Ideal #4714 Fire Boat

I've been putting off posting this really cool Ideal Fire Boat for some time. Why? I dunno. I think I was hopin' to get the parts needed to complete it. You see, these toys were meant to play with and judging by the over preponderance of Fire Boats missing anchors and lifeboats (like mine) it's apparent they did not stay locked up in their fine fold-up cover display boxes. Mine also has some breakage issues with the rear hull as you'll see in the photos.

Here's a toy with plenty of action. First, there's the anchor and lifeboat, both of which can be lowered. Then there the hand-cranked siren to give it noise - and drive mom and pop bonkers :-). Also, it has the ability to shoot water at your imaginary fire, or sister, whoever gets in the way first LOL The boat can float on water or, with it's flat bottom and pair of wheels, can run along the floor. The toy is fairly big at 15" (38.1cm)  L x 4 3/4" (12.1cm) W x 6" (15.2cm) H. I'm guessin' that MPC 60mm ringhand firemen would look good when teamed with this boat or perhaps even Auburn firemen and trucks if you try to have it near the docks. OR you can pair it putting out the fires on a Deluxe Reading U.S.S. Battlewagon. Hmmmm, maybe there's another diorama there somewhere! Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina