FireEngines.net was proud to announce that the TWH Collectibles Kern Count Pierce Quantum was selected, by collectors from around the world, as their "Readers' Choice" model of the year!

Congratulations to TWH Collectibles, Pierce Manufacturing and the Kern County Fire Department!

A Company With a Vision

TWH Collectibles , LLC produces some of the most spectacular models available on the market today. These are not toys  they are true masterpieces that represent the real machine. Tara Westergard, Art Director at TWH Collectibles, sums it up "We view model-making as fine art that requires skill, passion and innovation. Each model goes through a painstakingly detailed process to ensure that it is engineered to meet the TWH Standard. There is a relentless drive within TWH to recreate the actual machine with precision, and to represent the brand as if it was our own. For most artists, their masterpieces are paintings or sculptures. For us, our masterpieces are our models."

Their OEM partners include: 

• Manitowoc Company
• Bucyrus® International
• LeTourneau Technologies ™
• P&H® Mining Equipment
• Pierce Manufacturing
• Oshkosh® Corporation
• Jerr-Dan® Corporation
• Valmet®  Komatsu Forest ®
• Vermeer® Corporation

Based in Manitowoc, Wisconsin , TWH Collectibles values are based on "Servant Leadership, Passion, Integrity...words not chosen in a brief discussion over an appetizer or because they sound good in a mission statement. Certainly not selected because “everyone is doing it.” TWH’s website states, “We believe in servant leadership because it is the best way to lead, and we’ve learned that from following. We value passion, and we recognize it as a gift. One that we never refuse, but always put to good use. Doing the right thing when we don’t have to or when no one is looking -- that is integrity."

Located within sight of Lake Michigan, TBL Business Development  is dedicated to helping revitalize downtown Manitowoc.  TBL Business Development has remodeled a downtown building that formerly housed a Kresge department store into  "Manitowoc Main Street"  which houses the TWH Gallery, Manitowoc Coffee, Manitowoc The Store, and the offices of TWH Collectibles.  TWH Collectibles and  Manitowoc Coffee are part of TBL Business Development.

Manitowoc's bravest visit Manitowoc Main Street
 

Manitowoc Coffee	Manitowoc Coffee
TWH Collectibles Gallery Sword Models, Peterbilt 379 Tractor with Nelson 3x3x3 Trailer and Fermentation Tank Load Click on Photo to Enlarge	TWH Collectibles Galley Pierce Display Click on Photo to Enlarge
TWH Collectibles Gallery Click on Photo to Enlarge	TWH Collectibles Gallery Click on Photo to Enlarge

Working with Pierce Manufacturing

I asked Cortney Krueger, Marketing Communications Manager for TWH, about the working relationship TWH has with Pierce Manufacturing. Cortney said,  "TWH Collectibles is privileged to work closely with Pierce Manufacturing during the entire model replication process. Beginning with licensing and project planning through model sample and marketing collateral approvals, TWH and Pierce work together at every step.

Pierce chooses department candidates through an internal selection process and then submits to TWH for consideration. TWH qualifies each candidate, primarily based on the design of the apparatus. Once approved, TWH visits the respective department to measure and photograph the apparatus. During the model development process, Pierce engineers and department personnel have opportunities to comment on the model, recommend changes, and discuss how to market the program.

The sales and marketing focus of the program is on the department and its relationship with Pierce. Each custom designed box and included literature piece is specific to each department, which offers a unique experience for the collector. Each model is intended to honor each apparatus and its custom built configuration. The Pierce model program is intended to mirror Pierce’s strengths….custom built, utmost quality, and cutting edge."

The Review

TWH COLLECTIBLES has taken the art of reproducing model fire apparatus to new heights with the introduction of five 1:50 scale Pierce Quantum Pumpers from the Kern County, California Fire Department (KCFD).

This review will center on KCFD Engine 41.    KCFD Engines 21, 42, 63 and 64 are the other engines being released by TWH.  Here is a rundown of station locations and apparatus quartered at those stations:

Station 21 303 10th St. Taft, CA.	Engine 21	Truck 21	Patrol 21	Battalion 2
Station 41 2214 Virginia Ave. Bakersfield, CA	Engine 41	Truck 41	Patrol 41	Battalion 4
Station 42 2011 Fairfax Rd. Bakersfield, CA.	Engine 42	Patrol 42
Station 63 101 Universe Ave. Bakersfield, CA	Engine 63	Engine 363 (Type III Brush Truck)
Station 64 101 E.  Roberts Lane Bakersfield, CA. 93308	Engine 64	Patrol 64

According to KCFD Deputy Chief Mike Cody, Engines 41, 42, 63, and 64 are 2007 apparatus and are just part of KCFD's 80+ Pierce fleet. Engine 21 is a 2008 and sports different markings than the rest. This engine has the "KRN" on the officer's side front KCFD did not have the California assigned license plates for it when the deadline for the model arrived. So, it was TWH's desire to make all models as accurate as possible, the other four engines have actual license plates on them, but the model of Engine 21 has a personalized plate that reads KERN CO. The real machine has a numbered California exempt plate now that it has been put in service.  

