May 9, 2008 Latest News

This week I was very tempted to take the week off from the Latest News. The reason? With the release of the new FDNY Squad 61 last week it feels like things are really on the right track! Thus, a reason not to take the week off from this space. During the week a few things happened due to the releases last week and I thought it would be a good time to say a few words of thanks.

A phone call to Chicago got me hooked up with a Code 3 fan who happened to be stopping in at his favorite shop. The phone was passed to this avid collector and we were able to chat for a few minutes. It was encouraging to hear that he feels we are on the right track and was happy that the FDNY Squad 61 was on the way. Mention was made of the detail that he has noticed in the latest releases too. Thank you to this gentleman (who I would name but I forgot to ask his approval) for making my day on Tuesday.

The shop is, of course, Past-Time Hobbies and Bill Pekarik gets a thank you for suggesting that Code 3 release the FDNY Squad 61 in 1/64th Scale. In my early days with Code 3 I had numerous conversations with Bill, as well as a host of collectors and other Dealers regarding subject matter for the future. Bill was forthcoming with suggestions and always had the backup to support the recommendations. So Bill deserves a big thank you. He owes me a thank you too though, for not revealing his nickname. Maybe we’ll make that a contest down the road!

Then the two experts in New York who are so very diligent about the review of the FDNY models from all aspects of development. I enjoy working with these gentlemen who take me to task on details and have shed so much light on the rigs of the FDNY. Joe Pinto is quick to respond to so many requests and is so patient when I ask him to resend things already provide for me. The other gentleman just likes to help and remain in the wings. A big thank you for the help on these two great releases.

To the staff at both Squad 61 and Ladder 43 for their input and help. Even with busy schedules they always found time to answer questions and check the details on site. This is the case with all the FDNY companies that Code 3 has worked with. In fact it is the case with all the Departments throughout the country. But, to Ladder 43 and Squad 61 thanks for the on site verification that makes these releases so on the mark.

Thank you to those who noticed yet another missed fact on my part here in the News. What I meant to and should have said was Ladder 43 …."is one of the busiest Ladders in New York City". The correction was made as soon as I realized I had made the mistake.

The biggest THANK YOU goes to all you Collectors who stepped up to the plate and bought the models released last week. I can report that we are in a near SOLD OUT position on Squad 61. This is the encouragement needed to continue to develop models that catch your eye and keep you coming back. It also helps to secure the support for new tooling to continue to build the line, due to the support that Code 3 continues to see for the Collector world.

I had hoped to introduce you to my "Pal Joey" who deserve a lot of thanks too, but a few things happened and that was not possible, so hopefully next week.

John H. Dunkel

INTRODUCING THE INCREDIBLE FDNY SQUAD 61

Squad 61's rescue-pumper was the first Seagrave Commander II series apparatus in FDNY. This apparatus was donated to the FDNY by the management and employees of Seagrave Fire Apparatus of Clintonville, Wisconsin. The Seagrave employees sponsored various fund raising events to help defer the cost of this vehicle. The 2003 rescue-pumper, which carries FDNY registration number SP03016, was assigned to Squad Company 61 on December 17, 2003. In a special ceremony at the FDNY Fire Academy on Randall's Island, it was presented to the Fire Commissioner, the Chief of Department, and the captain, lieutenants and firefighters of Squad 61, by the President of Seagrave.

ONE OF THE BUSIEST LADDERS IN NEW YORK

FDNY Ladder Company 43

Ladder Co. 43 was originally known as Hook and Ladder 43 and was organized on November 27, 1913, in a big three door firehouse at 240-244 East 111th Street, in a section of upper Manhattan known as East Harlem. They shared those quarters with Engine Company 91, who are still located there. Their first apparatus was a 1913 American LaFrance 65 foot aerial, one of the very first motorized aerials in FDNY. On February 1, 1974, Ladder Company 43 moved to a new fire station a few blocks away, at 1836 Third Avenue, which they share with Engine Company 53. Their first alarm area consists mainly of old tenements, plus several high-rise housing projects, hospitals and numerous retail stores. They have been one of the busiest FDNY ladder companies for many years.

A HIGH PRESSURE RELEASE FOR APRIL

Annandale, VA 2004 Pierce Quantum

Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, part of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, was founded in 1940.

Annandale Virginia Engine 408, with its unique shade of red, is another model that Code 3 Collectibles has invested heavily in tooling modifications to produce this accurate replica of the Annandale Engine. Visiting this Department was a real treat as I was able to view the truck first hand and check the many details that would be included in the model. I also saw first hand the pride the Fire Fighters of this Department take in their equipment and in their job!

JUST COMING OFF THE PRODUCTION LINE!

A special model that screams detail -
Fairfax County, VA Pierce Dash Engine

One of the very dedicated Firefighters from this Company was diligent in making this machine happen. Every detail was photographed and checked by Eric Forbach to assure that the model was “dead on” to the real thing. This is one not to miss and we are sure it won’t last long. I saw it on the production line, being handled in the “clean room (air controlled area to assure no dust in the paint) by line workers with white gloves. How is that for treatment? Get it on order today!

Fairfax Virginia -2005 Pierce Dash Engine 440 operates out of the largest Fire and Rescue station in Fairfax County at over 24,000 sq. ft. 1500 GPM pumper with 625 gallon water tank and a 40 gallon foam tank. Detroit Diesel series 60, 425 HP Allison 4000 EVS transmission. Engine 440 call volume for calendar year 2007: 1468

MORE MODELS IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP

#12778 1/64 Palm Beach Gardens, FL Pierce Quantum Pumper

#12808 1/64 St. Patrick's Boston E-One Cyclone Pumper

#12996 1/32 Chicago Luverne Pumper - Diamond Plate

#12990 1/32 FDNY Seagrave Ladder 10

#12847 1/64 Boston E-One Rear Mount Ladder 25

#12854 1/64 FDNY Seagrave Rear Mount Ladder 24

Next update: Friday, May 16, 2008