This is a 1918 American LaFrance, chain drive pumper from Liberty Fire Co in New Holland, PA. It's over restored to the max and stunning. Enought gold leaf to make a chain the Mr T would envy. Note the large electric spotlight on the front and the 2 red kerosine lanterns on the rear.
This looks like the bastard child of a Model A truck and a rice-racer.
Putting out fires, and doing it in style.
Old fire apparatus is amazing to look at ... Sometimes you find yourself wondering how whole cities managed not to burn to the ground with greater frequency.
I've had an enjoyable time at several fire musters, one in Philadelphia on the Ben Franklin Parkway as part of a national convention with sponsorship by Firehouse Magazine.
Wissahickon Fire Company in Ambler has a human-drawn (as opposed to horse-drawn) firewagon that's pretty neat to see.
human-drawn (as opposed to horse-drawn) firewagon
I can't imagine dragging one of those to the fire and then hand pumping the water. They must have saved a lot of cellar holes.;)
Originally posted by xoxoxoBruce
This is a 1918 American LaFrance, chain drive pumper from Liberty Fire Co in New Holland, PA. ...
That's American LaFREEDOM, isn't it?
Naw, in 1918 it was France. There's no revisionists in the cellar(LOL). By the way, this hand pump was sitting behind the truck.