Do you know that feeling when a model kit not only impresses visually but also tells a story? That’s exactly what awaits you with the Schlingmann LF 20-16 from Revell (direct shop link). This model is much more than just a vehicle in miniature format – it’s a piece of fire department history, a testament to German engineering, and a prime example of attention to detail. But why is this particular model so special? Come along on a journey through the world of Schlingmann and discover why this kit will excite not just fire department fans!
From Carriages to High-Tech Fire Engines: The Schlingmann Story
Imagine: It’s the year 1880, and in a small town called Dissen at the Teutoburg Forest, a certain Heinrich Schlingmann establishes a wagon-making workshop. Back then, probably no one suspected that this modest workshop would one day become one of the most renowned manufacturers of fire engines.
But as fate would have it: in 1926, Schlingmann ventured into the first motorized vehicle construction, and just ten years later, the first fire engine rolled out of the workshop halls – a crew and equipment vehicle on an Opel Blitz 2 t for the Dissen Volunteer Fire Department. From then on, things moved quickly: tank fire engines, rescue vehicles, increasingly specialized, increasingly innovative. Schlingmann: Fire Departments with Passion
Since then, the company from Dissen in Lower Saxony has set milestones – from tank fire engines on Magirus chassis to ultra-modern models on Mercedes-Benz bases like the LF 20-16. Particularly noteworthy: Many employees, including the managing directors, are firefighters themselves. So development happens not just for practice, but from practice.
The LF 20-16, which we can admire today in miniature form, reflects this passion. It’s not just a vehicle, but a multifunctional tool that saves lives. With its powerful pump, a 2,000-liter water tank, and space for a complete crew, it offers everything a fire department needs for fires and technical assistance.
From Innovative Fire Engine Builder Across the Teutoburg Forest to the Revell Model Building World
Now here’s the thing: Do you know who is located just a stone’s throw away from Schlingmann? That’s right, your beloved model manufacturer Revell! 🙂
Just 35 km and the Teuto separate the fire engine innovators from our company headquarters. This geographical proximity allows our product managers to work closely with the developers of the original vehicles. The result? A model that is hard to beat in terms of richness of detail.
Every small component, every fixture, and every ladder reflects the original vehicle. The LF 20-16 thus becomes not only an eye-catcher in any display case but also a project where you experience Schlingmann’s engineering artistry up close. There’s so much attention to detail here that even professionals have to look twice.
Here in the post about the Schlingmann VARUS, you can see our colleague Daniel Pasternok, as he presented the model to Schlingmann at that time.
The LF 20-16: A Technical Masterpiece
But what makes the LF 20-16 so special? Well, imagine a vehicle equipped with a fire pump that delivers 2,000 liters of water per minute at 10 bar pressure. Add to that a 2,400-liter water tank and 150 liters of foam agent. This powerhouse is not only equipped for firefighting but also perfectly outfitted for technical assistance.
Richness of Detail That Impresses
And this is exactly where the model kit comes into play. Revell has managed to reproduce all these technical refinements at a scale of 1:24. You can imagine how much attention to detail has gone into it! From the variably opening equipment compartments to the true-to-original reproduction of the equipment to the light bar – everything is there.
Especially cool: The breathing apparatus is integrated directly into the seats of the crew compartment, just like in the real vehicle. Light bar and hose reel at the rear? Those are also reproduced in detail.
Why Non-Fire Department Fans Should Also Get This
You might be thinking now: “That’s all well and good, but I’m not really a fire department enthusiast.” No problem! This kit is interesting for you for several reasons:
- Technical diversity: Where else would you find so many different technical systems combined in one model? From hydraulics to pneumatics to complex pump systems – there’s something here for every technology fan.
- Surface details: The reproduction of the checker plate structure on the roof and in the equipment compartments is a masterpiece of model building art. Perfect for refining your skills in surface design.
- Moving parts: With 270 individual parts, the kit offers plenty of opportunities to incorporate moving elements. A great challenge for those who like to tinker.
- Versatile painting: The included decals allow you to design the vehicle in different variants. A great opportunity to demonstrate your airbrush skills.
A Piece of Fire Department History for Your Shelf
With the Schlingmann LF 20-16 from Revell, you’re not just getting an impressive model, but also a piece of German engineering and fire department history. From the first carriages to this high-tech fire engine – you can trace the entire development in one model.
And who knows? Maybe this model will inspire you to delve deeper into the fascinating world of fire department technology. Or you’ll discover new techniques in model building that you can apply to other projects as well.
The versatility of the model is particularly exciting. You can paint and equip it to match your personal ideas. Whether as an emergency vehicle at a major fire or as a technical marvel in a futuristic diorama scene – this model gives your imagination free rein. Or you can let your imagination run wild and create a modified version, creating a military fire vehicle…. Whether you’ve always been fascinated by the fire department or just want a new challenge – the Schlingmann LF 20-16 kit from Revell is definitely worth a look. It combines history, technology, and model building art in a way that is second to none.
And who knows? Maybe soon you’ll be standing there with your finished model and already hear the sirens wailing in your mind. One thing is certain: With this kit, you’ll experience fire department history up close – just in miniature format. So, grab your tools and let the sparks fly! Your next model building adventure is waiting.
Highlights of the Kit
From 270 individual parts, experienced model builders at Level 5 can build an impressive fire department model of this fire engine.
The finished model has a length of 36.3 centimeters and a width of 12.3 cm.
- high level of detail
- Variably opening and closing equipment compartments
- realistic representation of operational preparation
- Exact reproduction of equipment compartment contents
- Light bar and hose reel at the rear
- Pump with up to 2,000 liters of water output per minute faithfully reproduced
Revell Shop Link to the Schlingmann LF 20-16
Building Inspirations
Hardly any Schlingmann fire engine is like another. To give you some inspiration for building, we have compiled some interesting details from the Schlingmann YouTube channel here: