kmistove's Blog

Re: fdny 85 / 58?

1.) The drawing is from early on in development. The correct number is 85 and is correct on the model.

2.) It's a Mack CF Pumper. I believe it's an 1980's model.

3.) It is a real rig from the Bronx. I believe it was only used for a short time.

There will be more details soon.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Collectibles/Funrise Toys

Re: 2009 Palm Beach Pierce Ladder Truck

There is no Palm Beach 2009 Pierce Ladder Truck in production for 2009 or 2010.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Collectibles/Funrise Toys

Re: SFFD Engine 10

Sorry, but the SFFD Engine 10 has been moved to September of next year.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Collectibles/Funrise Toys

Re: FDNY Engine 85

Yes, it is scheduled to ship from China next week.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Collectibles/Funrise Toys

Re: Black Friday

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. Black because it's the day that retailers expect to turn a profit and go from red to black (accountants must have named this day).

I think we are putting Engine 75 up for sale next Friday and I hope to put Ladder 114 on at the same time. I believe that both on a boat due to arrive in California very soon (next 2 weeks).

There is definitely one and hopefully two more additional models arriving before the end of the year. One that has been hinted at and correctly guessed. The other was a surprise to me because it was not added to the project management software (but still made it to production).

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: What Canadian Apparatus will be made by Code 3

It's too early to release any firm information. The truck is scheduled for May 2010. We will release more details in a few months (if not sooner).

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: Truck suggestion

I'm moving this to the "New Product Suggestions" Category.

I'll add the ladder to the suggestion list.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: Progress Tower Ladder 32

We are on record saying that we would like to produce the ladder. However, at this time I cannot say when it will happen. Sorry, but that's all the news I have at this time.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: Manufacturer license

Not for the 2010 season. It's too early for 2011.  I thought JD had mentioned talking to KME, but I may be wrong. So for now, the answer is no.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: THANKS CODE 3

When we lowered the cost of the membership earlier this year, we gave members an extra year if they renewed between October 2008 and mid March 2009.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: Will code3 make trucks from Smeal?

No, we do not have license for manufacturing Smeal apparatus.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: Spare Parts

I like the idea of supplying a set of accessory pieces for Kit Bashers. I will talk with John Dunkel about this.  I don't know if it will happen, but I think it's a great idea.

As far as a Kit Bash release... you never know what might be under the tree this Christmas.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: Updating Existing Molds ??

It's a complicated subject but I'll try to answer the best I can. You can always ask more questions if I don't cover everything.

1.) Mold modifications are fairly inexpensive. We have a fixed tooling budget and it has to be spread out over multiple projects. Once a modification is made you cannot reverse the changes and that is taken into account. Also, some projects are given no tooling dollars. This is often the case when we choose to use an older mold. I do see some mold changes on the schedule for 2010, but at this time I do not know what the extent of the changes are.

2.) It's hard to replace molded in details with new parts, for instance lights. It would most likely require a mold change to the main housing. Most of the small parts are injected molded plastic. If we have an appropriate part/mold we try to use it. If not, we have three choices - use an existing part though it is not 100% correct, create a new mold for the parts, or tampo print the detail. No matter what decision is made, there are always compromises.

3.) We are definitely looking at improving pump panels. We currently use existing panels though they are not always 100% accurate.

4.) Again, I'll mention compromises (in no way is this a compromise in quality). We can't cover everything, but we try to do our best. I know that some of our recent models are not up to the "old standards" of Code 3, collectors have made that clear to us. We are always trying to make the next model(s) better.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: spare patrs

I'm going to move this to the Kit Bashing category. Code 3 does not supply spare parts at this time.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: replacement parts

Sorry, but we do not have any replacement parts for that model.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: TWH

We will not comment on competitors.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: What drawing for a free truck?

Send me a private message with either your account number or email address. I can then look up your account and let you know what is going on.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: What drawing for a free truck?

