The first motorized aerial ladder trucks came along in 1912, but it wasn't until the 1930s that metal aerial ladders became common. These metal ladders were a great contribution to fire fighting, for they were stronger, fire proof and most importantly, they were more stable than wooden ladders. This last consideration was critical, particularly on the trucks with ladders mounted on rotating turntables. Stability of the vehicle was a major consideration in the construction of these vehicles for when the ladder was fully extended - and with several firefighters at the top - weight distribution was greatly unbalanced and the truck was in danger of tipping. Thus, scales that measured allowable extension at certain angles were developed and strictly followed. One manufacturer who produced these ladder trucks was Leyland. With a rich history that began with steam engine trucks and lawn mowers, by 1910 the company had delivered its first gasoline-powered fire engine to the Dublin Fire Brigade. Leyland's first engines became vastly popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Later, Leyland merged with Mertz and the Leyland-Mertz turntable ladders became a familiar sight in fire departments.

Now, a classic 1936 Leyland Cub Open Top Ladder Truck is recreated in a precision-engineered die-cast model. Complete with a wealth of detail including a removable and extendible hose and wicker covers used to filter water from ponds, your 1936 Leyland Cub Open Top Ladder Truck is part of The International Fire Engine Collection: The Specialized Vehicles Edition. This authentic replica is produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

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