables have been reproduced and fitted to the batteries in the holders on each side of the chassis which demonstrates the commitment and attention to detail that makes TWH Collectibles a world leader in model development.
The TAK-4 suspension system has been accurately modelled on the model and is fully visible by turning the model over. The front and rear wheels have authentic road tread tyres with working steering of the front axle with chromed wheel hubs.
The rear axle has a drive shaft running the length of the chassis to the Allison transmission system. Other details found underneath the model include the air tanks for the suspension along with the fuel tank and silver finished exhaust. Four work lights have also been added to the underside of the chassis just like the full sized machine and the rear frame has an integrated towing bar.
The pump housing and panel on the Seminole pumper is a totally different design to the other pumper models so far released with the firefighter controlling the systems from a central position behind the cab. The entire panel has been accurately reproduced with all the dials, guages and controls present and correct, just like the full sized engine. All the panels of the pump housing are finished with a chromed diamond plate texture which really gives the model a realistic look.
The side panels of the pump housing have the chromed hose connections with a footwell on one side holding a replicated hose and nozzle while two modelled axes have been fitted to the model for that extra bit of realism. Two floodlights are mounted above the pump housing and there is a hose storage area covered with a fine mesh material where realistic looking moulded hoses are stored.
The top of the rear body has more areas for storing the hoses which are covered with another fine mesh cover which is a nice touch on the model. A storage compartment at the front houses several cylindrical shaped canisters and a long storage tube is mounted along the upper edge. Two red plastic warning lights are fitted to the rear body frame and white grab rails with chromed fittings have been added throughout the model.
The fold down ladder holder has two clips to connect the accurate and fully functional three stage extending step ladder and single stage roof ladder and once connected, the holder folds up into the travel position with the ladders securely stored above the roof and there are three small storage tubes integrated into the ladder holder.
The cab interior has been fully replicated from the three seats in the rear compartment to the officer and driver's compartment enclosed in a wrap around dashboard with printed dials, switches and display screen of the Command Zone computer system. Unlike the other Quantum models, the Seminole version has two small windows integrated into the rear panel of the cab while the roof sports two radio antennas, a single piece clear light bar across the front of the roof and the cab compartment's air conditioning unit.
Amber paint has been used to pick out the small lights cast into the cab roof and small plastic lenses have been added on the cab sides along with chromed door handles and grab rails. The paint finish is exceptional throughout with silver highlighting used on the compartment door frames and authentic printing of the markings all round the model.
While the model is the centrepiece, the packaging has also been very nicely done with a printed cardboard box displaying a real fire truck on the front holds a two section polystyrene carton within. There is a printed leaflet which gives details on fitting the mirrors and extension ladder onto the model while a small printed booklet gives details and a brief history of the Seminole County Fire Department.
The addition of a reproduced Pierce product brochure and Pierce manufacturing brochure is a really nice touch with both full of information and pictures of the Pierce line of fire and rescue equipment. This added material is an excellent finishing touch to another exceptional model release from TWH Collectibles.
Some photos of this model is shown below
