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+---- Thread: 1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine (/showthread.php?tid=1849)
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1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-10-2009
I just arrived home late yesterday afternoon with the newest addition to the family, a 1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine. The story behind this one is much the same as its [url="http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/index.php?showtopic=4298"]predecessor[/url], minus the part about driving it straight out of the station. It was already in Columbus, Ohio, when I picked it up.
I’m very proud to introduce Marion Fire Department Engine 21. It’s powered by a healthy 6V92 Detroit Diesel Engine and has a 1500 G.P.M. Pump. It spent its entire service life with the Marion Fire Department in Marion, Ohio, and of course, it was one of two American LaFrance engines that arrived in town shortly after Engine 3 was retired in 1977. With only 30,174 miles on the odometer/6,226 hours on the clock, it’s still a baby. It’s an absolute pleasure to drive.
Even though Marion abandoned their traditional gray paint scheme by the time Engine 21 was purchased, I’m still very, very happy to have it. I’ve wanted it since I saw it several years ago when we passed through Marion. It was by chance that I stumbled upon it for sale this past December. I’m still not sure how I got so lucky, but regardless, the tradition continues!
The weather hasn't been very good for picture taking these past few days, but there will be plenty of time for more pictures later.
![[Image: tn_DSC00679.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00679.jpg)
![[Image: tn_DSC00683.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00683.jpg)
![[Image: tn_DSC00643.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00643.jpg)
![[Image: tn_DSC00655.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00655.jpg)
![[Image: tn_DSC00656.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00656.jpg)
![[Image: tn_DSC00709.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00709.jpg)
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - 1961MackC95 - 02-10-2009
[quote name='1949ALF' post='280813' date='Feb 10 2009, 17:15 ']I just arrived home late yesterday afternoon with the newest addition to the family, a 1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine. The story behind this one is much the same as its [url="http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/index.php?showtopic=4298"]predecessor[/url], minus the part about driving it straight out of the station. It was already in Columbus, Ohio, when I picked it up.
I’m very proud to introduce Marion Fire Department Engine 21. It’s powered by a healthy 6V92 Detroit Diesel Engine and has a 1500 G.P.M. Pump. It spent its entire service life with the Marion Fire Department in Marion, Ohio, and of course, it was one of two American LaFrance engines that arrived in town shortly after Engine 3 was retired in 1977. With only 30,174 miles on the odometer/6,226 hours on the clock, it’s still a baby. It’s an absolute pleasure to drive.
Even though Marion abandoned their traditional gray paint scheme by the time Engine 21 was purchased, I’m still very, very happy to have it. I’ve wanted it since I saw it several years ago when we passed through Marion. It was by chance that I stumbled upon it for sale this past December. I’m still not sure how I got so lucky, but regardless, the tradition continues!
The weather hasn't been very good for picture taking these past few days, but there will be plenty of time for more pictures later.[/quote]
Another ALF? Say it ain't so! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/banghead.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> Just kidding-congrats on your acquisition. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> Lindsay D
Richardson, TX
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-11-2009
[quote name='1961MackC95' post='280843' date='Feb 10 2009, 18:16 ']Another ALF? Say it ain't so! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/banghead.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> Just kidding-congrats on your acquisition. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />[/quote]I can't help that the Mack they once owned didn't last long enough to become an antique. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - 1961MackC95 - 02-12-2009
[quote name='1949ALF' post='281156' date='Feb 11 2009, 22:38 ']I can't help that the Mack they once owned didn't last long enough to become an antique. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />[/quote]All kidding aside, it appears to be quite a nice engine-complete and in good shape.
Any chance it might show up in Texas?
Lindsay D
Richardson, TX
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-12-2009
[quote name='1961MackC95' post='281343' date='Feb 12 2009, 17:22 ']All kidding aside, it appears to be quite a nice engine-complete and in good shape.
Any chance it might show up in Texas?[/quote]
No, it's residing happily with its older counterpart. You're more than welcome to come and visit it, though.
