Review - 4431 Ambulance

Hi all! Welcome to the latest installment of my City reviews, the Ambulance. I bought this as it is another one of the latest additions in the City line and I wanted to see how it stacked up to the previous Ambulance. I bought it from Toyworld for their regular price of $28.50. It took about 45 minutes to go together and looks pretty good once finished. Most of that time was spent getting the stickers looking just right. I'm a bit fussy when it comes to putting them on and it took me a little while.

Name: Ambulance
Theme: City
Year: 2012
Pieces: 199
Minifigs: 3
Price: AUD $29.99 (S@H)

The front of the box:


The back of the box:


The contents.


The new minifigs.


Some new pieces, well at least for me anyway. First, the new stretcher. Could've used the older one with wheels, which does fit, as will be shown later.


Some new hinge pieces.


The first bag completed.


The interior. I think it works well.


The interior with the default stretcher.


Just showing the clearance with the door closed.


Another interior shot.


I had a bit of an issue on where to put the first aid kit and defib. I finally settled on this spot either side of the rear seat.


The completed set. I really like the accessories that have come with this set. They'll go well in my City.


Left side.


Rear end. I like this sticker, I think it works well.


Right side.


The accessories.


The leftovers.




Now, the comparison shots!


Not so squeesey!!


Old-style interior.


New-age interior. Note that it can accommodate the older stretcher with the wheels quite well.


The new Ambulance definately has a better, more realistic shape. Also, there's a bit more room and space for some handheld gear, as well as a heart monitor!


Overall, I think this is a great vehicle. It has been well designed and has plenty of accessories a play potential for the price. It looks realistic and can transport three minifigs with ease. For me, the main gripe was the stickers. As they were circular, I found it quite easy to stick them off-centre or not straight. If the Medical symbol was printed onto a square, it would make it a lot easier to place, especially where little people and frustrated parents are concerned. Also, the vehicle is quite large. Although TLG have gone for realism, it's the size of the City Campervan. I haven't put it against any buildings as of yet, so I don't know how the scale will go. Also, I hope TLG have modelled enough space into the upcoming Hospital for it to fit. Only time will tell..

These, however, are my only gripes. This set is a great addition to anyone's City layout, particularly if you have clumsy bike riders.

I reccommend this set!

Enjoy!

Thanks for the good review Marvin,

I bought this set a few weeks ago and it is a great ambulance, more realistic in shape to the old one too, well for us modern Aussies anyway.

My only issue with it is the size, its scale actually makes it larger than the ladder truck from the fire station set, so it looks a bit off when they are together. But then, the old one looked too small so its a no win scenario.