Pierce Quantum Pumper - San Antonio
Presented here is the 1:50th scale San Antonio Quantum pumper, Engine No 38 which is an exact replica of the "In Use" fire truck based at the 6000 distribution fire station which was built in 1975. Founded in 1891, fifty fire stations now provide cover for the San Antonio region with a range of engines, ladders, platforms, EMS vehicles and specialist Hazmat / Airport tenders.
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. Two floodlights are located on the underside of the model with a further two mounted at the rear to light the area around the engine with access steps on both sides and flexible piping and cabling running the length of the chassis.
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.
Small windows on the rear cab panel along with the side windows allow enough light to enter the cab to reveal all the intricate detailing within, including seating for four firefighters. The driver's compartment is enclosed in a wrap around dashboard with printed dials, switches and display screen of the Command Zone computer system. The roof has a full length clear glazed light bar with air conditioning unit and two radio aerials.
The pump housing and panel on the San Antonio pumper is similar to the Seminole version with the firefighter controlling the systems from a raised central position behind the cab which is accessed from either side. 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, complete with a stang that is located centrally above the controls.
The side panels of the pump housing have the chromed hose connections with wells on both sides holding replicated hoses while two hose reels are mounted above the pump panels with the hoses, complete with spray heads, hanging down each side. Two floodlights are mounted above the pump housing and there is a hose storage area covered with a course mesh material beneath the controls where moulded hoses are stored.
The top of the rear body has more areas for storing the hoses which are accurately modelled with a course mesh cover fitted at the rear of the storage area which is a nice touch on the model. White grab rails with chromed fittings have been added throughout the model with an intricate red and yellow chevron pattern printed on the rear end of the model and the San Antonio logo prominently located on the central compartment door.
The main difference of the San Antonio version of the Quantum over all the other versions is the lack of ladders, with the swing down ladder mounting arm not fitted to the San Antonio replica which reduces the height of the model and gives it a much sleaker appearance.
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 and body 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 holding a two section polystyrene carton within. There is a printed leaflet which gives details on fitting the mirrors and stang onto the model while a small printed booklet gives details and a brief history of the San Antonio 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 which is topped off with a certificate of authenticity
Pierce Quantum Pumper "Seminole County" Model Specifications |
Versions produced -TWH081B-1109, San Antonio Engine No 6 TWH081B-1171, San Antonio Engine No 7
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