SSB Resins

1/24 FDNY Type-1 Ford E-450 Ambulance

Kit Number: AMB01R

In-Box Review by  Chris Mobley, IPMS# 42891

MSRP: $95.00 Available From SSB Resins - www.ssbresins.com, 213.219.8260 Just released from SSB Resins is their third complete kit offering of a Ford E-450 FDNY Ambulance. This release offers the only complete kit in plastic or resin of a modern style ambulance available right now. As with the previous kits from SSB the kit arrives packaged very well to prevent damage during shipping. The major components are separated to prevent rubbing and the smaller parts are contained in separately labeled bags packaged inside of a large bag. The instructions are a single sheet but should be no problem with assembly for any experienced builder which the kit is directed towards. The cab is nicely done with very little flash. The details are crisp and are also found on the inside for the door panels as well. The bumper and grill are separate which would allow for easier painting of the parts. The dashboard and console looks like it should be easy to have details stand out and the only thing I see that might missing is the radio, siren controls and gauge cluster details. The radio and siren could be scratch built or pulled from the parts bin and gauges from a spare decal sheet. The model is curbside so no engine is provided.

The body shows a standard set up for most ambulance bodies so it could be useful in recreating many departments' vehicles. The diamond plate is nice and crisp and looks to be pretty close to scale. Doors have round slam locks which are nicely detailed. The inside is open leaving the option to scratch build an interior if you wish. The one piece chassis is provides the floor for the box. Additional assembly instructions provided to me were to connect the cab to the body, you may want to drill holes in both the cab and body and mount plastic anchors with glue. This should allow you to have flawless connections.

The chassis as I mentioned is one piece and very solid. There is a rear suspension provided. The wheels are attached with metal axles so the weight of the kit should not be an issue.

The detail parts are many. Several colors of lights are provided and the lenses look great. A light bar is not included but can be obtained through other suppliers as you will need to do for decals. Windshield and tinted glass for the box are provided. The tint looks to be just right with it not being to dark and not to light either just like on most actual ambulances.

This should be a treat to build for many people that have been looking for a modern ambulance. The details and amount of resin you get makes it well worth the price of the kit. The SSB Resins E-450 Ambulance comes highly recommended from what I see with the kit. Also included with the kit was notice of three more ambulance kits coming between now and May 08, an LAFD Type -2 E-450, LA Co FD Paramedic Rescue Squad Crew Cab F-450 and a Chicago Type -1 F-450 Cab. This was great news to see in a market where there is little to choose from. Thanks to SSB Resins for the review sample.

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