NO.30 FIRE ENGINE
Impy (1967-1971) / Commercials (1972-76) / Souvenir (1980-84)
A fire engine is a must for any range of toy cars and Lone Star added one to the Impy line-up in 1967 based on an AEC Mercury with a Merryweather turntable ladder body. This is another well-proportioned and nicely-detailed model only perhaps spoilt slightly by the chunky looking plastic ladder.
The Impy version received Hi-Speed wheels in 1972 when it joined the new ‘Commercials’ range. Also at this time the metal bells on the cab roof were replaced with blue lights. Although the body was always red a number of colour variations exist on the turntable and plastic ladder. From 1975 the diecast turntable was replaced by a plastic one.
The fire engine was part of the rare ‘Silver Commercials’ range receiving a plated silver body fitted with either a red or white plastic ladder.
Like several other Commercial and Flyers models, the fire engine went on to enjoy an extended life once these ranges had been discontinued. It appeared in the ‘Souvenirs’ range (numbered 1252) along with a ‘black cab’ taxi and Routmaster bus. Obviously these were primarily aimed at the London tourism market. In this form the fire engine (now with a plastic base) lasted into the mid-1980s.
impy (1968-71)
COMMERCIALS (1971-76)
