Maryland photo's

[Guest]

Baltimore only had one ALF Aero Chief, delivered in 1973, originally lettered as Water Tower 2. The 1960 IH/Hi-Ranger was Water Tower 1. Both of these rigs were elevating platforms only and carried no ground ladders or other normal truck company equipment. Prior to going in service, the numbers were flip/flopped and the Aero Chief became WT-1. In April of 1976, the Aero Chief tipped over while operating at a multi alarm fire. The rig was rebuilt with a Pierce body and Snorkel boom but retained the ALF cab. When rebuilt, it carried ground ladders but remained in service as WT-1. Around the same time a new Pierce/Snorkel was also delivered and was assigned to Truck 1. Later, when Truck 2 needed a new rig, WT-1 was disbanded and the apparatus reassigned as Truck 2. It remained in service until replaced with a Sutphen tower designated as AT-102.



The Aero Chief and Hi-Ranger were never stationed together at Steadman. The Hi-Ranger was originally stationed with Truck 2 in their old quarters on Paca St. When Steadman opened and the Aero Chief went in service, the Hi-Ranger was kept over at E-5 and Tr-3 and maybe for a short time over at the Oldtowne super house. When the Aero Chief tipped over and was out of service, the Hi-Ranger was moved to Steadman. I believe the staffing for the water towers was no more than 3 personnel, but I'm not 100% sure. It's been a long time.