When I worked on the Pierce book, the 2 guys (1 at Pitman and 1 at Pierce) who were solely responsible for building the first Snorkels each told me the Elwood rig was the VERY FIRST Pitman/Pierce built specifically for the fire service, meaning not experimental and intended for fire service. Doug Ogilvie of Pierce even remembered drawing the body design on a cocktail napkin while meeting with Pitman. Bedford Park's was reportedly as the 2nd (I don't recall it being built for Chicago). I hope somebody has the Elwood rig and it wasn't scrapped. Same would go for the Bedford Park rig.
Kent Parrish
Louisville, KY
Kent Parrish
Louisville, KY