Playmobil Set 3525 Review

🚒 Overview

Released in 1981, Set 3525 “Hook & Ladder Truck #21” was among the very first entries in Playmobil’s Firemen line. With its extendable boom ladder, sturdy red chassis, and authentic rescue accessories, it remained in production through 1988 and has since become a marquee piece for vintage emergency-vehicle collectors.

🛠️ Design & Key Features

Extendable Boom Ladder
A two-section ladder that extends to over twice the height of the truck and pivots through 180°, enabling high-rise rescue play.
Chassis & Cabin
Features a detailed driver’s cabin with roll-bar supports, side storage compartments, and under-chassis mounting points for hoses and tools.
Accessories & Figures
Figures: Early production (“v1”) included 4 firefighter figures; a later revision (“v2”) increased this to 5, with updated helmet-strip and torso prints.
Tools: Includes axes, traffic cones, fire extinguishers, and a coiled hose reel that clips neatly under the ladder’s base.

📦 Versions & Variants

Figure Runs
- v1 (1981–mid-1986): Four figures, blue uniform.
- v2 (mid-1986–1988): Five figures, yellow and black uniforms.
Packaging Languages
Available in English, French, Spanish, and German markets. Each box carries identical artwork but features localized text.
Wheel-Color Variants
- Original Production (1981–mid-1986): All v1 trucks feature red wheel hubs paired with black tires, matching the chassis color.
- Later Revision (mid-1986–1988): With the v2 run, Playmobil switched to white hubs while retaining the black tires.
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Collector Tip: Seek red-hub wheels to verify an authentic v1 set; white hubs indicate the later v2 production.

🤝 Synergy with Set 3526

When displayed alongside its sister set 3526 Pumper Truck #23, these two form a complete vintage fire brigade:

Fleet Display: The “#21” ladder truck deploys its boom while the “#23” pumper provides water—perfect for dynamic rescue scenes.
Aesthetic Match: Both share the same red-and-grey color scheme and period numbering style, creating a cohesive duo.

🎲 Play Value & Display

Rescue Action: Realistic ladder extension and pivot combined with accessory tools deliver hands-on firefighting scenarios.
Shelf Appeal: Crisp decals, robust construction, and period-accurate uniforms make it a standout display piece.
Expansion: Integrates seamlessly with other Playmobil fire stations, modern City sets, and additional Firemen-series vehicles.

💰 Collectability & Market

Scarcity: Ranks within the top 6% of Firemen-series sets in European “complete” condition.
Secondary Market Pricing:
- Loose Sets: US $35–55
- Mint-In-Box: US $90–130+
Restoration: Missing ladders, stabilizers, or wheel hubs can be sourced via Playmobil’s Spare Parts service; custom decals and reproduction parts are popular for full restoration.

🔍 Verdict

Playmobil Set 3525 Hook & Ladder Truck #21 exemplifies vintage charm and mechanical playability. Whether flying solo or paired with its sibling 3526, it remains a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts seeking the golden era of Playmobil firefighting.