Large Scale Central

Another Distraction

General Discussion
#1

This was delivered on the 26th. The gent couldn’t bring himself to scrap (or restore) so he offered it to my kids to ‘play’ with. 1949 American LaFrance

It’s a '49 700 Series V-12. It’s said it ran about 5 years ago. I doubt I’ll make any restoration plans. I would love to get it running, just to hear it run-past that though… The Lights and Siren are said to operate. We just had an inch or so of rain, and I haven’t been out to further investigate. FWIW-in the past I worked as an Engineer/EMT. (for years before I became a dad) Another reason to prep for a “Fire Sale” on Track around here…

#2

Cool!
What a toy for the kids. :slight_smile:

#3

You need to talk to Geoff George.

#4

Cool - a Ward LaFrance ?

#5
Jon Radder said:
Cool - a Ward LaFrance ?
American, sorry not sure how I left that out :)
#6

It certainly looks like it could be restored. It would be good, in my view, if that could happen. Sadly I am the wrong side of the pond to come and help. :wink:

#7

just a quick glance through the classifieds here will give you an idea of what a restored or running example of FF history will bring.

http://www.spaamfaa.org/forsaleapparatus.html

for what a paint-job on my engine would cost I could buy an operable rig to drive around the yard :slight_smile:

as sad as it is, this wasn’t on the Radar by any means, add to that a house full of kids and a farm to launch it’s more than likely gonna sit… :frowning: for a long time…much like my LS Trains

Edit to add: thanks Alan

#8

Yes, that would cost a small fortune even to cosmetically restore it.
Let alone a full operating restoration.
If your friend who gave it to you doesn’t mind you selling it. (Maybe give him part of the proceeds.)
Put it on e-bay, as is, where is. You might be surprised.

#9

Prolly cost about $50G to get it to look and run like this one…

(http://www.antiquefirebrigade.com/tn_OleGrayBigGreen0602.JPG)

or This one :slight_smile:

(http://danosfireapparatusphotos.smugmug.com/Northumberland-County/Kulpmont-Borough/E213/963853708_KJN8P-M.jpg)

#10

Jon, I had found those as well, that Green Ladder is really swell!

Scrap would be a good haul I’d imagine, but only imagine I will…it’s for the kids-but once they’re over it, it’s fair game :slight_smile:

There is one listed in the classifieds for 19K, says he invested over $65,000… (and I thought I’d lose my can on the 322 Track)

#11

Cool truck.

Looking through that site, it’s apparent that restoring antique firetrucks is a lot like restoring steam locomotives… no money in it, just something people do for the pure love of equipment.

#12

:slight_smile: There’s a couple trucks on that site I wouldn’t mind having :smiley:
Ralph

#13

Rule of thumb with firetrucks:
If you buy one for say $5,000.00 and then spend $20-$30,000.00 restoring it…
It’ll be worth maybe $5,000.00 if you can get it.

#14

I know a few folks with engines out there. Need more wildland stuff restored.

#15

We have GOT to talk. Ping me again… my phone forgot your new number.

#16

(http://www.fotolode.com/images/SCWolverine/highrise.jpg)

Howabout that “High Rise”…the throttle linkage on this thing is crazy. most of the electrical wiring I can see is cloth insulated :slight_smile: Matt-you, like Ralph-never answer the phone LOL

#17
C. Nelson said:
Matt-you, like Ralph-never answer the phone LOL
Cale, The last time you called, I didn't have caller ID. So I couldn't return the call. I have caller ID now, so leave a message and I can call you back ;) Ralph
#18

What ever happened to answering the phone.
If you don’t like who is on the other end of the line just hang up.
It’s like if it is someone you really care for is trying to get you and has to use an barrowed phone,
how are you going to know if you look at the caller ID?

#19
David Kapp said:
What ever happened to answering the phone. If you don't like who is on the other end of the line just hang up. It's like if it is someone you really care for is trying to get you and has to use an barrowed phone, how are you going to know if you look at the caller ID?
Thats the best thing about Text messages. If I call someone and they dont answere I just send a Text. You get better results lol. I got rid of my home phone a few years ago. All I got calls from was telemarketers.
#20

Drifting off topic here, but…

We’ve stopped routinely answering our phone because of the [unprintable] telemarketers. We now let the answering machine pick up, and if it’s somebody we want to talk to, we do. If not, we don’t. Works every time.

Steve