Of all the companies that built motor fire apparatus in America in the 20th century, none has acquired the cult-like devotion accorded the truly distinctive products of the Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. With its front-mounted pump surmounted by a gleaming spherical air chamber, the Ahrens-Fox piston pumper projects irresistible aesthetic and mechanical appeal. Fire apparatus aficionados and collectors have all but elevated the classic Ahrens-Fox piston pumper to a firefighting deity. In this special collection, well-known fire apparatus historian Walt McCall has carefully selected the best of the best - including a gallery of 30 classic Ahrens-Fox fire engines in glorious color.
The 1930s was the decade of style - an era of streamlining and bold, futuristic art deco design that influenced the look of everything from jewelry, furniture and skyscrapers to locomotives, ships and automobiles. Fire engines were no exception, and American LaFrance's ultra-streamlined 500 Series fire apparatus with its dramatically clean styling suddenly made everything else look old-fashioned. This authoritative, superbly researched and lavishly illustrated book documents the American-LaFrance 500 and 600 Series' remarkable nine-year production run from the late 1930s through post WWII. In addition to the big 500/600 Series, the book also covers the lesser known "junior edition" B-500 and B-600 Series. Long overdue, this exciting compendium is the only book ever devoted exclusively to this controversial series and completes another fascinating chapter in American-LaFrance history.
This is the first and only book on Young Fire Equipment, a previously unpublished area. Throughout its 60-year history, Young was in the forefront of fire apparatus innovation. Both the fire service and fire apparatus historians have always recognized Young as a leader in design style and uniqueness. The company even produced three full-custom designs that were unique to the Young name. Fire enthusiasts of all kinds will want to add this distinct piece of fire apparatus history to their libraries.
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