I have several anecdotes affirming each of the five points made by Feuerwehr75 above. The bottom line is the incomparable speed in placing companies into service at an alarm. I’m sure fellow fire pixer John “Truckman” Hinant a can attest to this, as Richmond, VA, was a major two-piece department.
This is an image of Engine Co. 23 in the late seventies, typical of a DCFD firehouse on a Saturday – wash out day. It is winter and the bay door is closed with the apparatus outside until the floor dries. Notice the cleaned oil pans set on end to dry.
A few companies had the combination of a Ward LaFrance wagon and Pirsch pumper in the late sixties. I believe E-29 had the last pair. E-23 and E-2 ran this combination until the Hahn purchase in 1980.
Kevin Byrne