It has a couple battle scars, but overall, it's in very good shape. It shouldn't take a lot of work to clean it up and collect the miscellanous equipment it's missing. I'm really anxious to get it out to a show this Spring. I haven't stopped grinning since I picked it up. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Engine2524 - 02-13-2009
[quote name='1961MackC95' post='281343' date='Feb 12 2009, 17:22 ']Any chance it might show up in Texas?
Lindsay D
Richardson, TX
It's got to show up in New Jersey first...
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-16-2009
A couple pictures from today. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />
![[Image: tn_DSC00799.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00799.jpg)
![[Image: tn_DSC00826.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00826.jpg)
![[Image: tn_DSC00819.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/ALFON/1978ALF/tn_DSC00819.jpg)
So, so happy! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - hoss - 02-16-2009
My wife would be so jealous - she's wanted a 1978 ALF since we started dating - we're buying a house so I guess it will have to wait a while. Congrats. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/3_12_26v.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - MFD76 - 02-16-2009
[quote name='1949ALF' post='282520' date='Feb 16 2009, 18:21 ']A couple pictures from today. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />
So, so happy! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />[/quote]Doesn't Marion have a 1971 Oshgosh Pierce 85ft Snorkel that was just refurbed to be the reserve truck company? Sound like a cool department. Also can you explain the gray paint, I love the two tone gray. You mentioned a gray ladder also. Why the differnt color scheme and why are they red again? Thanks for the help. I grew up with a 1983 ALF Century Pump and 1970 75ft open cab Oshgosh Pierce Snorkel Truck (no pump or tank) in Arlington, Texas at Fire House Seven, true classics.
Stay Safe, Rick
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - 1961MackC95 - 02-16-2009
[quote name='1949ALF' post='282520' date='Feb 16 2009, 19:21 ']A couple pictures from today. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' />
So, so happy! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />[/quote]What a pair-Old Gray & New Red. Nice to see Old Gray out in the bone chilling cold.
What logo is that on your hat?
Lindsay D
Richardson, TX
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - wardengine - 02-17-2009
real nice good luck!!
TOM B
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-17-2009
[quote name='MFD 61 KS' post='282533' date='Feb 16 2009, 20:34 ']Doesn't Marion have a 1971 Oshgosh Pierce 85ft Snorkel that was just refurbed to be the reserve truck company? Sound like a cool department. Also can you explain the gray paint, I love the two tone gray. You mentioned a gray ladder also. Why the differnt color scheme and why are they red again? Thanks for the help. I grew up with a 1983 ALF Century Pump and 1970 75ft open cab Oshgosh Pierce Snorkel Truck (no pump or tank) in Arlington, Texas at Fire House Seven, true classics.[/quote]
Hey Rick,
One of the times I was over at Marion the then chief took me to the station where the 71' snorkel was housed. The staton was empty other than the snorkel, no manpower no nothing only a picture on the wall of my rig when it was delivered that I couldn't talk the chief out of. He gave me several items that had been taken off my rig before it was sold so it wasn't a trip for nothing. I did get photos of all of their inservice rigs that day including the 78' ALF you see in the photos. Glad to hear they rehabbed the snorkel it was all but perfect that day I was over there. Snorkels are getting few and far between in Indiana anyway.
The gray paint, when I bought the 47' I was told the chief when it was purchased had been a boatswain's mate in the Navy. He also purchased a 48' ALF aerial, a 55' Seagrave engine and maybe a Seagrave Quad during his tenure. Turns out gray was the color ALL the Marion F. D. rigs had been painted over the years. Not positive but my ole gray ALF may have replaced a 1912 Robinson unit. Marion F.D. had some other unique rigs including a pair of Hanleys. Hey if they got the job done, big deal.
When you were in Arlington did you ever see this unit????
![[Image: DSC_0235.jpg]](http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x215/1949ALF/Firepics/DSC_0235.jpg)
Thanks for listening.............Bruce
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-18-2009
[quote name='1949ALF' post='281156' date='Feb 11 2009, 22:38 ']I can't help that the Mack they once owned didn't last long enough to become an antique. <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />[/quote]Wait.....it didn't LAST long enough, or they didn't OWN it long enough? Could be juuuuust a little bit of difference there! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Congrats on the new addition! Looking forward to seeing it cleaned up later on, possibly in person at one place or another.
