Seagrave TDA New London 25

Simply Superior

Posted by Mike Slepetz on 21st Feb 2011

I've been collecting TWH models for some time now and was excited with their move into scale fire apparatus. I knew, based upon my Oshkosh, Peterbilt and Valmet models that any effort made by TWH would be simply the best available.

I currently own three Seagrave tillers, and while Leesburg and Stock Ladder 3 (a generic lime/white version of the Leesburg mold) are spectacular, I have realized that New London Truck 25 is my favorite of all three.

Something about the "no frills" look of the truck gives it a simple but strong appeal. While in no way a "stripped down" TDA, A25 does not overindulge in glitz and glamor. It has what it takes to get the job done and nothing more. I especially like the painted steel rims (as opposed to polished aluminum), which give the truck a "no-nonsense", rugged look. It's a well designed, good looking truck that is "simply superior".

TWH replicates A25 superbly. The attention to detail is magnificent, the fit and finish flawless and the engineering ingenious. The operating aerial, outrigger/stabilzers and tilting cab show tight tolerances that when closed or retracted display no "toylike" gaps. The operating suspension and steering on both cab and tiller function like the "real steel".

The bright red/white paint is without runs, blemishes or defects, the black shadowed gold-leaf lettering, minimal striping and full color town seals on the cab doors are sharp and well executed. The myriad of warning labels found on the real truck are present on the model, and even at their miniscule size are legible under magnification.

The cab details are well-scaled and "look right", from the a/c condenser, antennas and scene lights to the beautiful Whelen LED bar and Federal Q recessed in the bumper. The enclosure for the hydraulic generator aft of the cab is a work of art itself with finely etched grills and accurate hose reels. Light lenses on the head/tail/turn lights and supplemental warning lights are all clear/tinted plastic and very realistic. The aerial ladder is well proportioned and well detailed with hydraulic cylinders (with associated hoses), accurate side and cross-bracing, and ladder controls on the fly section along with an axe. The remote-controlled nozzle on the end of the prepiped waterway (pinned to the third ladder section) has sharp minute detail as well.

I especially enjoy displaying A25 next to Leesburg Truck 601, which demonstrates "one extreme to the other". Even without all the ancillary lights, bells, gold leaf et al, A25 easily holds it's own against the more well-optioned cousin from Virginia. In fact, with the two side-by-side, the simple attractiveness of the New London rig is evident.

After studying several photos of the real rig, I could find only one real discrepancy on the model; the real A25 has gold leaf lettering spelling out NEW LONDON on the rear bulkhead of the tiller over the rear windshield. This is not present on the model. Perhaps when studied and photographed for reference purposes by TWH, this lettering had yet to be applied to the real rig. Regardliss, this in NO way dimishes the model. It was simply a forgivable minor oversight.

Anyone who plans on collecting the Seagrave TDA's should do themselves a favor and secure a New London rig. While not as fancy as the others, it is beautiful in it's simplicity.

TWH continues to set the standard for diecast fire apparatus in accuracy, quality and beauty. I eagerly look forward to their future releases.