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Ward LaFrance Ultravision
#1
Ward LaFrance introduced the Ultravision cab in 1962. It's four piece windshield offered excellent forward visibility and makes this one of the most easily recognizeable apparatus ever built. When first introduced, it was called the Mark I by Ward LaFrance. Around 1970, WLF began using the Presidential and Constellation series of names for their various custom and commercial chassis apparatus lines. The pumper in the Presidential series was called the Ambassador, and the name became synonymous with the Ultravision cab, regardless of when it was built or what type of rig it was.



From a production standpoint, the chassis was called a Model 80, 85, or 87. The Model 80 has the motor located between the jumpseats. The Model 85 has it between the driver and officer seats. The Model 87 was designated for those units built by Maxim, with Maxim badging, that were built after Ward LaFrance closed.



I am compiling a database of all Ultravision apparatus. This database will be based on each rigs "Spec Number" which consisted of the model number followed by the production number. I will be posting Ultravision rigs from my collection, complete with all pertinent information and I'm hoping that many of you add to those I post. Please include any and all information that you have, but don't worry if you have no info to post, someone will. Many of these rigs may have been photographed at their second or third FD's. If you know any historical background, please include it as well. Thanks!



Engine 2, Citizens Hose Company #2, Dunkirk, NY

1975 Ambassador

1000/500

#80-1072

Refurbed by RD Murray, 1000/750

Still in reserve service


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#2
Engine 3, Lake City Hose Company #3, Dunkirk, NY

1975 Ambassador

1000/500

#80-1153

Refurbed by RD Murray, 1000/750

Donated to Marten River, Ontario

Serving as Engine 4


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#3
Engine 174, Huntley Hose Company, Silver Creek, NY

1973 Ambassador

1000/1000

#80-913

Still in reserve


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#4
Engine 303, Ashville, NY

1970 Ambassador

1000/1000

#80-476


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#5
Engine 341, Frewsburg, NY

1975 Ambassador

1250/750

#80-1099

Sold to Panama, NY

In service as Engine 384


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#6
Engine 353, Jamestown, NY

1974 Ambassador

1250/500

#80-1066

Still in reserve


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#7
Engine 491, Sinclairville, NY

1974 Ambassador

1000/1000

#80-1036

Retired


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#8
pfd


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#9
Hi Dave:



I don't have all the information that you might be looking for, but I'll post some of what I have.



1974 Ward La France Ambassador

1000 Hale/800/1500'5"/800'3"

West Bradford Fire department

West Bradford, PA



   
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#10
1977 Ward La France Ambassador

1000 Hale/500/1200'5"



Triton Hose Co. #1

Engine-6

Tunkahannock, PA





   
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#11
1971 Ward La France Ambassador

1000 Hale/1000/1000'5"

1995 New Lexington rehab

Dalton Fire Co

Engine 5-1

Dalton, PA





   
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#12
1967 Ward La France Ambassador

1000 Hale/500/2100'5"

Factoryville Fire Co.

Engine-2

Factoryville, PA





   
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#13
1976 Ward La France/LTI

1000 Hale

Cartwright Hook & Ladder Co.

Sidney Fire Department

Sidney, New York





   
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#14
1970 Ward La France Ambassador

1500 Hale/640/1500'5"

Lake Winola Fire Co. #1

Engine 12-2

Lake Winola, PA





   
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#15
1970 Ward La france Ambassador

1000 Hale/500/2000'5"

1984 Amthor rebuild



Montgomery Fire Department

Engine 219

Montgomery, New York





   
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#16
Quote:From a production standpoint, the chassis was called a Model 80, 85, or 87. The Model 80 has the motor located between the jumpseats. The Model 85 has it between the driver and officer seats. The Model 87 was designated for those units built by Maxim, with Maxim badging, that were built after Ward LaFrance closed.



Thanks for the information! I knew that the 87 #'s were Ward's (in my Maxim database that is) but I wasn't aware of the 80's and the 85's. That makes a lot of sense now!!
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#17
Here's the truck that Charles Sullivan posted from Sidney NY in its new home in Sherburne (Chenango Co), NY. Now operating as Truck 287.


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John Kenealy

[url="http://www.cnyfiretrucks.com"]CNYFiretrucks.com: Over 5200 photos of apparatus from over 1000 New York State Departments![/url]



[Image: IMAG0400.jpg] New York
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#18
North Highlands, NY Engine 21-2-1 1980 WLF/Maxim 1000/1000 80-1693



they also have a 1969 WLF 1000/1000 80-360



Mike


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#19
Dalton, PA Engine 5-1 1971 WLF/1992 New Lexington 1000/1000 80-571



Mike


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#20
Chinchilla Hose Co., South Abington Twp., PA Engine 2-1 1977 WLF/1988 Tinsley Design/Fire Co. 1500/750 80-1388



Mike


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