This apparatus was powered by the Hercules type HXE motor, made in Canton, OH.
Hercules Motors Service Manual
“Latest Apparatus for Fire Service. Series H & I, most recent
equipment of The Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, includes
apparatus of 1,000 gpm, capacity (Series H) and 750 capacity (Series
I). They are designed for universal service under the conditions
prevailing in the majority of cities, towns and fire districts, and are
provided in combination pumping engines, ladder apparatus, hose cars
and special-duty units of all kinds.
“As pioneer motor fire-engine
builders, this organization has developed many innovations which are
now accepted as standards of fire-fighting technique and apparatus
design. Being makers of motors and pumps, and builders of component
automotive parts especially designed for the particular requirements of
fire department equipment, Ahrens-Fox produces real fire apparatus
units which give dependable service.
“The motor used in apparatus of the H & I series combines extreme
simplicity, a minimum of parts, economy, and extraordinary power at
moderate rotative and piston speeds,. Ignition is by two separate
systems—magneto and battery—with dual spark plugs.
“The fire pumps furnished are either the Twin-Triple piston or
two-stage series-parallel types, with pump pressure ratings up to 600
pounds. Twenty-two Model H pumping engines recently delivered to the
city of New York and the New York World’s Fair were equipped with
Twin-Triple piston type pumps capable of developing 600 pound net pump
pressure.”
Photo caption: “THE TWENTY 1,000-GALLON PISTON PUMPERS RECENTLY
DELIVERED BY AHRENS-FOX FIRE ENGINE CO. TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK.”
October 10, 1936: Bid proposal from John P. Ahrens to Honorable R.A. Bauhof, Director of Public Service and Safety, Canton, OH, for three 750 Gallon Automobile Triple Combination Pumping Engine - Hose Car and Booster Equipment, Model I-T, to be delivered F.O.B. at Canton, Ohio, in 60 to 90 days after receipt of contract.
October 23, 1936: Ordered by Canton, Ohio. Sale by Gordon H. Litchfield, Pittsburgh, PA.
May 12, 1937: Tested by E.H. Markel, Engineer, Ohio Inspection Bureau, at factory cistern, 3’6” lift.
First Test, 6 hours, both sides of pump. One 20’ and one 30’ length of
21/2” hose into header, 13/4” nozzle, discharge gate throttled. 766 gpm
@ 122.6 psi. Engine 1028 rpm. Displacement 3.112 gpr.
Second Test, 3 hours, major side of pump. 20’ of 21/2” hose into
header, 11/4” nozzle, discharge gate throttled. 382 gpm @ 203.5 psi.
Engine 802.5 rpm. Displacement 1.889 gpr.
Third Test, 3 hours, minor side of pump. 30’ of
21/2” hose into header, 1” nozzle, discharge gate throttled. 253 gpm @ 253.6 psi. Engine 873.5 rpm. Displacement 1.223 gpr.
May 12, 1937: Tested in rain by Emil W. Graf (Ahrens-Fox delivery engineer) and E.H. Markel, Engineer, Ohio Inspection Bureau, at factory test yard.
First Test, 6 hours, both sides of pump, 9.8” vacuum. Two 50’ length of
21/2” hose into 13/4” nozzle. 766 gpm @ 120 psi (71 psi at nozzle).
Engine 1030 rpm, pump 253 rpm. Displacement 3.027 gpr, slip 2.73%.
Second Test, 3 hours, major side of pump, 5.6” vacuum. 50’ of 21/2”
hose, 11/4” nozzle. 383 gpm @ 200 psi (68.5 psi at nozzle). Engine 800
rpm, pump 196 rpm. Displacement 1.954 gpr.
Third Test, 3 hours, minor side of pump, 4.5” vacuum. 50’ of 21/2”
hose, 1” nozzle. 254 gpm @ 256 psi (74 psi at nozzle). Engine 875 rpm,
pump 215 rpm. Displacement 1.181 gpr, slip 3.43%.
Fourth Test, both sides of pump, 12” vacuum. Two 50’ lines of 21/2”
hose, 11/4” nozzle, spurt. 941 gpm @ 182 psi (107 psi at nozzle).
Engine 1300 rpm, pump 319 rpm. Displacement 2.950 gpr, slip 5.2%.
Fifth Test, minor side of pump. 50’ of 21/2” hose, 1” nozzle, spurt.
326 gpm @ 450 psi (122 psi at nozzle). Engine 1400 rpm, pump 344 rpm.
Displacement 0.947gpr, slip 22.5%.
May 15, 1937: Shipped by Carl F. Doering to Canton, Ohio. Price $13,000.00. In service as Engine 1.
May 25, 1937: Canton ordered dedication plates to put on all 3 pumpers (3417-8-9), to read:
Mayor James Seccombe
Safety Director Ralph A. Bauhof
Chief George E. Jacobs
May 15, 1937
Delivery photo #967 shows line-up of Reg. Nos. 3417-8-9.
July, 1971: My father & I photoed at Canton City Service Center (city garage), where it was moved after its recent retirement. Being kept for spare parts for #3418 and 3419.:
left-front
right-front
left-rear
Sept. 1971: Silver Sphere newsletter—For Sale: 1936 Ahrens-Fox Model IT, former Canton Engine 1. Reg. No. 3417. This rig has been stripped of almost everything, but mechanically is perfect. The men at Canton Service Center say that all parts can be bought from them separately, and they have ALL original equipment. Contact: Canton City Service Center, City of Canton Ohio.
1983: Cut-up. Parts to Tim Elder, 9390 Columbus Rd. NE, Louisville, OH 44641.
July, 1990: Rear axle, suction Y assembly, radiator & shell from 1937 IT #3417 of Canton, OH, to Joel Einhorn, Woodbury, CT, to restore his 1936 BT #4017 ex-Mount Vernon, NY.
October 10, 1936: Bid proposal to Canton, OH.
October 23, 1936: Ordered by Canton, Ohio. Salesman Gordon H. Litchfield, Pittsburgh, PA.
May 1, 1937: Tested by Emil W. Graf,
Ahrens-Fox delivery engineer, at factory test yard, fair weather. First
12 tests using one 41/2” suction. Test 13 using one 5” suction. Test 14
using two 5” suctions.
Test #1: 12” vacuum, 52.5# hydrant pressure,
both sides of pump, throttled, 13/4” nozzle. 750 gpm @ 120 psi (68 psi
nozzle). Motor 1010 rpm, pump 248 rpm. Displaced 3.024 gpr, 2.82% slip.
Motor temperature 105o.
Test #2: 15” vacuum, 70.0# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump,
throttled, 2” nozzle. 1000 gpm @ 120 psi (71 psi nozzle). Motor 1430
rpm, pump 351 rpm. Displaced 2.849 gpr, 8.45% slip. Motor temperature
160o.
Test #3: 22” vacuum, 102.8# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump, wide
open, 2” nozzle. 1175 gpm @ 150 psi (98 psi nozzle). Motor 1950 rpm,
pump 479 rpm. Displaced 2.453 gpr, 21.17% slip. Motor temperature 205o.
Test #4: 20” vacuum, 98.7# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump, wide
open, 2” nozzle. 1128 gpm @ 150 psi (90 psi nozzle). Motor 1700 rpm,
pump 418 rpm. Displaced 2.698 gpr, 13.3% slip. Motor temperature 190o.
Test #5: 19” vacuum, 111.8# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump, wide
open, 2” nozzle. 1095 gpm @ 175 psi (85 psi nozzle). Motor 1675 rpm,
pump 412 rpm. Displaced 2.657 gpr, 14.62% slip. Motor temperature 185o.
Test #6: 18” vacuum, 115.9# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump, wide
open, 2” nozzle. 994 gpm @ 200 psi (70 psi nozzle). Motor 1400 rpm,
pump 344 rpm. Displaced 2.889 gpr, 7.16% slip. Motor temperature 160o.
Test #7: 16” vacuum, 104.3# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump, wide
open, 13/4” nozzle. 813 gpm @ 220 psi (80 psi nozzle). Motor 1120 rpm,
pump 275 rpm. Displaced 2.956 gpr, 5.01% slip. Motor temperature 118o.
Test #8: 16” vacuum, 99.5# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump, wide
open, 13/4” nozzle. 803 gpm @ 225 psi (78 psi nozzle). Motor 1100 rpm,
pump 270 rpm. Displaced 2.974 gpr, 4.43% slip. Motor temperature 115o.
Test #9: 15” vacuum, 125.3# hydrant pressure, major side of pump, wide
open, 13/4” nozzle. 716 gpm @ 300 psi (62 psi nozzle). Motor 1710 rpm,
pump 420 rpm. Displaced 1.704 gpr, 9.79% slip. Motor temperature 191o.
Test #10: 13” vacuum, 130.6# hydrant pressure, major side of pump, wide
open, 11/2” nozzle. 640 gpm @ 350 psi (92 psi nozzle). Motor 1500 rpm,
pump 369 rpm. Displaced 1.734 gpr, 8.2% slip. Motor temperature 165o.
Test #11: 13” vacuum, 107.8# hydrant pressure, major side of pump, wide
open, 11/2” nozzle. 462 gpm @ 400 psi (48 psi nozzle). Motor 1020 rpm,
pump 250 rpm. Displaced 1.848 gpr, 2.17% slip. Motor temperature 106o.
Test #12: 11” vacuum, 133.3# hydrant pressure, minor side of pump, wide
open, 11/2” nozzle. 508 gpm @ 450 psi (58 psi nozzle). Motor 1900 rpm,
pump 467 rpm. Displaced 1.087 gpr, 10.3% slip. Motor temperature 195o.
Test #13: 22” vacuum, 105.8# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump, wide
open, 2” nozzle. 1170 gpm @ 155 psi (97 psi nozzle). Motor 1770 rpm,
pump 435 rpm. Displaced 2.689 gpr, 13.59% slip. Motor temperature 187o.
Test #14: 15” vacuum, 113.1# hydrant pressure, both sides of pump, wide
open, 2” nozzle. 1212 gpm @ 160 psi (104 psi nozzle). Motor 1660 rpm,
pump 408 rpm. Displaced 2.970 gpr, 4.56% slip. Motor temperature 185o.
May 5, 1937: Ahrens-Fox Circular #1019 about this rig.
May 15, 1937: Shipped by Carl F. Doering to Canton, Ohio. Price $13,000.00. In service as Engine 4.
July, 1971: My father & I photoed at Canton, still in reserve at Engine 2 but temporarily assigned to Engine 6 when we visited:
right-front
left-front
left-rear
September, 1982: Sold to Canton Classic Car Museum, Canton, OH.
