1:72 Working Vehice Fire Ladder Truck Otsu Municipal Fire Department

The real subject

An aerial ladder truck is a fire-fighting special whose main part is a long extending ladder mounted on a rotating base behind the cab. It serves for the rescue of people from upper floors and for fire fighting from a height that a stream of water from the ground does not reach. So that the vehicle does not overbalance when the ladder is extended, it rests on outriggers that fold out at the sides of the frame. This specific vehicle is worked out in the markings of the municipal fire department of the Japanese city of Otsu, so the lettering and the beacons characteristic of the fire equipment there stand out on the model.

What the kit contains

A plastic kit in 1:72 scale. In this scale a fire truck comes out as a small model which fits on a shelf next to aircraft and equipment of the same scale and suits a smaller diorama as well. The number of parts, the extent of the printing and which sections are movable are given in the maker's instructions.

Building and painting tips

First try to put the parts together dry, because with the ladder and its mounting in particular it pays to check the fit before the glue comes. Cut off the small separate parts, such as the outriggers, the mirrors and the beacons, only just before gluing, otherwise they are easily lost. The red color of the body needs a light base so that it is saturated; apply it in several thin coats. The glass of the beacons stands out when it is painted silver and overlaid with a clear color. Before the decals, let the paint cure and overcoat the surface with a gloss varnish, so that the decals do not silver.

• scale 1:72, a plastic kit
• the subject is a fire-fighting aerial ladder truck
• the markings of the Otsu municipal fire department
• the number of parts and the extent of the printing are given in the maker's instructions

Terms of supply

Paints, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.