FINALLY, UPDATE ON FRR 1/43 DODGE DIPLOMAT!

[FRR INFO]

It's taken awhile but I'm pleased to announce that an improved version of the Motor Max based 1/43 scale Dodge Diplomat will happen offered exclusively through First Response Replicas.

After alot of back and forth the only way to make this work will be for us to tool the additional needed parts to bring it up to a standard collectors and custom builders will find favor with. We'll source the basic unpainted, unassembled parts from MM and have them finished in our factory along with the rest of our police line. They will be an FRR manufactured product.

New tooling will include: an accurate three piece wheel, tire and dog dish hubcap, era correct push bumper, a more accurate hood ornament, front license plate bracket, left and right outside mirrors and additional roof light options. Whip antennas and spotlights will be sourced from the existing FRR molds. Interiors will be painted in an era correct color vs. molded in blank.

And before you guys rush to fill up my in box, yes, blanks will be available. At least a pre-painted white and one or two black and white schemes. As with our other blanks no holes will be drilled and a complete accessory parts bag will be included. Additionally, by tooling our own era correct parts they'll be offered in our "Parts Department" for your kit-bashing enjoyment.

Initial releases will include two premiers waiting on this car and a few major cities. Some states will follow. Production of each decorated version will be in limited numbers.

With enhancements this model should be a worthwhile addition to your collections and custom builders should relish the new model building opportunities.
 
First Response Replicas remains dedicated to the 1/43 scale police model collector.

[doug]

great news. now all we need is the early 90's crown vic's. forgot to add any chance we will see the MM ford taurus

[techcomm]

Dennis:

This will definitely be one of the best sellers! This is tremendous news. The 1:24 MM version is gaining much interest from older collectors in our market. With this news, we will no doubt be adding to our build capabilities for our collectors. The small customizers here on the Canadian side of the 49th, will also have another product to draw from our inventory for their needs.  Thanks again!

[duckman376]

Great news Dennis.  I like the thought of better details than the motormax cars now.  Thanks again for the update. 

[SFC_Allen]

sounds awesome Dennis. Thanks for the update...can't wait to see them come out. VR Earle

[Mark B]

Thanks Dennis. I have little doubt it will be an all time best seller. FRR comes through yet again!

[bikeboy17]

Here is my car back in the 80's with a Federal Signal’s StreetHawk
Todd

[doug]

let's try it again

[mobress89]

How's aboot a late 70's to early 90's vintage OPP in house manufactured lightbar as seen here eh?

http://members.fortunecity.com/canadianpdcars/opp221.jpg
and here
http://members.fortunecity.com/canadianpdcars/opp251.jpg
and a side shot here
http://members.fortunecity.com/canadianpdcars/opp217.jpg

[doug]

how about the old Miss HP bubble light

[statie80]

And the PSP Whelen strobe: similar to the one on the '88 WRC, but with a white base and integral siren.

[duckman376]

For extra detail on the Aerodynic/Smith & Wesson styles...

[FRR INFO]

The Diplomat project is moving along, not as quickly as I'd prefer but it's progressing. This photo depicts the body following modfications to eliminate the holes in the roof. This will permit holes to be drilled as necessary per application for lightbars, rack bars and a variety of single lights.

The tooling of these lights is currently underway. They are being squeezed in where possible in the Impala and Tahoe toolings including an all new set of tools to make additional Diplomat parts. Between the lights specific to this era cruiser and the Impala/Tahoe I believe the count is up to 13 all new rooflights.

I'll post some more info as time allows but things are moving along.

 

[motorcade1]

Thanks so much Dennis.  I am amazed at how much you are providing in additional parts and accessories just with this project.  There is only so much you can do, yet you seem oblivious to that and keep going that extra mile.  Saying thanks just doesn't seem to be enough, especially in light of all you have done and are currently doing.    Still, I want to say.... THANK YOU DENNIS.!!!

[doug]

very nice

[cops119]

Looks terrific !

Dennis do you intend to develop any dept with this base ?

[Troy]

Well...There went the kids college fund!  Oh wait...I don't have any kids, Thank god!   Thank you so much for keeping us updated on the project, and keeping the 1/43 police world alive!  The wheels are already spinning in my head with ideas for this car.  I can't wait to see the new light bar options.   

[FRR INFO]

Looks terrific !

Dennis do you intend to develop any dept with this base ?