In the 1980s, ERTL offered a metal model of IT #3418:
October 10, 1936: Bid proposal to Canton, OH.
October 23, 1936: Ordered by Canton, Ohio. Salesman Gordon H. Litchfield, Pittsburgh, PA.
May 15, 1937: Shipped by Carl F. Doering to Canton, Ohio. Price $13,000.00. In service as Engine 8.
May 25, 1937: Letter about #3419.
June, 1937: Fire Engineering ad featured #3419.
In-service photo, right-front, in color
1971: My father & I photoed at Canton. Still in reserve at Headquarters fire station:
front
left-front
left-rear
right
right (black-and-white)
June 7, 1980: At Canton, OH, muster.
June 7, 1986: One of 3 Ahrens-Foxes at Canton, OH, muster. Drafted water in 6 seconds, solid stream in 10 seconds. Under restoration by Joseph Immler, Canton, OH:
left-rear
close-up of motor
right-front
right-front
1986: Still owned by Canton Fire Dept., c/o Joseph B. Immler, 2810 10th St. NW, Canton, OH 44708.
July 25, 1987: One of 6 Ahrens-Foxes at Greenfield Village muster, Dearborn, MI. First place, Best Restored Early Vintage. Judges Favorite Custom Apparatus, Best Restored Apparatus Fastest Water Piston Pumper (9.38 seconds).
July 13, 1937: Ordered by South Saint Paul, MN. Salesman Robert R. Johnson, Peoria, IL.
October 28, 1937: Tested at factory cistern by E.H. Markel, Engineer, Ohio Inspection Bureau. 6’6” lift.
First Test, 6 hours, both sides of pump. Two 50’ lines of 21/2” hose
into header with 2” nozzle, discharge gates throttled. 1024 gpm @ 124
psi. Engine 1176 rpm, pump 289 psi. Displacement 3.572 gallons per
revolution.
Second Test, 3 hours, major side of pump. 50’ line of 21/2” hose into
header with 13/8” nozzle, discharge gates throttled. 506 gpm @ 203 psi.
Engine 983 rpm, pump 242 rpm. Displacement 2.1417 gpr.
Third Test, 3 hours, minor side of pump. 50’ line of 21/2” hose into
header with 11/8” nozzle, discharge gates throttled. 337 gpm @ 255 psi.
Engine 969 rpm, pump 238 psi. Displacement 1.4303 gpr.
November 16, 1937: Shipped to South Saint Paul, MN. In service as Engine 3. Delivery photo #1010.
November 22, 1937: Article about delivery:
page 1.
page 2.
page 3.
page 4.
page 5.
page 6.
page 7.
In-service photo (black-and-white).
1970: Sold to Gerald Pillar, 1520 Upper Afton Road, St. Paul, MN. (employee of 3M company).
circa-1978: Sold to Mercury automobile dealer, Minneapolis, MN.
Photo of #3420 when John Gambs bought it.
March 17, 1980: I received letter (dated March 11) from John R. Gambs, 214 First Federal Building, Lafayette, IN 47901. Gambs traded Reg. No. 9136 to acquire #3420. He now has it down to the frame and starting to re-assemble it. Chassis is complete, in process of rebuilding pump.
Photo of #3420 when John Gambs was restoring it.
March 13, 1980: Restoration still in early stages, chrome just went to Warsaw, IN, for replating.
Photo of #3420 restored (black-and-white).
Photo of #3420 restored (color).
1986: Gambs address is 10 North 4th St., P.O. Box 1608, Lafayette, IN 47902, phone (317) 423-1001.
Goldf-leaf on hood and seat of #3420.
July 25, 1987: One of 6 Ahrens-Foxes at Greenfield Village muster, Dearborn, MI. Third place, Best Restored Early Vintage. Third place, Best Dressed Rig & Crew. Water in 10.00 seconds.Transported to muster via classic Mack B Model truck.
July 28, 1937: Bid proposal from John P. Ahrens, vice president, Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Co., to Board of Public Works & Safety, East Chicago, IN, for two 1000 Gallon Automobile Triple Combination Twin Triple Piston Type Pumping Engine - Hose Car and Booster Equipment, Model H-T, Including Extras as requested by your Chief of Fire Department, 1250 Gallons at 120#, 1000 Gallons at 160#, special crankshaft Hercules part #31292-B. Delivery to be made F.O.B. at East Chicago, IN. Shipment from factory in 90 to 120 days after receipt of contract.
December 11, 1937: Ordered by East Chicago, IN. Sale by Robert R. Johnson, Peoria, IL.
Shipped to East Chicago, IN. In service, Engine 2, Elm & Guthrie Sts.
February 1, 1938: Tested by G.T. Cook, Engineer, National Board of Fire Underwriters, at draft in East Chicago, IN, 5’ lift.
First Test, both sides of pump. Three 50’ lines of 21/2” hose into 2”
nozzle, one 50’ line of 21/2” hose into 11/8” nozzle. 1266 gpm @ 126
psi. Engine 1454 rpm, pump 358 rpm. Displacement 3.54 gallons per
revolution.
Second Test, both sides of pump. Three 50’ lines of 21/2” hose into 2”
nozzle. 1008 gpm @ 165 psi. Engine 1172 rpm, pump 289 rpm. Displacement
3.49 gallons per revolution.
