A Classic is Reborn!
The Engine Co. No. 9 from 1978

Relive the nostalgia of Classic Town with this vintage fire station, complete with 4 minifigures and plenty of old-school charm.

🏛 Classic Town
Set #590

Engine Co. No. 9

Engine Co.

Before you buy

Who it's for
Beginner build Perfect for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages looking for a classic building experience
Build
280 pieces · about 2 hours Build time is an estimate.
Availability
Likely retired
★★★☆☆ 3.9 community rating from 26 ratings

Fans appreciate the set's classic design and nostalgic value. However, some find the build too simple compared to modern sets and the minifigure design basic.

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Engine Co. No. 9 is a quintessential Classic Town set. Released in 1978, it embodies the simple charm and functional design that defined LEGO's early town themes, offering a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and a great introduction for new enthusiasts.

This set is perfect for collectors of vintage LEGO and those who appreciate the Classic Town aesthetic. The build is straightforward and satisfying, resulting in a sturdy fire truck that's ideal for display or integrating into a larger LEGO city layout.

Skip this if you're looking for complex building techniques or highly detailed models. Modern LEGO fire trucks like 60320-1 offer more advanced features and a more intricate building experience.

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🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI
🧩
280
Pieces
⏱
2h
Estimated Build Time
📊
Beginner
Difficulty
Build Highlights:
  • Simple, straightforward building techniques
  • Classic LEGO design aesthetic
  • Sturdy construction for play or display
  • Nostalgic appeal for vintage LEGO collectors

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI
Not enough price history for a trend
B
Investment Grade
⏳ Retired
Engine Co. No. 9 presents moderate investment potential, primarily driven by its age and status as a classic LEGO set. Its value is tied to the condition of the box and pieces, as well as the completeness of the set, including instructions. While not as highly sought-after as some other vintage sets, its nostalgic appeal and relatively low production numbers contribute to its collectibility. However, the market for vintage LEGO can be volatile, and potential investors should carefully assess the set's condition and market demand before making a purchase.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Compared to modern LEGO fire trucks, Engine Co. No. 9 offers a simpler, more classic building experience. While newer sets like 60320-1 boast more advanced features and intricate details, this set provides a nostalgic charm and a glimpse into LEGO's early town themes. Collectors interested in vintage LEGO may prefer this set for its historical significance, while those seeking more complex builds may opt for modern alternatives.

4 Minifigures Included

The set includes three identical Fireman minifigures with plain black torsos and black helmets, plus one Fireman with light gray airtanks. These are classic, simple figures representative of early LEGO town sets.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count
280
Parts cataloged in this inventory
65 unique parts, 321 pieces
Minifigures
4

