Rick, I also enjoy blending history with model making, mainly history focused on the particular model. I applaud your overview of not only your model’s setting, but also the entire “industry” of fighting fires by train.
To get started on the fire train model build a little catchup on some existing models that will be used.
Some of these will be used as is and some with minor additions or modifications.
First up, the head end power.
Some of you may recall this engine as it was my build for this years MIK Challenge.
I thought it would be the perfect engine for a fire train because of it’s almost instant availability when needed. No need to keep a steam engine simmering all Summer long in case it was needed. Just jump on and roll the fly wheel and she is ready to go, well, that is if the damned ol’ rust bucket will start. 
This car’ I think, will be used as is.
A small tanker with a hand pump to supply the water.
This car was built by a good friend and was gifted to me shortly before his passing.
All I have done and will do is change the couplers and re-letter it for the SFTC.
It will run at the end of the train just behind the crew car/caboose to protect it from the possible flames.
Which brings us to this existing car.
A model of Northwestern Pacific’s Caboose #6007
I built this car a few years back I think with a few modifications it will make an excellent crew car for the fire train.
This is the trailing car used behind my rail trucks and gas loco’s so I need to build a new shell for it so it can become the water cannon car.
Battery, AirWire and Phoenix Goose sound on a 2 axel flat with interchangeable shells.
This car may or may not be used haven’t completely decided yet.
It is a model of an V & T water tank car that I built maybe 25 years ago.
So the only completely new cars to be built will be the main tank car with pumping equipment and of course the water cannon car shell.
More to come as time permits.
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…and loosely fitting into this category is Trains on Fire, from the BBC archives.
EDIT: I’m still pondering the fact that recycling meant lighting your train on fire then melting the remaining scrap down and that hyperloops were being designed 55 years ago.
Started making a little progress on the modeling for the fire train.
Working on different parts as i go along, waiting for glue or paint to dry, so the pictures my seem a little bit, OK a lot, out of sequence.
With that being said, here is what I have so far.
The start of the shell for the water cannon car that goes over the trailing power car.
Here the car shell is assembled and we are working on the railings, Also the tank for the water tanker is built from 3 inch PVC pipe and wrapped with Redwood strips that need to be sanded smoth and the ends applied.
Here the railings are all built and test fitted to the car top.
The railings are .063 brazing rod hand fitted and soft soldered. Not fancy but I think they came out pretty good. More to come some time soon, hopefully.
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Rick I really love the visual impact of the deck, but working off of it I’d more than likely sprain an ankle shuffling around as I worked the water cannon with those gaps.
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Dave,
I think your right on both counts.
The gaps are 2 inch in 1:20 but I tried them closer, 1 inch, and visually it may as well been a solid deck from a few feet away.
Excellant build on a rarely modeled MOW car 
NO!
that does not add up.
to go with this loco, your car needs some heavy weathering.
He does have a point
Well maybe, But the locomotive has been in service for years on Crummy runs into the woods and back. The Fire train is a fairly new addition to the company roster and was assigned this duty without even a washdown.
That’s my story and I’m stuck with it.
mix up a grungy looking wash and give it a misting just to give the impression of just sitting on a siding
I like the fresh from the factory new car. When does the crew celebrate the new equipment?
oh, oh, did i open a can of worms?
Nope not with me
It has been a while but here is an update on the Fire Train modeling.
The flat for the tank car was just a piece of 1/4 inch plywood with side and end sills added.
The trucks and under carriage were donated by a Charlie Ro reefer. The body of that reefer went on to a new home where it will become something special. Hopefully we will get to see that one of these days here on the forum.
A wood deck of individual boards was glued over the ply and KD couplers installed.
The body of the tank is a piece of 3 inch PVC drain pipe.
The pipe was wrapped with Redwood strips and Styrene ends glued in to hold the end planking.
The tank cleaned up and sanded smooth is fitted to the bunks on the flat car.
Here the tank car is basically finished, perhaps a little more weathering will happen.
The open deck area is where the engine, radiator, pump and piping will mount.
That’s the next thing to tackle.
Thanks for taking a look.
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Looks beautiful, Rick.
How do you make your hoop joints so cleanly?
Those are Bob Hartford metal castings glued to Styrene strip.
Those castings look good don’t they?
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Folks;
Last Friday evening we took my wife for a birthday dinner at a local (Roanoke, VA) restaurant called the Village Grill. Their location is directly across the side street from a fire station. While we consumed our food, Ladder Truck 7 left the fire station (siren and lights going) at least four times + return. May have been called out as back-up for other units – don’t know, but it was a busy time.
Regards, David Meashey