Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire

[OPEN CAB MACK]

[quote name='Ladder 68' post='269794' date='Dec 31 2008, 03:43 ']On the "Keystone Relics" page there is a photo of what looks like an ALF 900 snorkel. What are the specifics on this rig and what was its designation?



Thanks in advance.[/quote]

According to the late John Schmidt's book, the snorkels were purchased in 1972, they were American LaFrance 90' snorkels. Trucks 3 and 46 were changed to E.P 1 and E.P. 2. One was kept at old #3 which is now #4 on Forbes Ave. The other was kept on the North Sideat 33 Engine Co. These were staffed pieces of equipment until 1982, when the bureau went thru a major reorganization. These snorkels, or elevating platforms, as they were known as, became unmanned pieces in an on call need by the crews at stations 4 and 33. They were soon removed and sold at a city auction. These pieces were prone to tipping over and this helped expedite their removal.