Notes and News - July 9, 2010

One of the most often asked questions at shows, online or at Collector events is “How can I get my Departments rig made?” If asked once at a show, it is asked a hundred times. It is reflective of how proud the Firefighters, career or Volunteer, are of the Department that they are associated with and the equipment they use.

Though there is no set answer, there is some basic information that helps to reach the decision here at Code 3. I thought it would be a good time to offer the same information that is provided at shows to the people who ask about a rig from their Department. This information is given to them for better understanding.

The issues that raise eyebrows are the quantity required to do an exclusive for a particular Department and the cost of new tooling.  Even at the 1500 standard production run it is a real consideration before making a commitment to assure sell thru of a model.

We often receive correspondence regarding Code 3’s willingness and interest in replicating a particular make and model of fire apparatus as well as those specific to local fire departments from around the country. When considering a project, we begin by reviewing the following criteria:

• Mass appeal – Over time we’ve come to understand there is significant interest in Rigs from larger cities, i.e., New York, Chicago, Dallas, etc. which will support a minimum production run of 1,500 units more easily.
  
• The “Hook” – Is there a compelling reason to research, develop and manufacture a model? Examples of this include Code 3’s work with departments from Gettysburg, PA, Cedar Hills, TX and Hagerstown, MD where the paint schemes or the history of a department (Gettysburg’s 200th anniversary) suggest a strong enough interest from the collector community.
  
• Tooling - Does the tooling (mold) already exist?

As you may know, new tools are extremely costly. A mold can range from $85k (engines) to $110K (ladders), so the subject matter for a new model is carefully researched to assure the model can be used for numerous releases from the same basic tool. A great example of this approach is the new American LaFrance 900 Series. This apparatus was used by many major cities during the 1960’s and 1970’s including departments in New York City, Washington D.C., San Francisco and Baltimore, among others.

Code 3 is always interested in learning about the various Fire Departments throughout the country for future consideration. If your department has a rig that is a current model in our line it certainly has a better chance to reach production.

To produce an exclusive model for your department we would need a commitment to purchase at least 1,500 units and Code 3 would provide special pricing to the department wishing to do so.

Code 3 suggests that you research the available Code 3 models on our Website in the “Search by Location” or “Search by Equipment” area on the View the Collection page. If you think that your rig might be a good fit, provide good full view photos of the Officers and Driver’s side as well as front and back of the rig.  Historic background on your Department is also helpful.  Should Code 3  decide to choose your  Department for a general release we would need detailed photos to produce the model and other information to ensure an accurate reproduction in keeping with Code 3 Collectible’s production standards.

  

As a good example for a release from a Department I like to refer to, is the Gettysburg model introduced in 2009. The Gettysburg Department celebrated a 200th Anniversary in 2008 and with the help of Code 3 developed a 200th logo for the actual rig that was also part of the model. The Pumper was a match to an existing mold and the assistance from the Department and especially Brandon Hiller of Gettysburg, this was a successful release. This is the type of “hook” I refer to in choosing a Department for Code 3 models.

For instructions on how to send potential model information to us, please contact Code 3 by using the contact form on our website. Choose "Research & Development" as your subject so the request is routed properly.

John H. Dunkel

REGULAR $29.99 - FOR THE MONTH OF JULY ONLY, JUST $19.99



Code 3 Collectibles will once again offer a Product Special to help you “wave the flag” or rather mount the Flag on your collection.  The #12564 Old Glory Flag Set will be offered at a special price for the month of July. Regular price $29.99 will be reduced to $19.99 from July 1 through July 31 (sale ends August 1 at 12:00 am PDT). Get your set of Flags on order today!

These replica scale flags are presented in three distinct styles, ATTENTION, PARADE REST & AT EASE. All across this country Firefighters, another group of Valiant service people, mount Old Glory on their rigs displaying their patriotism. The Flags are mounted in various locations per the decision of the Department just as you can do with your miniature rigs. 

* The flags are most easily mounted with a small drop of hot glue on the silver flag staff.
* Locate the area you wish to mount the Flag on the model of your choice
* Apply a very small amount of hot glue to the staff
* Immediately press onto the selected area and hold for 30 to 60 seconds
* Using hot glue will allow easy removal later and the residue hot glue can be removed with a tweezer.

If you choose, you can use a gel based “super glue” to mount the Flags. Again, locate the area to mount the flag and apply the glue, then hold in place for 30 to 60 seconds to assure the glue has been able to adhere and keep the Flag in a proper position.

NOW SHIPPING

VALIANT SERVICE FDNY® LADDER 33

FDNY® LADDER COMPANY 33   1987 MACK/BAKER 75 FOOT TOWERLADDER
 
Ladder 33 was originally organized as Hook & Ladder Company 33 on May 15, 1907 in the quarters of Engine Company 75, at 2285 Jerome Avenue, Bronx. Prior to that Engine 75 was a combination engine company with a city service ladder truck, in addition to their steamer and hose wagon. Hook & Ladder 33 took over the ladder section of Engine 75, then a 1885 horse drawn city service ladder truck carrying a hand raised 50 foot extension ladder. On July 31, 2000, Ladder 33, together with Engine 75 and the chiefs of the 19th Battalion moved to their new quarters at 2175 Walton Avenue, Bronx. They are part of the 19th Battalion of the 7th Division and have long been one of FDNY's® busiest ladder companies. During the year 2000, the first year of operation with this 1987 Mack/Baker towerladder, they had 3,594 runs of which 2,540 were classed as workers. Over the years, they have been one of the most decorated FDNY® units, with many individual valor medal winners and numerous unit citations for valor.
 
The apparatus depicted is a 1987 Mack with a 75 foot Baker boom and carried FDNY® registration number MT8702. It was assigned to Ladder 33 on July 31, 2000 and had previously been assigned to Ladder Company 41. It replaced Ladder 33's 1991 Mack/Baker 95 foot towerladder due to being shorter in total length. It remained as Ladder 33 until being replaced by their current apparatus, a 2002 Seagrave/Aerialscope 75 foot towerladder. It then was re-assigned to Ladder Company 50 and later became a spare. It was finally disposed of on July 30, 2008. It was one of seven identical Mack/Baker towerladders classed as 1987s.

Though some questions were raised early on about this unique approach, the Engine 75 is proving itself a worthy addition to any collection. As many of you know, it is the unique, special and overlooked models that will later command the most attention of the Collector.  Don’t miss the FDNY® Ladder 33 in this Valiant Service Series - it will be one of the most commented on models in your collection.

NOTICE TO ALL INTERNATIONAL CLUB  MEMBERS

Effective May 1, 2010 Code 3 is no longer charging a flat fee of $39.95 USD per item for international shipping. We are now charging our actual cost from FedEx. At this time, international Gold Members will continue to receive 50% off the total shipping cost. International orders will be limited to 3 shippable items (memberships do not count toward that total). If you want to order more than 3 items, please place more than one order or contact customer service for a shipping quote.

We do encourage international customers to purchase from one of our international dealers - http://www.code3.net/fire/links.asp?id=69#International. We are also working to add new dealers to better serve our international customers.

Code 3 values your Membership and support.  However, CODE 3 does not and never has paid for the taxes and duty charges you may incur upon receiving the product.  All duty and taxes are the responsibility of the Collector upon receiving the product.

Next update: Friday July 16, 2010