Fire Squad Rescue Team

"When the smoke did clear, many thousands were dead. There was much blood and gore. Their bodies lay broken and scattered across the battle field, like brown leaves blown by the wind."

Although Manowar´s lyrics refer to actual medieval battle, the world we live in is not void of dangers of the same nature of vengeance and hatred. In the constant war against death, the fire squads around the world are the soldiers many depend on, and to whom many are thankful. Always ready, always heroes. True Heroes. And Toys R Us gave these heroes a much deserved space in their True Heroes line. However, the ones pictured are the originals from Chap Mei.

Equipped with a wide array of rescuing tools, these soldiers of peace do their job for kids and grown ups.

 
Some of the included accessories are nicely detailed and to some point accurately scaled...

... the powertools are ginormous. However, all things considered, they are not that bad.

The original series even came with a search and rescue dog, "Spottie". Included with the fantastic Fire Engine playset.

Some of the figures were awesome. The only downside was the lack of articulation. They originally came in two sets of 3. Playset #1 and Playset#2. 

A decade later, these Rescue  Fire Squad figures were introduced in Toys R Us True Heroes line along with a few more new figures and vehicles. We are waiting and hoping for more...

Status: Available original Chap Mei figures, vehicles and accessories at CM Surplus Fan Mark

   

True Heroes Fire Rescue Team

One of the big "Chap Mei" sets for 2011 from TRU line True Heroes, comes with 3 of the most recent vehicles and a couple of their new firefighter figures.

A huge box with big vehicles with some very nice features and some with a good dose of originality.

MIB, hit the European market with a price tag of  €49.90 (app. US$67)

Included accessories. 1 firefighter accessories tree and 1 police tree.

Included figures. 2 new and original for 2011, 2 from their previous TRU rescue sets (a repack of Chap Mei´s Fire Rescue Team/ Rescue Squad).

Figure: "Firefighter 1". With a thinner body and rotating wrists it still falls behind the brand new figures from Chap Mei. 

Figure: "Firefighter 2". With a different head, same body as its above counterpart and all the same features. These are not as detailed as the "vintage" fire squad CM figures, but more realistic as far as 1:18 scale dimensions go.

Fire engine. Using some parts of the discontinued Fire Squad Fire Engine Play Set, it is in fact a lot more basic.

Nevertheless, it has all the must-have features of a firetruck such as telescoping ladder in a very simple turntable, removable ladder, instruments, searchlights and a fire hose. Also included lateral stabilizer system for the turntable ladder.

Removable SFX system. One of the nice things about this is the interconnect ability with the included helicopter (nonfunctional) "lights".

It has the look and size of a decent vehicle but more factory-friendly. The equipment and panels are sculpted and the plastic quality is lower than its predecessor. And no functional water pump! Bottom pictures show both SFX system and simple block assembled.

SFX. Finally, a firetruck horn! (3rd sound).

The rescue helicopter is one of the stars of this set. Based on the Eurocopter EC135, comes with a winch (similar to the ones used back in the first years of CM without the pull down feature). 

box not included

With a cockpit for two and a big cargo area (easily fits a CM wooden box), it has a lot of potential for all your adventures.

Firetruck SFX block installed. Overall, a great design and definitely worth having.

The boat. What seems to be a fishing boat in rescue duty, has smooth lines, good scale and looks fast!

Fits all 4 firefighters, has a water cannon and capture/tow hook. Spacious cabin!

Offroad bike (v.4).

With rotating wrists, it´s a lot easier to fit figures on top of this cool bike.

Of all the new accessories, the connectable mask/helmet/chest piece is probably the most interesting.

Designed to fit any of the new figures, makes the figures more generalistic. They don´t have to carry their equipment everywhere. Plus, you can have a dozen and make them all look different. 

Status:Unavailable

Look for available original Chap Mei figures, vehicles and accessories at CM Surplus Fan Mark

 

Fire Squad Rescue Team Fire Fighters Playset #2

The second of the two "3 figure pack" sets from this "Fire Fighters" Chap Mei line.

Another lot of interesting figures, and in the Fire Squad, the only figure that I recall never being part of "figure sets" was the helicopter pilot.

The oxygen tank is a particularly useful item for 3 3/4" G.I.Joe collectors. I believe I failed to mention that detail in Playset#1 review. A little hard to connect to the figures backs, but with a little art, it can be done and looks great.

Back then, the figures and lines (other than soldier and police) were "armed" with pretty much the same accessories. In that matter, little has changed.

Included figures. Keep in mind that this was the first really notorious evolution since the first series of "Soldier Force" and "Police Force" items. It was a tremendous achievement in various ways.

Figure in Asbestos Fire-Protection Suit. Shiny.

In this follow-up line, the main difference as far as sculpting goes (apart from the obvious evolution on detail), was related to those part-implementation aspects. Flashlights, tubes, tools. All these made these figures stand up. However, more difficult to put on vehicles.

A mask-on fire fighter and oxygen tank picture. All these were great sculpts.

A picture from the box´s back shows us a decent diorama with an action scene going on. As you can see, all the firefighters (so far, until Chap Mei gives us more) were covered in these 2 posts.

Status: Check for vehicles animals and accessories at CM Surplus Fan Markt

  

Fire Squad Fire Engine Playset - Update!

A homage to the "soldiers of peace" worldwide. Those who fight everyday to save lives. A new Rescue line (as of 2010) has a a new fire engine. Nowhere near this good.

Presenting yet another one of Chap Mei´s greatest items. Discontinued long ago and re-issued as True Heroes Fire Emergency Playset. The new set comes with a few different accessories, plus the ATV.

One of the 2 fire dept. vehicles from Chap Mei. Not including the G.I.Joe Cobra F.A.N.G. knockoff they also used or the boats used on and on in so many Chap Mei themes. At some point, "Rescue Squad" theme, being a emergency joint forces unit, also included a red and white jeep using the mold seen in the "Barrcode Arrest Playset" post. As for this one, a fantastic turntable ladder or simply "TL", the "Fire Engine Play Set".

Included items.

Included accessories.

Figures. Refer to "Fire Squad Rescue Team Fire Fighters Playset #1" for more details. The Dalmatian "Spottie" was exclusive to "Rescue Squad - Fire Squad Rescue Team" sets. A great sculpt with the CM mark underneath it.

The fire engine. One of Chap Mei´s greatest achievements. Ever. Strangely, they did "put out" this "on fire" vehicle years ago, a couple of years after its release. This is an absolute 5-star piece of machinery.

Different sides, same coolness...

Extendable ladder.

Functioning water pump.

... with removable tank.

Action shots with included figure.

Opening door to reveal lateral stabilizer system for the turntable ladder.

In action. I only wish CM used this for the military vehicles. APCs would rock!

Cabin views.

Scale shots with a RAH G.I.Joe figure.

Status: Still available through Amazon.com