Major Project Taking Shape

[Bri]

A couple members here already knew about this project, but I have begun to gather info, blueprints, and the necessary materials needed to start this behemoth of a project.
I will be building a fully functional fire station in 1/25th scale. This station will be fully equipped with apparatus and furnishings to replicate the real deal. Working lights, an operating siren on the roof and actual radio transmissions will also be included in the project.
So far I have several kits to build for this diorama and it will house at least 6 pieces of apparatus. The overhead doors will also be fully operational and will most likely be made of clear acetate or something stronger. I have searched the internet looking for simple, yet effective fire stations that were large enough to house the trucks I have in mind I finally came across this image.



As you can see, it's quite large, but at least it will house the models I have planned for it.
The kits I plan on building for this project include:

Revell Peterbuilt Pumper
AMT American LaFrance Ladder Chief
AMT American LaFrance Pumper
Trumpeter American LaFrance Pumper
Ford C600 with AMT ALF Pumper Body
Ford Louisville Hauler converted to a Heavy Rescue
Revell Chevy Impala Fire Chief Car
JoHan Cadillac Ambulance

I may add some more and would like to find an international chassis to use with the ALF pumper body. I am also looking to add a mini pumper utilizing the 1/32 Mack pumper body on possible a Dodge Ram or Chevy Silverado chassis.

As you can see, it's going to be quite an undertaking, but one I am really looking forward to getting started on. Once I get settled in the new place and get my Astro built, I will most likely tackle the first truck and the fire station itself. This is easily the biggest project I've ever taken on, so I'll need lots of luck, that's for sure! God only knows how long it's going to take to finish this project.

[dieseldoc]

What an under taking this is going to be. There is one piece of equipment not on your list. The Unimog rescue truck. I have seen the body of this model on a paystar chassis and it looks quite amazing. I wish you luck in this endevor and hope to see it completed.

[cfnutcase]

Glad to see someone else doing something huge like that! I am doing a complete CF terminal..Jim

[455 Rocket]

Looks like a great project! I too have been stock piling for a hotrod garage I will build one day. Can't wait to see your progress. I'm sure I'll get plenty of building tip from it.

[b s express]

I have most of the stuff for a small business garage also on the to-do list , BUT this looks like a whole city block,
W O W !!!!!! You will need a Budget rental truck to get to the shows.

[rwaldram]

NY03SS, have you thought about 'modernising' the old AMT American LaFrance kit's? i've been thinking about getting one of the new trumpeter American LaFrance pumpers and trying to source a couple more of the cab's to do a new version of the Ladder Chief and the Aero Chief.

I was thinking about having a sort of a 'Then and Now' theme, you might be able to use the new versions in this build as they would certanly fit in with the Peterbilt and some of the other newew style kits.

Also, Revell have just released a new piece of fire apparatus, although it's a euro truck you might be able to use the majority of it and just put a different cab on it such as the COE mack like that used in the 1/32 kit.

[Bri]

I had thought about updating the older ALF kits with the newer apparatus kits, but the Aerochief snorkel truck is no longer produced by ALF so that rig is kinda ruled out. I am trying to figure out how to convert the Ladder Chief to a midmount ladder truck though rather than the rearmount and that truck would definitely lend itself well to a modern cab.
Many of the 9000 Century Series ALF trucks were refurbed and had quad headlights installed, replacing the round headlights as well as other modern appearance upgrades which wouldn't be hard to do on the AMT kits.
The fire station itself will be built in sections that will fit together to help reduce the hassle of transporting it to shows and so forth. Not that this display will go to many shows anyways, but it will make a few appearances.
I am still collecting pieces and parts to put into this project and will most likely start assembling the station once the new model room is up and running.

[locoengr]

"Speechless" is the only thing I am. I cannot wait to see this project get going. To have the 'hutzpah' to even think about something of this size amazes me. Did you post pics of all these fire units somewhere as I remember a builder showing off (rightly so too!) all their work on ? site. Just don't remeber if it was here or.?!

[78KW]

This will be a cool project!!!. Are you going to include firemen, too? What gave you the inspiration for this project? Anyway best of luck. I like the other diorama ideas I've seen here as well. Maybe a page/board could be started just for dioramas, that way you, Jim, and the others have a place to display your work. I have some diorama ideas I would love to try myself, if I EVER get finished moving.