I recently purchased a 1:72 Airfix DUKW and am planning to convert it into a model of ARC-1, a DUKW fire and rescue truck employed by the Seattle Fire Department.

From what I’ve been able to determine, the only modifications made by the SFD was the addition of a strobe light, a 50-lb. “Purple-K” Chemical Extinguishing System and, of course, a new paint job.

I’m trying to make this model as detailed as possible and was wondering if I could get your opinions on the commercially available detail upgrades, recommend any additional detail upgrades that I’m not aware of, and make any other suggestions to improve the accuracy of this model.

Here are the detail kits I’m aware of;

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=CMK2039

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=EDU22076

http://www.tracks-n-troops.eu/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_10&products_id=8111

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=CMK2038

(I’m hoping to make the hood operational)

Thank you in advance!

Here are links to information on ARC-1

http://www.lastresortfd.org/SFD_History.htm#ARC-1

http://vinnietheduck.blogspot.com/2010/09/seattle-fire-department-had-dukw.html

http://www.juniorgeneral.org/JClick.php?UID=6911