Blue Light Models ― A History and Collector's Guide

Emergency Services Vehicle Models is a brief but comprehensive look at fire, police and ambulance toys and models from around the world - and across the decades. Within the pages there are examples of plastic, diecast metal and tinplate vehicles in scales ranging from the very small (often intended to add a scenic touch to model railways) through various sized toys to the more highly detailed collectors’ models. This book asks the question 'why collect?', and gives thoughts on how to specialise so your collection does not take over your life – and home, where to source additions to your hoard, and how to store and display them.

Perhaps you remember the thrill when, as a youngster, you heard the sound of an approaching siren, then relived the experience pushing your toy fire engine round the table. Maybe you can discover your inner child on the pages of this volume. If you have had a personal involvement with the emergency services, you may prefer the more accurate representations of vehicles you have driven. We all have our reasons but share the same passion.

While not attempting to be a definitive reference work, it may inspire you to start your own collection whatever the motivation. After all, discovering what is out there for yourself is part of the fun of the hobby – enjoy!

Adrian Levano has been collecting toys all his life - and on his many travels is always on the hunt for interesting additions to add to his large hoard. This has led to a totally unique collection including items which, especially in the early years, were not common in the UK. Despite working on the ?real thing’ for some years, his collecting interest is still as strong as ever, and he now edits the club magazine for one of the longest running collectors clubs in Britain.