Frequently asked questions regarding Fire Replicas:
What materials are used in each Fire Replicas model?
Each model consists of 300-950 individual, hand-crafted parts using materials such as stainless steel, high-def resin, wire, plastic, rubber, brass, spin cast metal and other composites. Materials are selected individually, to achieve the highest degree of accuracy for the specific area of the replica. Fire trucks are unique because of the large number of external features. In most cases we replicate these features using stainless steel. For example, Fire Replicas ladders are 0.6mm stainless steel for razor sharp accuracy and true-to-scale dimensions.
What are the dimensions of the models?
For example, a 1:50 scale model of a fire engine would measure 2.25” W x 8” L x 2.75” H. Heavy Rescues, Ladders, and TDAs are proportionally larger. Click on any fire truck on the website to view its respective product page, which includes model and case dimensions.
Are the models functional or poseable?
Fire Replicas are museum-grade pieces and are in no way functional, scale model toy collectibles. Each unit is comprised of hundreds of parts that are designed, cast or fabricated, decorated and hand-assembled. In many cases, the components are so small that they are difficult to pick up with a tweezers. Most parts are glued in place using a syringe and a steady hand. Although these finely crafted, true-to-scale parts may appear to be able to move, they may break if force is applied.
How are the models packaged?
Fire Replicas models are screwed to a thick, heavy base from below and covered by a high quality acrylic cover. Layers of foam protect the case inside the Fire Replicas box. The Fire Replicas box is then shipped inside another mail order box with about an inch or two of packaging peanuts to prevent compression damage during shipping.
Can a model be removed from its base?
We do not recommend removing the model from its base. Each model contain hundreds of parts, making it hard to hold without breaking one of the intricate external features. In addition, the base is designed to hold the model securely and protect it over time.
Payment Options:
Credit Cards and PayPal: We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover and Paypal during checkout.
Check or Money Orders: Please call 1.800.481.2450 to make arrangements to pay with check or money order. We'll enter your order over the phone and provide the remittance address and instructions. Upon receipt of payment, we will promptly ship your order.
PayPal Credit: PayPal offers its customers a 6-month financing option. Choose PayPal when you check out and if you are eligible, you can choose this 6-month payment option. In this case, your order will ship immediately. Click on the PayPal Credit banner below to learn more.
We are here to help if you have any questions. Call us at 1.800.481.2450 or connect with us using our contact form. Thank you!
Shipping
US and International Carriers: Fire Replicas proudly partners with UPS (in the US and most other International Countries). We currently utilize US Postal Service to Canadian destinations and to US Post Office Boxes. During the checkout process, shipping rates will appear in the shopping cart. Shipping rates are calculated using the actual weight and dimensions of the shipping box. Your Fire Replicas models are always double boxed to ensure safe delivery.
Prefer USPS in the US? No problem. Just choose UPS shipping and add an order note to "Please ship USPS".
Deadlines: In most cases, in stock items will ship the same day if an order is received before 12:00 pm CST. Fire Replicas ships on weekdays.
Shipping estimates are available in the shopping cart. Simply add your desired item(s) to the cart and select the Estimate Shipping feature.
PO Boxes: Remember, UPS will only delivery to a valid street address and will not deliver to a Post Office box. If delivery to a PO box is required, select UPS, but add an order note to "Ship via USPS".
Tracking: You can track your order using the link provided in the shipping confirmation email. Normally, tracking will update after 6pm CST the day of shipment.
International customers: The shipping charges in your order cover the shipping to your door. However, your country may collect duties/taxes on your order during customs processing. You will be contacted by UPS, USPS, or your local Customs office to process these fees. Brokerage fees may also apply. If you are in the following countries, you may be contacted by the carrier to submit any required duties/taxes online prior to delivery: Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. If you are outside these countries, any required duties/taxes may be collected at the time of delivery.
Returns Policy
In the case of shipping damage or a defective item, we offer a no-hassle return policy. Please contact us immediately if your mailing box shows evidence of damage as we will require photos in order to process a claim with the shipper. If your replica is missing a part or a part has fallen off during shipping, we may be able to provide a replacement part to remedy the problem. Any claims of damage or defect after 3 days of receipt of your package will not be honored, so please inspect your order upon receipt.
If during shipping, you have changed your mind and would like to send your model back for a refund, we can issue a full refund if the product is unopened. This is due to the collectible nature of the Fire Replicas product line, as we are unable to sell opened items as new to another customer.
In the event of a refund, you should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.
Fire Replicas Unpacking and Care Instructions:
Unpacking:
First, carefully remove all foam packing material from the top and sides. Second, lift the entire unit by the base. DO NOT LIFT BY THE COVER. Finally, lift off the cover slowly and remove interior packing materials carefully to avoid any damage to the cover and the replica.
Use Extreme Care:
Your model has been designed and manufactured to be an exact representation of the real fire apparatus. The material for each part has been carefully chosen to accurately depict each area of the truck. Many of these pieces are extremely fragile and require the utmost discretion during handling.
Display Only:
This model is meant for display only. Although many finely crafted parts may appear to be movable, they are not functional and will break if force is applied to them. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you keep your model in its factory case.
Your Fire Replicas model contains hundreds of individual parts, involving countless hours of design, casting, painting, decaling and assembly. We stand behind our products and trust that you will be exceedingly proud to own them.
In Case of Damage:
Please contact us if your model has sustained any damage during shipping. In most cases, we can resolve the problem with a simple replacement part.
Removal from Case:
We highly recommend that your Fire Replicas scale model remain in its case. Remember, your Fire Replicas model is comprised of hundreds of small parts and is extremely fragile. It is quite difficult to remove the model from the case without the replica sustaining some type of damage. Unfortunately, we will not be held responsible for any damage to the product resulting from mishandling or removing it from its base. If you must remove the model from its display case, peel back the bottom layer of the display platform to expose the mounting screws. Another option is to locate the screw pockets and cut out the felt around them. Carefully support the model while removing the screws and posts.
We are committed to continual improvement. If you have any comments or suggestions, email us! We’d love to hear from you. Thank you for choosing Fire Replicas!
