|
Several notable 12-inch (1:6 scale)
firefighter figures have been released in recent years
by Hasbro, 21st Century Toys, Blue Box Toys, and Gearbox
Collectibles. Though varied in price ($25 to $75),
they're all well-detailed with very realistic
accessories. So realistic, in fact, you'll need to
pack extra patience for those super-small straps and
clothing fasteners. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
From Hasbro ,
a number of fire- and rescue-related G.I. Joe figures
(and accessory packs) have hit the shelves in the last
couple of years. Best of the best are two boxed
figures, "Search and Rescue Firefighter"
and "Navy Crash Crew Firefighter." The
former is a structural firefighter outfitted with SCBA,
axe, and thermal imager; the latter updates the classic
1960s figure with modern aluminized gear, SCBA, pry bar,
and extinguisher. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| 21st Century Toys also produced a structural firefighter,
both in yellow and black, as well as smokejumper and
brush firefighter figures. All three have accurate
accessories, from chainsaw to brush rake to parachute
pack. Other figures in their "America's
Finest" series include a fire department helicopter
pilot and a female Emergency Medical Technician complete
with backboard and jump kit. The miniature medic also
has green hair, at least those sold in Raleigh, North
Carolina. Go figure. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| On the foreign front, Blue Box Toys released
this nifty Frenchman about twelve months ago. He's
equipped with the usual gloves, boots, coats, pants,
breathing gear, and one of those wild, dual-visor
helmets. Neat utility belt, too! Detail photos are
available here.
Blue Box also produced a less-remarkable American
firefighter that looks like this. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| The newest miniature heroes on the block are from Gearbox,
a "nostalgic firemen" series featuring an
1850's volunteer firefighter (released late last year)
and a 1896 "masked hero" wearing a Vagen Bader
smoke hood (just out). These are hand-painted
issues with exceptional extras like metal pike poles,
leather-like buckets, and working wooden extension
ladders. A planned third figure is a 1930's
fireman. |
|
|
A version of this column originally appeared at
Code 3 Collectibles.
Copyright 2023 by Michael J. Legeros
|