Engine 41 is powered by a 515 horsepower Detroit diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, TAK-4 ® independent front suspension with airbag rear suspension.  It carries 750 gallons of water and 35 gallons of class "A" foam with 3 five gallon cans of class "B" foam.  It is supplied by a 1500 gallon per minute Waterous single stage pump supplying various outlets including two hard rubber lines on hose reels and a removable monitor on an extend-a-gun-stang.  All KCFD engines carry a full complement of hoses, nozzles, and fittings including Hurst rescue tools and other fire fighting equipment. 

KCFD Engine 41 Photo by John McAdoo

KCFD Engine 41 Photo by John McAdoo

KCFD Engine 41
Photo by John McAdoo

John Moore, TWH Collectibles Director of Product Development explains the relationship between TWH and the KCFD, "The relationship between Kern County Fire Department (KCFD) and TWH Collectibles started with a simple visit by both parties to the Pierce manufacturing facility located in Appleton, WI, in May 2007. At that time, KCFD was performing a final inspection of some new Pierce Quantum Pumpers before taking delivery.  Pierce had recently selected KCFD as a participant for its Quantum Pumper model program. TWH had scheduled a KCFD Quantum Pumper photograph session during that time for purposes of replicating the machines into models. At that meeting, TWH was able to meet multiple members of the KCFD staff including Deputy Chief Michael Cody – an individual responsible for the success of the Kern County Fire Department and also a truly valuable resource and ally for TWH in the making of the KCFD Quantum Pumper models.

Over the course of upcoming months, TWH continued to learn more about KCFD. In April 2008, TWH visited Deputy Chief Cody and KCFD. During that visit, TWH learned of the expansive services KCFD offered, the vast territory for which it was geographically responsible, and the impact the KCFD had on the community it served. This included fire protection for over 650,000 citizens in Kern County with a range of services including (but not limited to) responding to structure fires, fighting wild land fires, attending to vehicle accidents, deploying HAZMAT teams, performing helicopter rescues, providing urban search and rescue services, offering airfield crash rescue services, deploying strike teams and assisting multiple adjacent fire response units, and performing public education services. Upon commencement of that visit, it was mutually understood that a win-win situation was at hand. It was immediately agreed upon to pursue a KCFD family of models so Deputy Chief Cody could succeed in promoting the KCFD message to local and national communities. "

Johns lets us in on a little secret when he admits "The Pierce Quantum Pumper is the first of multiple models to be made for Deputy Chief Cody and KCFD."

The model is hand built using about 175 parts.  The model's dimensions are: 

• Length: 8" (203mm)
• Width: 2" (51mm)
• Height: 2.5" (64mm)
• Weight: 0.95 lbs. (0.43kg)

The model features a tilting cab that lifts open to reveal a detailed diesel engine and transmission. The mechanism that locks the cab in place is really a great piece of engineering. This mechanism is barely noticeable, allowing the collector to display the model with the cab tilted open. Additionally, just like in the real apparatus, there is a device that keeps the cab in the open position.

Engine 41 with cab open notice detailed plumbing Click on Photo to Enlarge

Model with cab open Click on Photo to Enlarge

There is also a pivoting ladder rack with removable extendable ladder. The extension ladder is a workable representation of a three section ladder. Additionally, the top section can easily be removed and displayed as a roof ladder.

The model also features opening diamond plated top hose crosslay doors. The diamond plate throughout this model is to scale and very well done.

The hose in the hose bed is made of molded plastic and is highly detailed. At one point, TWH Collectibles considered using a different hose material, but could not find anything they could reproduce to the scale and detail found in molded plastic. On top of the hose are a number of tools. The hose is not weathered, which might not sit well with some collectors.

The rollup compartment doors and handles are impressive. They are highly detailed and to scale. Unlike the doors on the Oshkosh Striker® models, these rollups do not open.

Engine 42 with pivoting ladder rack and opening crosslay doors

These models actually have rotating hose reels.  This is something I never noticed until it was pointed out to me by a fellow collector.  The hose and nozzles are accurate and to scale.  Even the piping to the hose reel is reproduced in great detail.  Over and over, you see the quality that TWH Collectibles builds into their models.  As one collector put it, "you can look at this model all day and never capture every detail."

Engine 42 showing rotating hose reels and opening cover for crosslays

I have never been a real fan of steerable wheels, until now. The steerable wheels, or as I like to call them "poseable wheels", really add to the static display of this model. In keeping with TWH Collectibles "relentless drive to recreate the actual machine" they added functioning suspension, a rotating radiator fan and antenna.

Without question, the most spectacular features of this model are the realistic air, hydraulic and electrical hose and wire lines just like those of the real Pierce Quantum. I can't imagine the time it takes to reproduce this.
There is also under-frame mounted lighting as shown in the photo below.

