IMEX 1/25 scale 1952 Ford fire truck

Powered by a 351 C.I. engine, the 1952 Ford fire truck was equipped with a 500 gallon-per-minute Hale pump and carried 500 gallons of water.

Emergency vehicles aren't my usual cup of tea but this one was so neat-looking that I just couldn't resist picking it up at Hobby Lobby with my 50% off internet coupon. The model is essentially a diecast made in China by Golden Productions and marketed in partially assembled form in the US by IMEX. It's strictly a curbside model and should go together out of the box in less than an hour since most of the subassemblies are completely finished and only need to be snapped, slotted, or screwed together. Detail is a bit clunky but not too bad other than the one-piece hoses which would look much better if replaced by something more realistic.

Decals seem to be a bit thick but are well-printed and provide three options: Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles (city) fire departments. I don't know if all or any of these departments used this particular type of truck but wouldn't be surprised if they all did at one time or another - it must have been a common sight in the service of most larger towns and cities. The paint is very well done. I don't see any orange peel or thin areas at all on my example and even the plastic rear fenders are a very close match to the red paint used on the metal body parts.

A highly recommended fun project and a perfect break from the AMS that afflicts so many of us. Well done, IMEX - let's have more!