The contest form was included along with our recent mailing of membership cards. We had a problem getting new cards and it took over 6 months (you can't believe what I went through to finally get them).

Sorry but, it was limited to the approx. 1500 cards we sent out.

I'll talk to John Dunkel about running more contests that are open to everyone.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: 2 questions for Code 3?

1.) When I help review new models (I'm starting with the 2010 season), I'll take a closer look at the mirrors.

2.) I haven't spoken to John Dunkel, but I would expect that the free model would be the winners choice from something we have in stock (1/64 scale only).

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: Membershirp Free Truck Draw

It is open to all members, not just the US.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: SHIPPING FDNY LADDER 33

I don't have access to inventory right now, but I think not until Monday. It was available for shipping on Friday. However, the warehouse may have processed open orders on Friday before the new ladder 33 orders actually got to them.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: accuracy

Any product that Code 3 manufactures is produced within the constraints in place at that time. Some projects are given a tooling budget, others are not. Releases are delayed because of factory capacity. The list goes on... This is really not the place to discuss the inner workings of Matrix/Funrise/Code 3.

Given the choice of producing models with inaccuracies (I would rather call most compromises) or producing no models, we choose to do the best we can. Have there been outright mistakes? Yes. Will we make mistakes in the future? Probably.

We are only as good as our last model in the eyes of the collectors. That being said, we always try to make the next one(s) better. Believe me, I'm doing everything I can to help Code 3 succeed.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Old Glory Flag Set Instructions

The factory forgot to include the instruction along with the Old Glory Flag sets. Below is a copy if the text that would have been on that sheet.

CODE 3 COLLECTIBLES
OLD GLORY COLLECTION
     
The American flag is the most recognized symbol of freedom and democracy in the world.
Virginia Foxx

From California to the New York Island , from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters, Fire Departments proudly fly the American Flag on their Rigs.  Now you can add Old Glory to your own replica rigs.  The Old Glory flags are designed in a scale to fit 1/64th models.  Like the real Departments, you can fit the flag wherever you feel appropriate. 

Some suggestions from “kit bashers” and model builders are:

* Find a spot on the truck where there is an assembly line and gently press the flag pole into the small opening. Between the body of the truck and the ladder is a good place to fit the flag.

* Use a very fine (Dremel) size drill bit to drill a hole in the location you want and insert the pole.  A drop of glue on the pole before inserting will secure the flag.

* Super Glue is recommended as the best adhesive to glue the Flag at an angle or straight up at an appropriate location on the truck.  Follow the glue instructions, put a small amount of glue on the pole and hold in place until set, usually one minute.

* For you really serious modelers – fashion a flag holder out of a small cocktail straw, paint the straw with aluminum spray paint, allow to dry thoroughly, mount to desired spot on truck with super glue , insert flag pole into holder.  This will allow you to remove the flag when you wash your truck or play with it.

Happy Collecting!

Re: New Flag Set

Sorry all, I've been so busy that I forgot. I'll make an official post, but for now...

* Find a spot on the truck where there is an assembly line and gently press the flag pole into the small opening. Between the body of the truck and the ladder is a good place to fit the flag.

* Use a very fine (Dremel) size drill bit to drill a hole in the location you want and insert the pole.  A drop of glue on the pole before inserting will secure the flag.

* Super Glue is recommended as the best adhesive to glue the Flag at an angle or straight up at an appropriate location on the truck.  Follow the glue instructions, put a small amount of glue on the pole and hold in place until set, usually one minute.

* For you really serious modelers – fashion a flag holder out of a small cocktail straw, paint the straw with aluminum spray paint, allow to dry thoroughly, mount to desired spot on truck with super glue , insert flag pole into holder.  This will allow you to remove the flag when you wash your truck or play with it.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys

Re: FDNY Truck 33

Compromises have to made on all models. Those reviewing and approving our models know that. We also have to work within the budget we are given for each model. While 100% accuracy would be ideal, we can only do so much.

Ken Mistove
Code 3 Webmaster
Funrise Toys