What is a "Superised Fun Ho"?. I have been an avid collector of Fun Ho! Toys for more years than I care to remember and have collected a number that have seen very many years of hard service in the sandpit and the toy box.

As soon as a better example of these models turn up, they are consigned to the "swap or sell" box to be used as trades.

Sometimes the model is in such a state that there is not a lot of it left, with some parts broken, worn out, or missing.

Being a mainlander by birth, I just can't bring myself to throw anything away!!

These parts can then form the basis of an entirely different model, subsequently a "Superised" model is born.

Maybe the model can be painted in different colours from standard and may have a few extra items added to it. This is a great time to let your imagination run wild.

I myself try to keep the model fairly simple and use the same sort of materials that Underwoods used. This is of course only personal preference.

Any materials from wood, plastic and aluminium can be used as accessories.

Another good source of base models is the new Repro Toys sold at the Fun Ho! Museum. Spare parts can be purchased from there also.

The main thing is to have fun and enjoy your hobby. In case anybody is wondering, I would never cut or alter any 'Rary' models. I prefer to think of my creations as Fun Ho! models that might have been. So don't throw those broken and war weary toys out, SUPERISE them !!!!!

This model is a very basic and simple example of what can be done with a modest outlay. The base model is a Repro # 412 Fire Engine brought from the Fun Ho! Museum.

The model was sanded and generally cleaned up to give it a nice smooth surface for the new paint. Then it was just a matter of a couple of coats of good paint, and add the silver details carefully by hand.

The tank was made from two pieces of aluminium tube cut to fit the tray. The ladder racks were made from two axles cut to length and glued together. The hoses are electrical wire cut to suit with the cooper wire stripped out.

Ladder and transfers came from the spares box.

Wheels, hubcaps and axles come with the model as new and are reused.

Transfers or appropriate stickers for any Fire Brigade you fancy.

I already have another one in mind, maybe an RNZAF Airport Appliance.

Time will tell. " Watch this space !"....