Wow, that Arlington rig is SWEEEEEET!!!!!! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wub.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-18-2009
that Century is beautiful! my vollie company still runs an '83 Century with a top mount pump (1250) and a 6V92 very good trucks.....fast too!!!
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - MFD76 - 02-19-2009
[quote name='1947ALF' post='282756' date='Feb 17 2009, 20:07 ']Hey Rick,
One of the times I was over at Marion the then chief took me to the station where the 71' snorkel was housed. The staton was empty other than the snorkel, no manpower no nothing only a picture on the wall of my rig when it was delivered that I couldn't talk the chief out of. He gave me several items that had been taken off my rig before it was sold so it wasn't a trip for nothing. I did get photos of all of their inservice rigs that day including the 78' ALF you see in the photos. Glad to hear they rehabbed the snorkel it was all but perfect that day I was over there. Snorkels are getting few and far between in Indiana anyway.
The gray paint, when I bought the 47' I was told the chief when it was purchased had been a boatswain's mate in the Navy. He also purchased a 48' ALF aerial, a 55' Seagrave engine and maybe a Seagrave Quad during his tenure. Turns out gray was the color ALL the Marion F. D. rigs had been painted over the years. Not positive but my ole gray ALF may have replaced a 1912 Robinson unit. Marion F.D. had some other unique rigs including a pair of Hanleys. Hey if they got the job done, big deal.
When you were in Arlington did you ever see this unit????
Thanks for listening.............Bruce[/quote]
Bruce,
Thanks for the info that is great, cool story with the grey. The rehabed Snorkel was in the last FAJ in the rehabs section. Did Marion suffer cut backs and fire house closings?
What a fantastic photo. They did have this engine in reserve as Engine 21 when I was a kid it was stored in the back of 7's behind Tanker 7 and later when Snorkel 7 went in service it was shipped out on HWY 303 at the old fire/police training center now just police training. It really made the rounds from Engine 1,6,7 and may be a few more places. I did not know they had kept it and fell over when I saw it refurbed at 13's. They said General Motors Arilngton Plant did the refurb in the 90's. The front door gold leaf scramble and jump seat letters matches the orginal design that was started with this 700. All or most AFD rigs followed prior to the 1970's with the same door scramble and letters. 700's are real true classic and I have a soft spot for them. Kansas City, MO KCFD had the second or third largest fleet of 700's seires really cool rigs pumps, tillers, and one four wheel straight 100ft stick. I remember 7's making runs as a kid in the 1970 open cab ALF 900 with the 1972 GMC Tanker and then later in the 83 Century with the 1970 open cab Snorkel in tow, really loud Q sirens.
Stay Safe, Rick
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-19-2009
[quote name='MFD 61 KS' post='283088' date='Feb 19 2009, 17:24 ']Bruce,
Thanks for the info that is great, cool story with the grey. The rehabed Snorkel was in the last FAJ in the rehabs section. Did Marion suffer cut backs and fire house closings?
