LaFrance fire truck

[Xander Wildeisen]

Spotted this in the parking lot across from the hotel. I had a 1944 LaFrance, not sure on the year of this one?

[Marty Roth]

1947 (or newer) American LaFrance 

700 or possibly 800 Series Pumper

 

Wish I had to room to keep it, as it is similar to the one my Dad served on for the Linden (NJ) Fire Department - except that his was a closed cab. Our department actually bought two identical ones in 1947 when Dad went on the force. Great memories ! 

[Andy J]

When I went to work at the Meridian,MS FD June 1,1978 we had 3 of those.I'm 90% certain they were all 1953 models because I was told they were purchased at the same time.They were all reserves but were used quite frequently when the first line pumpers were being serviced or repaired.They all had a large brass bell mounted on the front bumper with a rope going into the cab to pull and ring the bell.They were declared surplus and auctioned off in the mid 1980's.

[Marty Roth]

18 minutes ago, Andy J said:

When I went to work at the Meridian,MS FD June 1,1978 we had 3 of those.I'm 90% certain they were all 1953 models because I was told they were purchased at the same time.They were all reserves but were used quite frequently when the first line pumpers were being serviced or repaired.They all had a large brass bell mounted on the front bumper with a rope going into the cab to pull and ring the bell.They were declared surplus and auctioned off in the mid 1980's.

Yes, the Linden, NJ pair of 700 Series closed cab 1947 pumpers were also auctioned off before I became aware. They also bought a later series ariel and a hook & ladder, but always kept to very early series solid tire hand-crank ALF with the tiller (I once steered the tiller when they moved it from storage to (the original) House #1 on S. Wood Ave. .

[Xander Wildeisen]

Would this truck still have a V12? When did they drop the V12’s?

[rocketraider]

Reckon any of those wonderful old fire trucks survived after they were surplused? I know, can't save them all, and fire apparatus is an expensive aspect of our hobby.

[STEVE POLLARD]

We had a 1948 in our Fire Department.....it originally came out of Long Island, NY ( donated ) to us since we were a new Company starting off in 1969....

 

Steve

 

 

[46 woodie]

Ah the good old day's of open cab fire vehicles and firefighters riding the back step at 60 MPH. When I joined the F.D. in 1971 one of the engine companies in the city still had an open cab pumper. They have pictures of the engine fighting a fire in the middle of a blizzard and the cab filled with snow.

[KURTRUK]

Looks like recent damage to the left rear fender, and the ladders look toasty in pic#8.  Wonder if it was rescued from a fire itself recently.

[Walt G]

Really interesting to see the way that truck is anchored down to the trailer! WOW.

[TAKerry]

Why did they make open can firetrucks?

[ALF1920]

open cab fire vehicles were made so that the driver, when pulling into the scene could get an overall view of any obstacle that may impede putting the fire out. Ladder trucks have to be placed so far from a building for safety and also for reachability. Down fall was the northern states that received snow, cab area had to be covered or shoveled out after the incident.

[oldford]

17 hours ago, TAKerry said:

Why did they make open can firetrucks?

Open cab firetrucks were produced so we could use them in parades 50 to 100 years later. 😀

 

Edited September 5, 2022 by oldford (see edit history)

[JACK M]

I once had one very similar to this one.

Part of the reason for getting rid of it is because I don't have a trailer like this one is on.