Mercedes Sprinter Ambulance.

[Robbo]

Hi again, my last post was the work in progress, taking a basic UK Mercedes Sprinter ambulance model and breaking it down into its component parts and rebuilding it, fitted with electronics for lights and siren.

The UK model version is earlier than the current model being used by the SA Ambulance Service (cannot get the latest anywhere) , so some problems had to be addressed. The latest version is wider and the roof is lower. In this case, the higher roof was an advantage, as it gave a bit more room to fit the rotating beacon drive motor and its electronic speed control. The side windows and doors are designed, so as to appear as a continuous darkened window. The front doors and windows slope off more and give the vehicle a sleeker look. The livery paint job meant that 'artistic license' was taken for a compromise between the two versions.

So here it is. The link to the PhotoBucket site is:

http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh108/R...er%20Ambulance/

The site shows a video clip of the rotating beacons and flashing rear roof bar lights in operation. There are also a number of pictures showing the construction.

I trust that you will find this of interest.

Cheers, Robbo.

[LDO]

Wow. That's very impressive. I really liked the flashing lights. They are very realistic, unlike many models of emergency vehicles.

I'm a big fan of the Sprinter. That's what I want when I start my own plumbing company. There's one plumbing company here in Austin, Texas that uses them. I got to look inside and they are just huge inside. Enough room to stand up, store all kinds of tools and parts, even keep a water heater on board. I'd like to build a model of it as a plumbing van. Is it plastic or a diecast? What scale is it?

edit: I went back to the pics and saw it's a diecast.

Edited January 29, 2009 by LDO

[fordh8r]

That is cool! Very nice, especially the strobing lights. Very realistic.

I was wondering though, are the electronics a kit specifically made for this model? They seem to fit so perfectly. Is there a manufacturer of those components? Or are they completely homemade? Very nice stuff.

[evilone]

ELECTRONICS Boy i love this kind of stuff.Did you make the circut board yourself or did you jack it out of something.If you made it yourself can you pm me a wiring diogram so i can hook up a cop car.

[MrObsessive]

I'm thoroughly impressed! That's something I've not tried yet--------I couldn't resist turning up the sound of the sirens. It had my cats running!

[Robbo]

Wow. That's very impressive. I really liked the flashing lights. They are very realistic, unlike many models of emergency vehicles.

I'm a big fan of the Sprinter. That's what I want when I start my own plumbing company. There's one plumbing company here in Austin, Texas that uses them. I got to look inside and they are just huge inside. Enough room to stand up, store all kinds of tools and parts, even keep a water heater on board. I'd like to build a model of it as a plumbing van. Is it plastic or a diecast? What scale is it?

edit: I went back to the pics and saw it's a diecast.

Hi there LDO, It's plastic and about 1/24 scale. Regards, Robbo.

[Robbo]

ELECTRONICS Boy i love this kind of stuff.Did you make the circut board yourself or did you jack it out of something.If you made it yourself can you pm me a wiring diogram so i can hook up a cop car.

Hi there Evilone. I do all of my own electronics and custom make the PCBs to fit each particular model. Sometimes, as in the Sprinter, I have to place components away from the PCB to fit them in, where space is limited.

My circuit diagrams, which include strobe flashers, turn indicators, 4 way hazard lights etc., are posted on PhotoBucket site, link:

Electronic Circuits for Models

http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh108/R...nic%20Circuits/

More Electronic Circuits for Models

http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh108/R...nic%20Circuits/

You can navigate from there to my other models which include police cars.

I suggest that if you have problems with electronics, enlist the help of friends who are into this hobby.

Only to pleased to help further the hobby.

Cheers, Robbo.

[Robbo]

I'm thoroughly impressed! That's something I've not tried yet--------I couldn't resist turning up the sound of the sirens. It had my cats running!

Hi there MrObsessive, sure, we used to have cats and they sort of got used to it. We now have two dogs who now don't give a toss when the sirens sound.

Cheers, Robbo.