Third Test, major side of pump. 100’ line of
21/2” hose into 11/2” nozzle. 626 gpm @ 204 psi. Engine 1224 rpm, pump 301 rpm. Displacement 2.08 gallons per revolution.
Fourth Test, minor side of pump. 50’ line of
21/2” hose into 11/8” nozzle. 424 gpm @ 254 psi. Engine 1224 rpm, pump 301 rpm. Displacement 1.41 gallons per revolution.
June 6, 1959: New tachometer for #3421.
Photos of East Chicago Ahrens-Fox HT pumpers #3421 and 3422:
when new
black-and-white #1
black-and-white #2
color #1
color #2
Junked.
July 28, 1937: Bid proposal to East Chicago, IN.
December 11, 1937: Ordered by East Chicago, IN. Sale by Robert R. Johnson, Peoria, IL.
Shipped to East Chicago, IN. In service, Engine 3, 4520 Indianapolis Blvd., behind city hall.
1940s: Replaced at Engine 3 by new Seagrave pumper. To Engine 4.A second Seagrave, purchased at the same time, went to Engine 5. #3421 was still at Engine 2, but unclear what was Engine 1. Junked.
November 1, 1937: Ordered by New York World’s Fair, New York, NY. Sale by Clarence E. Meek, New York, NY.
November, 1937: Fire Engineering magazine, page 585—Ad for
Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Co., Cincinnati, O. Ahrens-Fox Awarded Contract
for Five Pumpers by New York World’s Fair. Intensive Investigation
Brings Out Facts of Ahrens-Fox Long and Successful Records Under
Extraordinary Demands of World’s Greatest Metropolis. After an
intensive investigation, a contract for five units of apparatus to be
built according to specifications prepared by Chief T.F. Dougherty
(Retired Assistant Chief, F.D.N.Y. Now in charge of World’s Fair Fire
Protection.) and approved by Chief and Commissioner John J. McElligott
has been awarded by the New York World’s Fair to The Ahrens-Fox Fire
Engine Company of Cincinnati.
The thousands of firemen and fire
officials who attend the New York World’s Fair and International Fire
Tournament in 1939 will find on the Grounds of the 1200-acre Flushing
Meadow Park the largest, most completely-equipped and highly-trained
semi-public Fire Brigade ever organized.
Housed in four stations—one of them an $80,000 permanent
building—manned by 125 officers and men detailed by the New York Fire
Department, and equipped exclusively with Ahrens-Fox apparatus, the
World’s Fair Fire Department will spread the fame and prestige of the
American fire service throughout the world.
If your community, too, needs fire fighting equipment, you will serve
the interests of your constituents best by getting in touch with
Ahrens-Fox.
November, 1937: Fire Engineering magazine, page 585: Ahrens-Fox ad about New York World’s Fair.
November, 1937: Fire Engineering magazine, page 614—Pumpers Bought
for New York World’s Fair. The New York World’s Fair Corporation has
awarded contract to Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company for five pumping
engines to equip the fire brigade being organized by Chief Thomas F.
Dougherty (Retired Assistant Chief F.D.N.Y.) for the protection of the
New York World’s Fair, now rapidly taking shape in Flushing Meadow
Park, Queens Borough, New York City.
Under the terms of the
agreement between the World’s Fair Corporation and the City of New
York, the fire brigade will consist of five companies organized as a
battalion of the New York City Fire Department. These companies are to
be housed in three fire stations, one of them a permanent building
costing $80,000, which will be turned over to the New York Fire
Department after the Fair closes in 1940.
The first two pieces of apparatus covered by the contract with
Ahrens-Fox will be delivered in about two months and will be
immediately placed in service in the Fire Headquarters building, which
is now nearing completion. This apparatus will protect the fair during
the construction period, and will consist of 1,000-gallon twin-triple
piston pumpers, similar to the twenty now being built for the New York
Fire Department by Ahrens-Fox.
The World’s Fair Fire Brigade will be manned by officers and men
detailed by the New York Fire Department, operating under the
three-platoon system, and including three Chiefs of Battalion, five
Captains, ten Lieutenants, and about 110 firemen.
Specifications for #3423-3424:
page 1
page 2
page 3
December 1, 1937: Construction & tool list for #3423 and 3424:
page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 6
March 31, 1938: Shipped by Ben Graf and Carl Doering via Big 4 railroad to New York World’s Fair, Flushing Meadows Park (Queens), New York, NY. Price $12,145.00.
Factory delivery photo of #3423.
Ahrens-Foxes of New York World’s Fair lined-up for delivery.
April, 1938: Fire Engineering magazine, page 137—Ahrens-Fox ad.
Ahrens-Fox Apparatus Protects “The World of Tomorrow.” For the
protection of the mammoth New York World’s Fair, opening in 1939,
Ahrens-Fox apparatus was selected by officials of the New York World’s
Fair and the City of New York as “fire apparatus typical of ‘the World
of Tomorrow’.”
Five Ahrens-Fox Pumping Units will equip the fire
brigade organized by Chief T.F. Dougherty (Assistant Chief, Retired,
F.D.N.Y.), and are being placed in service immediately in the fire
stations already completed in the 1100-acre World’s Fair grounds. In
1940, after the close of the Fair, these units will be added to the
great fleet of Ahrens-Fox pumpers now used by the Fire Department of
the City of New York to protect the greatest metropolis in the world.
