Fire fighters and their gear have been a mainstay of the playmobil universe since the early eighties. Every few years they revamp the whole line and come out with new stuff. This year, the fire vehicles are compatible with the RC Module, so you can drive them around! I have video where we play around with the RC capability of the Ladder Truck ready in a few days, but for now, check out all my pics.
This ladder truck is fairly large and features a new looking cab. The most recent firetruck was a Target “exclusive,” and not very popular with the collectors. This is completely different. The truck cab features a flat front end, consistent with our tradition fire trucks. There is a blinking siren (AAA batteries not included) on the roof. Pop off the roof of the cab and you can place the firefighters behind the wheel. There are two lift-up doors to the storage area and the ladder unit features some cool detail.
I like the ladder unit on the back. The base is able to spin 360° and the ladder can raise to almost 45°. There are two hydrolic pistons that appear at the base when you raise the ladder up, and there is a control seat at the base for the supporting officer. But the thing I like most is the knob that you turn to extend the ladder. There are little teeth under the ladder so it slides forward very smoothly (and then holds its position) when you turn the knobs. Then there is a fully posable basket at the top for the fire fighter to make their rescues. The climbing fire fighter can hang on to the side railing when its fully extended, but not when they’re doubled up.
I really like that four stabilizers slide out for when the ladder is extended (so it won’t get top heavy and topple over). They’re pretty easy for older children to slide in and out and lock into place. Simply rotate the base part to slide the foot into the stabilizer and then slide it into the truck.
The truck itself is a lot of fun, my son is almost three years old and he loved putting the figures all over the truck and positioning the ladder and then having the fire fighter climb up the ladder. We also had a blast when he was driving the truck with the RC unit swapped in. It is pretty fun racing your truck to the scene of the emergency and jumping to action. (Video coming shortly)
One little thing I liked was that the emergency number call out (911) for each country was on the decal sheet. This also helps save playmobil money, but if you want to put up the three digit code for your favorite country (its on the sheet) you have that option.
You get two fire fighters (one male, one female, nice!) and they come with helmets and gloves. You also get a flashlight, a radio, a length of hose, a chainsaw, and an evacuation sled that slides into the storage unit.
The cons:
The truck is really well made, and has tons of play features. But there were a few things that I wish I could change. I need more! I want maybe two more fire fighters, or at least a whole bunch more accessories… like some axes or crowbars that have come with previous fire fighting sets, some gas masks with oxygen tanks, maybe even a victim to rescue. I mean, honestly, it’s probably intentional… I feel driven to pick up a few more sets so we can have some decent adventures together. And maybe it’s an American thing, but almost all electronic toy firetrucks make sound. Sirens, horns, racing engines… I think this toy could have benefited from some sound effects as well. I’ll agree with this decision to keep all the extras minimal if its what helps keep the price reasonable. $55 is pretty reasonable for a set this large. (But please note that the RC Unit is an additional $55) Also note that I was provided this set to review. So, if anything, I wish there was more. (This photo features pieces from multiple sets)
Yes, there are cheaper toy fire trucks out there, but this is one of the best playmobil fire trucks to be available in many years. There is a “matching” Fire Engine that comes with a load of accessories (but only one fire fighter?)
You can find this fire truck at your favorite playmobil retailer or online at the playmobil web site in August.
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