What a fantastic photo. They did have this engine in reserve as Engine 21 when I was a kid it was stored in the back of 7's behind Tanker 7 and later when Snorkel 7 went in service it was shipped out on HWY 303 at the old fire/police training center now just police training. It really made the rounds from Engine 1,6,7 and may be a few more places. I did not know they had kept it and fell over when I saw it refurbed at 13's. They said General Motors Arilngton Plant did the refurb in the 90's. The front door gold leaf scramble and jump seat letters matches the orginal design that was started with this 700. All or most AFD rigs followed prior to the 1970's with the same door scramble and letters. 700's are real true classic and I have a soft spot for them. Kansas City, MO KCFD had the second or third largest fleet of 700's seires really cool rigs pumps, tillers, and one four wheel straight 100ft stick. I remember 7's making runs as a kid in the 1970 open cab ALF 900 with the 1972 GMC Tanker and then later in the 83 Century with the 1970 open cab Snorkel in tow, really loud Q sirens.[/quote]
Hey Rick,
Not sure if was Kansas City Mo. or Ks. but I saw a film about a huge fire in a filling station, bulk plant that caught on fire there probally in the 40's or 50's. Man what a mess! The firefighters pushed the fire from out front on the drive back to the storage tanks and then the fun began. It didn't take too long for the heat from the gas fire licking on the storage tanks in the rear to have some wild results. A couple of them took off like rocket ships, WOW fire everywhere for a little while. I remember there were several 400 series ALFs in the battle. Don't know if there were any firefighters or apparatus lost but if there weren't it missed a heck of a chance. Just a memory from a training session from days gone by that I thought you might like..............Bruce
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-19-2009
[quote name='1961MackC95' post='280843' date='Feb 10 2009, 18:16 ']Another ALF? Say it ain't so! <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/banghead.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />[/quote]<img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blah.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' /> <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blah.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blah.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Kidding........ <img src='http://www.firepics.net/groupboards/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - MFD76 - 02-20-2009
[quote name='1947ALF' post='283177' date='Feb 19 2009, 21:17 ']Hey Rick,
Not sure if was Kansas City Mo. or Ks. but I saw a film about a huge fire in a filling station, bulk plant that caught on fire there probally in the 40's or 50's. Man what a mess! The firefighters pushed the fire from out front on the drive back to the storage tanks and then the fun began. It didn't take too long for the heat from the gas fire licking on the storage tanks in the rear to have some wild results. A couple of them took off like rocket ships, WOW fire everywhere for a little while. I remember there were several 400 series ALFs in the battle. Don't know if there were any firefighters or apparatus lost but if there weren't it missed a heck of a chance. Just a memory from a training session from days gone by that I thought you might like..............Bruce[/quote]
Bruce,
That was the 08/1959 Conoco Station Fire at 31 and SW Blvd. it resutled in five LODD from KCFD and four LODD from KCKFD. The fire was in KCFD, MO. The LODD were from KCFD Engine 19 now Pumper 19, KCKFD Pumper 10. The ALF 400's were KCK's they had three or four with a also city service ladder truck with a few 500's and a hugh fleet of classic Seagrave and 70th Anniversity Seagrave's. KCFD had all of the 700's in the film. There is a nice memorial now on SW Blvd for the firefighters.
KCK lost a 1949 Seagrave that was rebuilt repowered after the fire and was returned to service and lead an intresting life after retirment in the 1980's. KCFD lost a 500 or 700 that was at Pumper 19 and I believe it was scrapped not for sure.
Stay safe, Rick
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 02-20-2009
[quote name='MFD 61 KS' post='283388' date='Feb 20 2009, 19:16 ']Bruce,
That was the 08/1959 Conoco Station Fire at 31 and SW Blvd. it resutled in five LODD from KCFD and four LODD from KCKFD. The fire was in KCFD, MO. The LODD were from KCFD Engine 19 now Pumper 19, KCKFD Pumper 10. The ALF 400's were KCK's they had three or four with a also city service ladder truck with a few 500's and a hugh fleet of classic Seagrave and 70th Anniversity Seagrave's. KCFD had all of the 700's in the film. There is a nice memorial now on SW Blvd for the firefighters.
KCK lost a 1949 Seagrave that was rebuilt repowered after the fire and was returned to service and lead an intresting life after retirment in the 1980's. KCFD lost a 500 or 700 that was at Pumper 19 and I believe it was scrapped not for sure.[/quote]
Hey Rick,
Thanks for the info on the big fire. Sorry to hear there were nine firefighters lost that day. I'll have to get out my ALF delivery list and see how many ALF rigs were owned by both of the Kansas Cities. Thanks again.......Bruce
1978 American LaFrance Century Series Engine - Guest - 12-14-2009
"Somebody" (or, rather, "something") made the back cover of the new "Enjine! Enjine!"
Congrats!