Whether your city is large or small you will be interested in
Ahrens-Fox Equipment. For details of the special equipment on the
apparatus pictured here—write today. The Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Co.,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
Photo captions: INTENSIVE INVESTIGATION proved the Ahrens-Fox
1000-Gallon Twin Triple Piston Pumping Engine “the Fire Equipment of
Tomorrow for the World of Tomorrow.”
“AS MODERN AS TOMORROW” is this Ahrens-Fox 500-Gallon Centrifugal
Pumping Engine, now installed at the New York World’s Fair Grounds.
April 19, 1938: 12-hour Underwriters test conducted at East River, New York, NY, supervised by Frank X. Griesser, Bogota, NJ.
April 20, 1938: In service as World’s Fair Engine 1.
May, 1938: Fire Engineering magazine, page 209—Ahrens-Fox Apparatus to Protect New York World’s Fair. Five pieces of Ahrens-Fox fire apparatus, fully manned, will constitute the fire fighting force of the World’s Fair, to open next year. There are two 1,000-gallon New York standard piston type pumpers and three 500-gallon, 2-stage centrifugal pumpers. The machines, shown above, were delivered on April 1. The views show the five pieces lined up for inspection and Chief T.J. Dougherty pointing out some of the features of one of the bigger machines to Grover Whalen, President of the Fair.
September 5, 1938: FDNY 55th Battalion organized in 15th Division to protect NY World’s Fair. Main station was Engine 331, NE end of park, near Administration Building, which initially housed both #3423 and #3424
(but 3423 not in service). Other station was Engine 332, next to Horace
Harding Gate (one Model SC); on March 24, 1939, Engine 333 open at the
amusement area in center of park (another Model SC). Lastly, Station
324 opened March 18, 1940, at 108-101 Horace Harding Blvd. (the third
Model SC). During the fair, this battalion made 221 runs, of which 141
were actual fires, 45 were false alarms, 28 unnecessary calls, and 7
still alarms.
Originally, #3423 and 3424 were to be a double engine
company as Engine 324, World’s Fair Blvd. & 108th St., with
#9043-54-5 as Engines 331, 332, and 333, but this never happened.
Instead, #3423 was Engine 333 with #9045 as its hose wagon, #3424 was
Engine 331, and #9043 was Engine 332 with #9044 as its hose wagon.
December, 1938: The Booster, monthly newsletter of the New York
District Office, The Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company—New York Fire
Department has taken over operation of the World’s Fair brigade and has
organized the 55th Battalion. The battalion, which consists of Engine
Company 324, 331, 332, and 333, is equipped with Ahrens-Fox Pumping
Engines. Chiefs of Battalion John A. Coffey, B.H. Collins, and C.
Senner have been assigned to the 55th Battalion with about 150 picked
officers and men—all selected for height, physique, general appearance,
and other qualities which will favorably impress the World’s Fair
visitors.
Thomas F. Dougherty (F.D.N.Y. retired) is consulting expert on all questions pertaining to fire protection of the Fair.
March 24, 1939: In service as Engine 333, New York World’s Fair, Flushing Meadows Park (Queens), New York, NY. Company disbanded April 1, 1941.
May, 1939: Fire Engineering magazine, page 191—Guarding the New York Fair. Four Special Three-Platoon Companies Assigned to Protect Property in Excess of $150,000,000. For full text of this article, see 1938 Model SC #9043.
June, 1939: Fire Engineering magazine, page 236—Goodyear tire ad, shows tires, bumper, fenders, and part of siren of a fire engine with New York World’s Fair 1939 license plate and diamond-tread tires. Hard to tell if this is one of the NY World’s Fair ‘Foxes, and if so, which one.
June, 1939: Fire Engineering magazine, page 273—N.Y. Firemen to Meet
at World’s Fair. Arrangements have been made for the 67th annual
convention of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, which
will be held at Flushing, N.Y., the home of the New York World’s Fair,
on August 15 to 18.
Meetings and a parade will be held in Flushing
with the sessions in a state armory. The World’s Fair officials have
designated the week of the convention as Volunteer Firemen Days.
Chief John J. McConnell, Flushing, N.Y., is President of the
association and Honorary Chairman of the convention, tournament, and
parade
.
All communications should be addressed to the association at 136-61 Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, N.Y.
July, 1939: Fire Engineering magazine, page 290—ADT Electric Protection Services ad. “The World of Tomorrow” Depends on A.D.T. Protection. Describes and illustrates ADT fire alarm equipment used at NY World’s Fair. Shows all 5 Ahrens-Foxes of NY World’s Fair lined up and mentions other major fairs that have been protected by ADT fire alarm equipment.
April, 1940: Fire Engineering magazine, page 173: Ad for life nets of Atlas Fire Equipment Co., 26 Warren St., New York. Shows right-rear portion of Ahrens-Fox Model HT of New York World’s Fair, with life net compartment and two storage lockers under hosebed, 6 hand straps for rear-platform riders, hard suction hose with scaling ladder below it and axe below that, deck gun over roof, equipment box behind right rear fender.
March 31, 1941: To FDNY Repair Shop, Long Island City.
1941: To FDNY Engine 71, 3134-36 Park Ave., Bronx, New York, NY.
Two more views of #3423 as FDNY Engine 71: 1 and 2.
To Engine 65, 33 West 43rd St., Manhattan.
