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West Yorkshire fire engine gets miniaturised

A fire engine in West Yorkshire has been miniaturised - and is already proving a hit with collectors.

Miniature version of a West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service engine

Oxford Diecast has created the 1:76 scale model of the vehicle, which is a replica of the real-life pump ladder used by firefighters at Rawdon Station.

People as far away as New Zealand have been snapping up the replica to use on model railways, or to include in collections. One said: “This is a really exceptional 1/76 scale model. I am an avid fire appliance collector in this scale. The detail and livery is spot on for West Yorkshire.” Another added: “Absolutely chuffed and happy with this item - I would recommend buying it, lovely details and sits nicely on my model railway.”

The Volvo FL Emergency One Pump Ladder vehicle is the first model that Oxford Diecast has created of a West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) engine and it is currently available for £29.95.

Eloise Davies, managing director at Oxford Diecast, said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring this miniature version of a West Yorkshire fire engine to life. It is a first-class replica of its real-world counterpart, and we are sure that collectors everywhere will be delighted with it.

“We decided to add a new current fire appliance to our range and consulted with our ‘fire expert’ who suggested the Volvo FL Emergency One. After obtaining permission from both Volvo and Emergency One, Emergency One supplied us with the drawings for the model and suggested we used the West Yorkshire vehicle for the images we required. These were kindly supplied by the service’s Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton.”

Tom Haynes, Crew Commander at Rawdon Fire Station, said: "It's amazing how much detail has been put into this model – and how similar it looks to the real thing. It really is incredible and I'm sure it will bring back fond memories for people who were involved in using the real engine, or have seen us out and about in West Yorkshire."

The model is available here: https://www.oxforddiecast.co.uk/products/volvo-fl-emergency-one-pump-ladder-west-yorkshire-76veo001

Photo credit: Miniature fire engine credit Ian U via Oxford Diecast