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Custom-Built Doepke Searchlight Truck

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Firefighting62 of 563Grandfathers Top for gaurdene fire extinguisher
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    Posted 5 years ago

    jpzank
    (30 items)

    I built this custom Doepke Searchlight Truck in mid-2019. It does incorporate the basic chassis from a Doepke pumper truck, but that's where the comparison to a stock Doepke Searchlight Truck ends. The spotlight base is actually a Doepke pumper truck center section fitted with a custom-built "turret" from a Buddy L Snorkel Boom Truck. The spotlight, itself, is not Doepke, but rather a MARX unit, and it contains it's own batteries and works well.

    The overall look of this custom Searchlight Truck is a bit fancier than an original Doepke searchlight truck. In all honesty, while they are rare and expensive, the original Doepke truck was hastily-assembled and not terribly well thought-out. In fact, it is perhaps Doepke's least appealing model, construction-quality-wise. But, being only offered for two years (1955 and 1956) and in fairly limited numbers, it is now the most sought-after Doepke model.

    Mine has a few more decals including moving the unneeded "gauge" decal to be used as the dashboard decal, and also a bit more use of diamond-plate. I'm enjoying having it as part of my fire engine display. Thanks for looking! James

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    Comments

    1. Vynil33rpm Vynil33rpm, 5 years ago
      Certainly shows you don’t have to be a farmer
      to be outstanding in your field
      Most excellent Toy !!!
    2. Toyrebel Toyrebel, 5 years ago
      Great job! Doepke is some quality stuff. They had very accurate renditions of actual vehicles and equipment.

    3. patricksands patricksands, 4 years ago
      Hey there, I need on of those searchlights if you ever come across another.....Great work on the Doepke!

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