Alot of the credit for all these parts goes to those who supplied input here and on Rich's forum. I then traveled around to locate existing lights in museums, stashes in fleet garages, some luck including stuff I'd photographed years ago and had forgotten about. I'm putting togeather a photo array of planned lights which I'll post.

Initially for departments; 1. Two versions of CHP, 2. FHP, 3. Illinois, 4. Kansas HP, 5. Michigan, 6. New Jersey, 7. Two versions of New York S.P. 8. North Carolina, 9. Virginia, 10. Ohio, 11. Tennessee, 12. Texas, 13. Washington D.C. 14. Philadelphia (old colors), 15. NYPD (hopefully) 16. Blank white with accessory parts bag, 17. Three probable Premiers lined up. 18. Two different b&w blanks. 19. And if for example when Ohio is run in the then silver color I'll probably run a few blanks of those also.

The above is a start. Someone may complain that the majority of these are states but, that's what sells the most. Plus, most are painted special colors or two tones which are often not duplicated by custom builders. If these prove successful we'll expand to include more. I'll leave it to the decal makers and custom builders to use the blanks to fill in smaller departments especially on all white bodies or the b&w's. 

[Bilbozo]

Hi Dennis:

As these cars begin to surface there are always a number of requests for decal to fulfill the builders needs.  I can tell you I have had some custom decal requests already specificially for this model. - Bill ( Bilbozo Decals )

[statie80]

Hi Dennis:

As these cars begin to surface there are always a number of requests for decal to fulfill the builders needs.  I can tell you I have had some custom decal requests already specificially for this model. - Bill ( Bilbozo Decals )

Hello Bill..........

[FRR INFO]

Hi Dennis:

As these cars begin to surface there are always a number of requests for decal to fulfill the builders needs.  I can tell you I have had some custom decal requests already specificially for this model. - Bill ( Bilbozo Decals )

Hello Bill..........

Don't bother with decals for this one.......................

[Bilbozo]

Howdy John. I hope you are keeping terrific. !

Dennis:

I should not plan on making decals for this model due to a small quantity of release? Or because of the progression of the production? Just asking as I have had some requests for designing decals for the San Diego Diplomat.

[FRR INFO]

Howdy John. I hope you are keeping terrific. !

Dennis:

I should not plan on making decals for this model due to a small quantity of release? Or because of the progression of the production? Just asking as I have had some requests for designing decals for the San Diego Diplomat.

I was suggesting that there's probably no need to make decals for the specific car identified in a photo posted by statie80. I posted a short list of what I know will be made but with literally thousands of depts having used the Diplomat/Fury the possibilities for decals are endless. Blanks will be offered so don't be concerned about making decals. Have at it.     

[Bilbozo]

Ahh Completely understood fellas.  Definately, I always keep my eye out for your specific agency releases Dennis, so I know which versions to avoid.  Never any intention of ever creating any conflict of interest.

[statie80]

Howdy John. I hope you are keeping terrific. !

Dennis:

I should not plan on making decals for this model due to a small quantity of release? Or because of the progression of the production? Just asking as I have had some requests for designing decals for the San Diego Diplomat.

I was suggesting that there's probably no need to make decals for the specific car identified in a photo posted by statie80. I posted a short list of what I know will be made but with literally thousands of depts having used the Diplomat/Fury the possibilities for decals are endless. Blanks will be offered so don't be concerned about making decals. Have at it.     

Didn't mean to cause a stir - just a thought.

PSP-HEMC #10??

[Troy]

I've died and gone to heaven when I see the black and white blanks!  I'm already planning an L.A. County Sheriff version, along with many others.  Hopefully we can get some more (quality) decal makers back on line.  I know it's hard for most of them due to cost, but Bill can't do all the work for us.  I'm sure he's already swamped. 

[CFDBASHER]

I'm glad an FHP will be offered. I can't stand mixing the Polly S Aged White for the proper tan color. Plus this car will fill in my colection.

[Mark B]

Good selection of departments. All of them will find a home in my ever growing collection of FRR cop cars.

[SFC_Allen]

Looks great Dennis...I think i'm gonna be broke for some time whne all these and the Tahoe's start coming out

[Mesa0789]

Any ideas on when the Impala and Tahoes will be coming out???   Im really excited for them!
I have also been out of the loop for a while..... sorry if its a repeat question.

Thx!