Detail of undercarriage showing plumbing
Photo by Richard Krom
 

Detail below cab Photo by Richard Krom

Detail of Chassis Photo by Richard Krom

DETAIL! DETAIL! DETAIL!

As you move around this model, you see TWH Collectibles made every effort to build into the model the museum quality they are so famous for! Take a look at the photo below. Nothing is left out. From the electrical line going into the light bar, the highly detailed and the solid metal (yes metal) mirrors. WOW! The lights consist of clear and opaque clear lens. 

For many collectors, the pump panel is the center piece of a fire apparatus model. This model's pump panel provides outstanding detail. Without question, more detail than found on any other model of this scale! TWH takes the detail to the next step as the collector will find simulated diamond plate around the gauges.

 

Engine 41 pump panel

Model's pump panel

The cab features a fully detailed interior. Typically the interior goes unnoticed but here it is a big part of TWH's plan to make the best custom built models  on the market today. Inside you can see, among other things, a fully detailed dashboard and instrument panel,
Command Zone ™ computer screen with colored knobs and Pierce logo, Pierce logos on the seats, seatbelts, and steering wheel.

The graphics on these models are clean and crisp. The Pierce logos around the model are raised tampo printed graphics, showing greater detail than any other model I have seen to date. Even the mud flaps have the Pierce logos on them. Graphics on all five Kern County release stay true to the actual apparatus.
 

The rear end of the model is also unique. It is the first model, that I know of, to use fabric for the hose bed cover, again being true to the real apparatus. The rear lights are made of colored and clear plastic. Of particular interest is the direction bar, again made of colored plastic. Some of the smaller lights are painted.  The model also comes with four wheel chocks!

I've always been impressed with packaging of a model.  Foremost, I want the  model to arrive in good shape.  I also like the model's packaging to be visually appealing and contain information about the real apparatus. 

TWH does an extremely good packing their models.  This model required me to add the mirrors, ladder, and deck gun.  In less than two minutes, it was ready for display.

Julie Koch, Senior Graphic Designer at TWH Collectibles did an outstanding job on the design of box and all printed material in the box. There is a very informative, foldout, pamphlet about the Kern County Fire Department and a booklet about Pierce Manufacturing.

Conclusion

Nicholas Neumann, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TWH sums up his view of this spectacular program  “It has been a distinct pleasure for TWH to work with Chief Cody and his team at Kern County. We are particularly proud of the Kern County Quantum Pumper as it has been a journey full of learning and improvements for all involved. The model is built to honor the department, the apparatus, and create an experience…one that begins with sliding the model packaging out of the mail order box revealing the Kern County badge. The collector will appreciate the custom designed Kern County box and included literature, as well as the Pierce Quantum Chassis and Pumper product guides.”

“Kern County is very proud of their Pierce Quantum Pumpers and the role these machines play in the department’s mission. Our goal is that the models are appreciated in the same way, as pristine pieces that make the collector proud.”

Deputy Chief Cody echoes my opinion, "The TWH team of Nicholas Neumann, John Moore, and Dave Wanek have been great to work with. They all have been very concerned, attentive to detail, accuracy, product development and overall customer satisfaction. I really have to thank the President of Pierce Manufacturing, Wilson Jones, and the Pierce Marketing folks for choosing the Kern County Fire Department's Quantum fire apparatus to be produced by such an awesome marketing company - TWH Collectibles. I have had the opportunity to visit their offices in Manitowoc, WI, and seen how they are really putting a very nice operation together."

TWH Collectibles, along with Pierce Manufacturing, have created a model fire apparatus well worth celebrating.  It is the result of passionate people that come to work every day in order to produce museum quality models for collectors from around the world. 

As one fellow collector put it, "This thing is fantastic. I wish I could say more, but I'm still admiring the astonishing detail."   Folks, I could go on and on about the staggering detail of this model but, this review has to end somewhere.  Simply said, you have to see it to believe it!

Finally, collectors come in all forms and sizes.

Photo by Richard Krom

On a WOW factor of 1-5, I give the TWH Collectibles KCFD Pierce Quantum a 5!
 

A special thanks to the following:

John Breivogel - Sales Associate at TWH Collectibles
Mike Cody - Deputy Chief Kern County Fire Department
Richard Krom - Tucson Fire Department
Cortney Krueger - Marketing Communications Manager at TWH Collectibles
John McAdoo - Deputy Sheriff Kern County
John Moore - Director of Product Development at TWH Collectibles
Nicholas Neumann - Vice President of Sales and Marketing at TWH Collectibles
Mike Quinn - Attorney and fellow collector
Tara Westergard - Art Director at TWH Collectibles

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., Pierce and the Pierce logo, Quantum, Saber, VLH, VLH and TAK-4 are registered trademarks, Control Zone, Velocity, Impel, Arrow XT, and Command Zone are trademarks, and Perform Like No Other, and 360 Protection from Every Angel design are service marks, of Pierce Manufacturing Inc., Appleton, WI.