August, 1955: Fire Engineering magazine, page 685—Shows FDNY Engine 65 after an Illinois school teacher’s car hit it on 52nd St. at 10:15 a.m., June 23. Only the left front fender of this rig was dented. Driver Andrew J. Plunkett, swerving the Fox, grazed a taxi, sending it into a parked car. The Fox went on to hit a car, bouncing off its headlight and plowing into a taxi cab, which became crushed between #3423 and a bus that couldn’t stop in time.
To Hose 81, 3025 Bailey Ave., Bronx.
Junked.
1989: Article about World’s Fair Ahrens-Foxes.
November 1, 1937: Ordered by New York World’s Fair, New York, NY. Sale by Clarence E. Meek, New York, NY.
December 1, 1937: Construction & tool list.
March 30, 1938: Shipped by Ben Graf, Emil Graf, and Carl Doering via Big 4 railroad to New York World’s Fair, Flushing Meadows Park (Queens), New York, NY. Price $12,145.00.
April 19, 1938: 12-hour Underwriters test at East River, New York, NY, conducted by Frank X. Griesser, Bogota, NJ.
April 20, 1938: In service as World’s Fair Engine 2.
September 5, 1938: In service as Engine 331, near Administration Building, Northeast End, New York World’s Fair, Flushing Meadows Park (Queens), New York, NY.
April 1, 1941: Engine 331 disbanded.
April 18, 1941: To FDNY Engine 277, 582 Knickerbocker Ave., Brooklyn.
Junked.
September 24, 1937: Bid proposal to FDNY for #3425 to 3444.
October, 1937: Fire Engineering magazine, pages 494-495—Ad about Ahrens-Fox in FDNY.
December 27, 1937: Reg. Nos. 3425-3444 ordered by FDNY, New York, NY. Sale by Clarence E. Meek, New York, NY. Price $12,145 each.
January 7, 1938: Contract for #3425 to 3444 received and accepted by Ahrens-Fox in Cincinnati.
Delivery photo of #3425 through 3444 lined-up.
Delivery photos of FDNY 1938 Ahrens-Foxes: #1016, 1019, 1020, and 1022.
Theoretical pump discharge curves, develops 450 GPM @1600 motor RPM, minor side of pump. 770 GPM @ 1600 motor RPM, major side of pump. 1210 GPM @ 1600 motor RPM, both sides of pump. Develops 1000 GPM (rated capacity) @ 820 motor RPM minor side of pump, 470 motor RPM major side of pump, 295 motor RPM both sides of pump.
April 14, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via B&O Railroad to FDNY, New York, NY.
June, 1938: Fire Engineering magazine, page 255—Article about Ahrtens-Fox delivery to FDNY.
Frank Griesser and Ellwood Yoho in front of one of FDNY’s Model HT pumpers on 1938 pump test.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 6, 113 Liberty St., Manhattan.
To Engine 152, 256 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island.
To Engine 10, 73 Water St., Manhattan.
One of FDNY’s Model HT pumpers working at a fire.
March, 1947: Drawing of an FDNY 1938 HT responding, in Fire Engineering page 352.
March, 1956: Fire Engineering page 218—Photo of one of FDNY’s 1938 Fox HT pumpers at a fire.
Junked.
May, 1965: Fire Engineering magazine, page 41—Photo of FDNY repair shop shows several of the 1938 Foxes. Photo taken many years ago.
1979: Ira A. Ballou, Jr., of Clearwater, FL, former Ahrens-Fox New
England sales agent from 1934 to 1949, wrote to me of his experiences
with these 20 FDNY Ahrens-Foxes (Reg. Nos. 3425-3444):
“I knew the
New York District Sales Manager, Clarence E. Meek, who sold 20 piston
pumpers to New York Fire Dept. in 1937. [Ahrens-Fox New England service
agent] Elwood Yoho and I went to New York in 1938 to help him run the
tests. What a nightmare! We had to get at least 7 pumpers to the dock
before six a.m. We started taking them to the dock around 2 a.m. At
5:45 a.m. we started all engines, the lines were already laid to the
guns, which were fastened to the docks with heavy pieces of steel.
These tests ran for 12 hours. The capacity test was run at 160 psi and
the final test was run at 600 psi.
“We would just about get the
first batch back to the repair shop, have a bit to eat, lay down for
about an hour and it was time to go back to the repair shop to take
another batch down to the dock. It was four or five days of hell. I was
never so tired in all my life. On the final test (road) we wound up at
155th Street. We had a New York fireman on the rear step. The firemen
were to drive the apparatus back from 155th Street and I remember
asking the fireman who was on my rig, if we would go back the same way.
His reply was ‘How the Hell do I know? I’m lost. I’m from Brooklyn.’”
April 16, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via B&O Railroad to New York, NY.
May 20, 1938: 12-hour test at New York, NY.
First Test, 6:00 to 10:00 AM, both sides of pump, 11’ lift. 1034 GPM @
171.5 psi (60 psi at nozzle) Motor 1391 RPM, pump 313 rpm.
Second Test, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, major side of pump, 9’6” lift. 517
GPM @ 329.5 psi (60 psi at nozzle) Motor 1080 RPM, pump 243 rpm.
Third Test, 2:00 to 5:00 PM, minor side of pump, 10’9” lift. 413 GPM @
408.5 psi (80 psi at nozzle) Motor 1500 RPM, pump 340 rpm.
