Well, it is as done as it is going to be. All in all, I an relatively OK with how it turned out. I don't think Griffin is going to be happy playing with it though since the ladder is EXTREMELY difficult to extend and he will be frustrated in seconds. But when it is extended, it is indeed long and distinguished
However, the design doesn't let the bucket sit vertical when the ladder is at an angle. Since the weight of the ladder will not let it stay at an angle, and the support system provided was even impossible for me to manipulate I made a support bar that holds the ladder at various angles...
I added some features to attempt to strengthen things. There are metal pistons in the ladder hydraulics.
a plate to support the ladder rest as well as rails to limit sideways movement of the ladder.
The scratch built rear lights did not turn out as well as I had hoped for, but look better than the stock lights.
Now for the promised pocket door that covers the fuel tank.
Full disclosure: the cab no longer tilts all the way so that it holds itself open with that front center nose feature hitting the bumper
Some final shots...
I left several things off that would break immediately such as bull horns and flood lights and other protrusions.
This was far more fun than I expected and I definitely want to do another fire truck. I would have never chosen it to build so I have to thank Griffin for expanding my horizons. Thanks for watching everyone.