Chicago O'Hare Oshkosh 8x8 Striker 4500 - ARFF 6510

I had dreamed about it, Fire replicas did it ! The Striker 3000 TWH lined up in my shop window, a 3000 shortcut had become a 1500, a 3000 lengthened with the remainders had become a 4500 for Detroit Airport the last Striker TWH was dedicated to a vehicle from Chicago Airport Discussions on the orientation of the flag on the right side of the Striker TWH animated the forums And today... I received my Striker Fire Replicas ... wow ... what finesse, what precision of reproduction, what quality of painting Again, we want other monsters like this one

Another OUTSTANDING model, fantastic detail. Paint, & markings very well done. The usual excellent packaging. Would like to see a classic Walter Motors CFR unit in the future.

An unbelievable model sporting the most critical detail that is found on working Crash trucks. This model exceeds all standards, and would be a most welcome addition to any collector of fine airfield memorabilia. The real rig is impressive and this model follows in its impressive scale and detail. This is a museum quality investment for generations!

It was January 2019 when Fire Replicas (FR) made it “official”…that the long rumored Oshkosh 8x8 Striker ARFF would be released 3rd quarter 2019. (We had to wait 9 months, what’s up w/that?) So, what is “3rd quarter? Did that mean July, August or September…..NOoooooooooooooo!!) Well CFD #6510 was finally released for pre-order August 3rd……and they went quick! Then came the interminable wait for shipping….early October! On 10/4 I received an E-Mail from FR that the status of my Striker order had changed…it had been shipped. I proceeded to check the UPS tracking site once or twice a day to confirm an ETA of 10/9. Just to make sure, I’d sit on the curb, waiting for “Big Brown” to drive up……alas the 7th & 8th he just drove by….hands up in the air, “Nope nothing today!” Then came the 9th…I had received UPS’s notice of “delivery tomorrow” again I sat on the curb…..the cold hard concrete does nothing for one’s aged back, but wait I did. I heard the truck, it was almost here, the long awaited Oshkosh Striker would soon be in my hands! (and if the driver would help me off the curb I’d take it inside and place it on the shelf in its long designated spot.) As the truck eased around the corner & stopped across the street……the driver disappeared into the back, he returned to his seat, started the engine and drove off……again raised his hands…”nope”. I chased him down the street like a rabid dog (not knowing what I’d do if I caught him)…….he sped off leaving me in his dust…..I found the nearest curb…didn’t have to be mine…and sat, bewildered, muttered somethings I know better than to have said…….trudged home, dejected how could the FR gods have frowned on me so? The afternoon progressed……no return appearance of UPS…….I almost thought about getting on line and ordering the FR CFD #655, so at least I’d get a Striker. Before making that leap, I called UPS and finally talked w/a real person…..she got ahold of the driver…..it seems whoever had loaded the big brown that morning was new and piled a bunch of bigger boxes out of delivery sequence in front of the Striker, so the driver had to deliver several dozen/hundred boxes before he could get to mine. (There’s no way they were as important as my FR Striker.) But finally about 8:15PM again the rumble of the brown truck……there I was, sitting on the curb….the young guy took pity on me, helped me up and carried the big box to my front door. The glint of the new blade in the utility knife flashed rays of light as the tape of the outer box gave way to my skilled incisions, revealing once again the Styrofoam peanuts and the white packing case we’ve all come to appreciate when pursuing our latest treasure. (Reminiscent of Ralph opening his Red Ryder on Christmas morning in the Holiday Classic “Christmas Story”) Finally, 10 months after it was made “official” here it was in my hands: the Striker…….and was it ever worth the wait. Each time I look at it I find something I hadn’t seen before, I’d suggest if it’s not on the model, it’s not on the real thing! This museum replica is a thing of beauty. As a retired RN-Paramedic, I’ve had the opportunity to visit/climb in/over several different USAF ARFF units (Various Oshkosh models, but never a Striker) I’d say this model is as real as it gets…… The “slime lime” aviation yellow paint job and the various graphics are the customary flawless perfection. From the logos on the head rests, to the air horns under the cab, the etched chain steps into the cab, to the detail of the engine and the roll up compartment doors, it doesn’t get any better. But it does, don’t overlook the “little giant” folding ladder on the roof and the lines of the Snozzle, to the handles of the various points of access and the jewel like quality of the booster tank fill status…..what not to love? It’s obvious why this Fire Replicas 1/50th scale Oshkosh 8x8 Striker ARFF deserves a front row spot in everyone’s display. Once again, Nicholas and the entire staff at Fire Replicas has hit another grand slam. Thank you…….and now to make room for the next treasure…………………………………….?

Hope the Chicago models keep oncoming - time for a Mack L pumper or FWD rigs!

WOW...another stellar replica from Fire Replicas. The Chicago O'Hare Oshkosh Striker is magnificent. The first thing besides the Yellow/Green paint job is the size of the Striker. If you thought the Jack Daniels Engine Tanker was huge you have to see this truck. The details surpass the TWH Strikers produced years ago. The details on the Snozzle are amazing with all the bolts, wires, and other parts that are from tip to stern on the boom assembly. The fine details along the top of the truck with diamond plate, tool box and ladders are awesome. The tank fill markers are impressive as they are large and stand out. The detail of the Chicago markings make this truck just pop. Hats off to hopefully what could be a series of Airport trucks down the road.