F.D.N.Y. Ambulance LEGO Ideas Project Review

Overview
This project is an ambulance designed by ugthepug and based on the New York Fire Department's ambulances. This particular ambulance seems to be based on a Type I Ambulance. For those who may not be familiar with the different types of ambulances, a Type I vehicle is a ambulance that is assembled on the chassis of a pickup trucks, and is thus usually a little bit larger and more robust.

Appeals of this Project
One of the largest appeals this project has for me is that it looks like an actual ambulance that would be driving around (at least in the United States), which is an aspect that I believe The LEGO Group has been missing for a long time. The shape and the proportions of the ambulance, from the front bumper all the way to the rear bumper, are just right. The different widths, from 6 and 7 studs wide at the cab, to 8 studs wide at the rear compartment bring great proportion to the vehicle and are scaled well. Not only do they create a realistic looking proportion in this build, but it also allows the paramedics to both sit in the cab next to each other, which is something I greatly appreciate considering that is lacking in many LEGO sets.

The ambulance has many great details on the outside from the red on the bottom half with the yellow and white stripe, transitioning to the white on the top half, to the colors and locations of the lights, and even the siren speaker. I really like how the brick-build doors look, both in the rear, on the passenger's side, and the cab doors. Sometimes molded doors can look like they are forced into a particular build, but these brick-built doors blend in like they are supposed to be there.

It is hard to see the interior in some of these pictures, but from what I can see, it includes many details, including a gurney oxygen, a computer, and drawers for the medical supplies. In a real ambulance, space is critical, and each item must be carefully considered before it is placed inside the vehicle. So too, it appears ugthepug has done with the details in this LEGO ambulance.

Areas for Improvement
There is one thing I would change with this build, and that is the stickering on this ambulance is too specific in my opinion. Although the New York Fire Department is a great fire department, and one that is worthy of this recognition, I believe the market for something this specific is too small. If it were stickered in a more generic manner, I believe this would appeal to a much larger audience.

Conclusion
I am really impressed with the attention to detail and scale in this model, and although I would make the stickering more generic, there is nothing else that I would change about this ambulance, and I believe it has a good chance to pass the Official LEGO Ideas Review if it reaches 10,000 supporters. To see more pictures and offer your support you can click here to visit this project on LEGO Ideas.

Photos used and review completed with the permission of ugthepug.