LEGO counts 280 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 338, including the 17 parts inside the minifigures; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Plate Special 2 x 2 with Wheels Red Plate Special 2 x...
Part #: 122c01 6× Black
Baseplate 16 x 22 Baseplate 16 x 22
Part #: 210 1× Green
Brick 2 x 4 without Cross Supports Brick 2 x 4 witho...
Part #: 3001a 1× Red
Brick 2 x 4 without Cross Supports Brick 2 x 4 witho...
Part #: 3001a 2× Blue
Brick 2 x 3 without Cross Supports Brick 2 x 3 witho...
Part #: 3002a 1× Yellow
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 47× Red
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 2× Trans-Clear
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 2× Blue
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 5× Yellow
Brick 1 x 1 Brick 1 x 1
Part #: 3005 38× Red
Brick 1 x 8 Brick 1 x 8
Part #: 3008 7× Red
Brick 1 x 6 Brick 1 x 6
Part #: 3009 15× Red
Brick 1 x 4 Brick 1 x 4
Part #: 3010 10× Red
Brick 1 x 4 with Chrome Silver Car Grill Print [Embossed] Brick 1 x 4 with ...
Part #: 3010apr0003 2× Red
Brick 1 x 4 with Black 15 Bars Grill Print Brick 1 x 4 with ...
Part #: 3010apr0004 1× Red
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 6× Red
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 1× Yellow
Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
Part #: 3021 1× Red
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 2× Red
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 1× Black
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 1× Yellow
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 1× Black
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 14× Red
Plate 1 x 1 Plate 1 x 1
Part #: 3024 8× Red
Plate 6 x 16 Plate 6 x 16
Part #: 3027 3× Black
Plate 4 x 10 Plate 4 x 10
Part #: 3030 1× Red
Plate 4 x 10 Plate 4 x 10
Part #: 3030 4× Black
Plate 4 x 4 Plate 4 x 4
Part #: 3031 1× Red
Plate 2 x 8 Plate 2 x 8
Part #: 3034 6× Red
Plate 6 x 8 Plate 6 x 8
Part #: 3036 1× Black
Brick Sloped 45° 2 x 1 without Bottom Pin Brick Sloped 45° ...
Part #: 3040a 1× Black
Brick Round 1 x 1 Solid Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062a 2× Trans-Dark Blue
Brick Round 1 x 1 Solid Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062a 2× Black
Brick Round 1 x 1 Solid Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062a 2× Yellow
Tile 1 x 2 without Groove Tile 1 x 2 withou...
Part #: 3069a 3× Black
Window 1 x 2 x 2 Classic, Short Lip [with Glass] Window 1 x 2 x 2 ...
Part #: 3081c01 1× White
Antenna with Side Spokes Antenna with Side...
Part #: 3144 1× Milky White
Hinge Plate 2 x 5 with Large Hole [Complete Assembly] Hinge Plate 2 x 5...
Part #: 3149bc01 1× Red
Plate Special 1 x 4 with Towball Socket, Long, 2 Slots Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 3183a 1× Red
Plate Special 1 x 4 with Towball Plate Special 1 x...
Part #: 3184 1× Red
Fence Lattice 1 x 4 x 2 Fence Lattice 1 x...
Part #: 3185 3× Red
Road Sign Round with No Thoroughfare / No Entry Print Road Sign Round w...
Part #: 3350pr0005 1× White
Plant, Fruit Tree Plant, Fruit Tree
Part #: 3470 1× Green
Brick Special 1 x 1 x 2 with Shutter Holder Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 3581 6× Red
Window 1 x 2 x 2 Shutter Window 1 x 2 x 2 ...
Part #: 3582 2× White
Flag on Flagpole, Straight Flag on Flagpole,...
Part #: 3596 1× White
Brick 1 x 3 Brick 1 x 3
Part #: 3622 17× Red
Fence Lattice 1 x 4 x 1 Fence Lattice 1 x...
Part #: 3633 4× Light Gray
Tyre 15 x 6 Offset Tread Small Tyre 15 x 6 Offse...
Part #: 3641 12× Black
Door 1 x 4 x 6 Door 1 x 4 x 6
Part #: 3644 4× Trans-Clear
Brick Arch 1 x 4 Brick Arch 1 x 4
Part #: 3659 4× Red
Brick Sloped Inverted 45° 2 x 2 [Ovoid Bottom Pin, Bar-sized Stud Holes] Brick Sloped Inve...
Part #: 3660 4× Red
Brick Sloped Inverted 45° 2 x 1 Brick Sloped Inve...
Part #: 3665 6× Red
Plate 1 x 6 Plate 1 x 6
Part #: 3666 2× Red
Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Pin witho...
Part #: 3673 2× Light Gray
Turntable 2 x 2 Plate - Top Turntable 2 x 2 P...
Part #: 3679 1× Light Gray
Turntable 2 x 2 Plate, Base Turntable 2 x 2 P...
Part #: 3680 1× Red
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 2× Red
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 8× Red
Wheel Arch, Mudguard 2 x 4 Studded Wheel Arch, Mudgu...
Part #: 3788 6× Red
Plate 2 x 6 Plate 2 x 6
Part #: 3795 1× Red
Plate 2 x 6 Plate 2 x 6
Part #: 3795 2× Black
Plate 2 x 6 Plate 2 x 6
Part #: 3795 1× Blue
Windscreen 2 x 4 x 2 Windscreen 2 x 4 x 2
Part #: 3823 1× Trans-Clear
Hinge Brick 1 x 4 [Upper] Hinge Brick 1 x 4...
Part #: 3830 2× Red
Hinge Brick 1 x 4 [Lower] Hinge Brick 1 x 4...
Part #: 3831 2× Red
Plate 2 x 10 Plate 2 x 10
Part #: 3832 2× Black
Weapon Axe Weapon Axe
Part #: 3835 1× Light Gray
Equipment Shovel [Rounded Handle End] Equipment Shovel ...
Part #: 3837 1× Dark Gray
Tool Pickaxe Tool Pickaxe
Part #: 3841 1× Dark Gray
Window 1 x 4 x 3 Window 1 x 4 x 3
Part #: 3853 2× White
Window 1 x 2 x 3 Pane Window 1 x 2 x 3 ...
Part #: 3854 4× White
Baseplate 16 x 32 Baseplate 16 x 32
Part #: 3857 1× Green
Door 1 x 4 x 5 with 4 Panes, Squared Base Door 1 x 4 x 5 wi...
Part #: 3861b 2× White
Baseplate 10 x 16 Baseplate 10 x 16
Part #: 397 1× Green
Ladder Two Piece, Bottom Section Ladder Two Piece,...
Part #: 420 2× Yellow
Ladder Two Piece, Top Section Ladder Two Piece,...
Part #: 421 1× Yellow
Sticker Sheet for Set 590-1 Sticker Sheet for...
Part #: 4659a 1× [No Color/Any Color]
The set features a high concentration of red bricks, making it a good source for basic building elements in that color. The inclusion of wheel arches and black tires is also useful for vehicle construction.

🛒 Where to Buy

💎 Notable Parts

Red Brick 1 x 2 (47x) $2.35
Red Brick 1 x 1 (38x) $1.90
Black Tyre 15 x 6 Offset Tread Small (12x) $2.40
Red Brick Special 1 x 1 x 2 with Shutter Holder (6x) $1.80
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$8.45

💡 MOC Potential

🏙 Expand the fire station with additional bays and support buildings.
🚗 Design alternate emergency vehicles like ambulances or police cars.
🏰 Use the red bricks to create a small medieval building or watchtower.

📰 Classic Town News

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Charts Inventory Statistics

65
Unique Parts
280
Official Piece Count
321
Cataloged Inventory Pieces
4
Minifigures

LEGO counts 280 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 338, including the 17 parts inside the minifigures; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Inventory Version: 1

Missing a piece? Use the Missing Piece Checker.