Fourth Test, 5:00 to 5:30 PM, minor side of pump, 12’ lift. 290 GPM @ 606 psi (80 psi at nozzle) Motor 1050 RPM, pump 237 rpm.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 23, 215 West 58th St., Manhattan.
August 21, 1948: To Engine 327, 2731 East 23rd St., Queens.
July 16, 1960: Engine 327 disbanded.
Junked.
April 15, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via B&O Railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 27, 173 Franklin St., Manhattan.
Photo of #3427 at FDNY Engine 27.
To Engine 261, 37-20 29th St., Queens.
1960: To New York State Hospital, Otisville, NY.
May, 1977: To New York State Museum, State Education Dept., Division of Historical Services, Rotterdam Industrial Park, Building 8, Schenectady, NY 12306. Curator is Geoffrey N. Stein.
1983: Owner is New York State Museum, c/o Geoffrey N. Stein, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201.
April 18, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via B&O Railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 48, 2504 Webster Ave., Bronx.
Junked.
January 6, 1938: Hercules motor test #867-38 of HXE motor #321682 at Canton, OH. Ran flat-out at 1350 RPM from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, 333 to 341 pounds pull, developing 150 to 152 horsepower, used 9.5 pounds of oil in 8 hours running. Then idled at 250 rpm from 4:45 to 10:15 PM.
April 19, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via B&O Railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 305, 111-02 Queens Blvd., Queens.
Junked.
January 4, 1938: Construction & Tool List for #3430 through 3444:
page 1
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 6
April 20, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 56, 120 West 83rd St., Manhattan.
To FDNY Engine 270, 91-45 121st St., Queens.
FDNY Engine 270 at a night fire.
Junked.
April 25, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 58, 52 East 114th St., Manhattan.
May 21, 1947: To Engine 315, 159-06 Union Turnpike, Queens.
April 25, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 65, 33 West 43rd St.
Drop-forged open-end wrench from this rig’s tool box somehow ended up in tool box of Ahrens-Fox mechanic Frank Griesser, from whom I bought it and still have it. 11/4” one end, 11/16” other end.
1945: Fought fire in Empire State Building (the world’s tallest building) when Army bomber plane crashed into building.
May 26, 1948: To Engine 328, 1615 Far Rockaway Blvd., Queens.
To Hose 268, 257-59 Beach 116th St., Queens.
1960: Junked.
April 26, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 74, 207 West 77th St., Manhattan.
To FDNY Training School, Welfare Island.
Photo at FDNY Training School.
Junked.
Photo of Curt Nepper running pump test on #3434 at Cincinnati in 1938.
April 27, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 153, 74 Broad St., Staten Island.
To FDNY Training School, Welfare Island.
Junked.
January 11, 1938: Construction & Tool List for #3435 through 3439
page 1
page 2
page 3
page 4
page 5
page 6
April 28, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf & Carl F. Doering via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 156, 412 Broadway & Prospect Ave., Staten Island.
Junked.
Model of #3435:
photo 1
photo 2
photo 3
photo 4
April 29, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf & Carl F. Doering via B&O railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 207, 245 Pearl St., Brooklyn.
To Engine 318, 2510 Neptune Ave., Queens.
Junked.
April 30, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf & Carl F. Doering via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 214, 231 Herkimer St.Brooklyn.
Drop-forged open-end wrench from this rig’s tool box somehow ended up in tool box of Ahrens-Fox mechanic Frank Griesser, from whom I bought it and still have it. 11/4” one end, 11/16” other end.
To FDNY Engine 222, 836 Quincy St., Brooklyn.
1959: Junked. Motor sold to Belleville, NJ, and installed in their 1939 Ahrens-Fox Model HT #3456, and is still in that rig as of 1986.
May 7, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf & Carl F. Doering via B&O railroad to New York, NY. Price $12,145.00.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 226, 409 State St. near Nevins, Brooklyn.
Junked.
May 10, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf & Carl F. Doering via B&O railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 239, 395 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn.
Junked.
March 2, 1938: Hercules motor test #867 of HXE motor #321753 at Canton, OH. Ran flat-out at 1350 RPM from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, 333 to 338 pounds pull, used 10.75 pounds of oil in 8 hours running.
May 12, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via B&O railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 241, 240 Bay Ridge Ave., Brooklyn.
Junked.
May 13, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 246, East 23rd St. & Voorhies Ave., Brooklyn.
To Engine 253, 2429 86th St., Brooklyn.
Junked.
May 18, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via B&O and Erie railroads to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 256, 124 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn.
1955: My father photoed this rig at a practice drill. Still had original siren atop suction chamber.
1958: My father photoed this rig at a practice drill. Had new siren atop suction chamber:
photo 1
photo 2
photo 3
One of the last surviving FDNY HTs, possibly this one, was sold in the early 1960s to Paragon-Texaco Oil Co. About 1975, Texaco still had a 1937 Mack pumper ex-FDNY at their Tiverton, RI, refinery, but did not know where the Fox went or if it survives.
Junked.
May 19, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 264, 1615-17 Central Ave., Queens.
Junked.
May 21, 1938: Shipped by Ben E. Graf and Carl F. Doering via Big 4 railroad to New York, NY.
June 25, 1938: In service at FDNY Engine 292, 64-18 Queens Blvd., Queens.
July, 1940: To Hose 228, 436 39th St., Brooklyn.
Junked.
