No.59 Fire Engine was the second of two entirely new models created by Budgie when under the ownership of Modern Products, the first having been No.21b Oldsmobile Town Sedan. The other 'new' models were either re-issues from the Guiterman years or re-cycled models in fresh colours.

 

Having said that, No.59 was an almost exact copy of Lesney Matchbox No.9c (second version) but without rear hose connectors and with an 18-rung ladder. The models were based on the AEC Merryweather Marquis Fire Engine common in cities during the 1960's.

 

Being a Fire Engine, No.59 was painted bright red. The front grille, headlights and bumper had silver trim added, an unusual feature in late Budgie models. On top, the ladder was painted gold.

 

The gloss-black base had only basic information on it, 'Budgie Models', 'Fire Engine', 'No.59' and 'Made in England' being the lettering.

 

The Fire Engine appeared in blue Budgie blister-packs and in the US in Toy House packs. It was also included in Budgie No.96b Service Set triple blister-pack.

 

The Fire Engine is not hard to find although often playworn but the original packs are quite scarce.