August 8, 1938: Shipped to Sandusky, OH. In service at Engine 1.
1979: Ira A. Ballou Jr., Clearwater, FL (former Ahrens-Fox New
England sales agent 1933-1949) wrote to me about his experiences with
this rig:
“I was with [Ahrens-Fox New England service agent Elwood]
Yoho one day about 1938 when we were pumping against American-LaFrance
at draft, in Sandusky, Ohio. The LaFrance was out-performing us and we
could not figure out how this was possible. I forget the underwriter’s
name who was conducting the test. Yoho and I walked away and conferred
for about twenty minutes. I suggested that the only way they could be
getting that much water would be by using a smaller tip. I asked Yoho
if he thought it possible to machine a nozzle tip so that the tip would
be 2” but only 11/4” or 11/2” inside. This would account for the large
amount of water that they were supposed to be pumping [that is, they
were claiming to flow the amount of water that can pass through a large
2” tip, but were really flowing the smaller quantity of a
more-constricted 11/2” tip]. We walked over to the underwriter and
asked him to have them shut down for just a minute. He agreed and had
them shut down. The [American-LaFrance] salesman and engineer were all
smiles as we stated that we wanted to check their gauges. However, that
smile vanished when they saw us go directly to the Gun and stick a
finger inside the tip. Yoho started to take the tip off the gun and the
American-LaFrance salesman came running up and said we could not do
this. I told him that we would take the tip off and if he tried to stop
us, he and the LaFrance engineer would wind up in Lake Erie. We got the
tip off and sure enough it was a “Ring Bore” tip, the first one I had
ever seen. With this tip, they were not discharging anywhere near the
[volume of] water that they claimed. They immediately disconnected
their lines and departed in disgrace.”
1980: Still belongs to Sandusky Fire Dept., Sandusky, OH 44870.
Sept. 8, 1995: At SPAAMFAA National muster, John Callaghan (10330 S. Jennings Rd., Grand Blanc, MI 48459) told me that he recently purchased this rig. On Sept. 12, John Gambs of Lafayette, IN, confirmed that Sandusky had recently auctioned this rig, but he had not known that Callaghan was the successful bidder.
Photo as it looked when John Callaghan bought it.
Sold to Doug Klink, Parkville, MO.
Photos under restoration at Doug Kilink’s:
July 5, 1938: Bid proposal from Clarence E. Meek, New York, NY, district manager, Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Co, to City Council of Hackensack, NJ, for one Model HT Twin Triple Piston Pumping Engine, Hose Car, and Booster Apparatus, of 1000 gallon capacity. Delivery to be made F.O.B. at Hackensack, NJ. Shipment from factory in 90 days after receipt of contract.
September 30, 1938: Shipped by Carl F. Doering to Hackensack, NJ. Delivery photo #1028.
October 6, 1938: Tested by C.H. Howe, Schedule Rating Office, 31
Clinton St., Newark, NJ, from 10’ to 15’ lift at Hackensack, NJ.
First Test, 2 hours, both sides of pump. Three 100’ lines of 21/2” hose
siamesed to deluged set with 2” nozzle. 1023 gpm @ 128 psi. Engine 1164
rpm, pump 290 rpm. Displacement 3.53 gallons per revolution, slip 1.46%.
Second Test, 30 minutes, major side of pump. 100’ line of 21/2” hose
with 13/8” nozzle, discharge gate throttled. 509 gpm @ 209 psi. Engine
1011 rpm, pump 252 rpm. Displacement 2.02 gpr, slip 5.68%.
Third Test, 30 minutes, minor side of pump. 100’ line of 21/2” hose
with 11/4” nozzle, discharge gate throttled. 350 gpm @ 266 psi. Engine
1032 rpm, pump 257 rpm. Displacement 1.36 gpr, slip 4.87%.
October 8, 1938: Delivered to Hackensack, NJ. In service at Engine 4.
1945: In an accident on Main St., Hackensack, #3446 pushed a car through a Sears store window.
1949: To Liberty Steam Fire Engine Co. #3, Hackensack. Repainted red.
1958: Pumped at a major fire in Hackensack.
1968: Sold to Peerless Engine Co. #2, Maywood, NJ. They repainted to original white, lettered “The Liberty Steamer.”
June 14, 1975: Was to be in parade at Fair Lawn, NJ, but could not attend due to broken crankshaft. Owners Peerless Engine Co. #2, c/o Jim Offerman, 624 Elm St., Maywood, NJ 07667.
1979: Under restoration for Maywood by Bruce Engelbrecht, 102 East Fairmount Ave., Maywood, NJ 07607. Looking for a hand crank, tool box, suction strainer, and clutch bracket holder stop.
1983: Owner is Maywood Fire Dept., c/o Bruce Engelbrecht, 102 East Fairmount Ave., Maywood, NJ 07607.
June 28, 1986: One of 8 Ahrens-Foxes at Croton, NY, muster. Best Restored Apparatus, Fire Dept. Owned. Original-style white paint and blue-shaded gold leaf, hood lettered Borough of Maywood Division of Fire in same style as original City of Hackensack Division of Fire lettering. Only non-authentic item is varnished wood running boards instead of original black rubber covering.
June 25, 1988: One of 4 Ahrens-Foxes at Croton, NY, muster.
July 22, 1989: One of 5Ahrens-Foxes at International Fire Buffs Association (IFBA) convention, Secaucus, NJ.
August 18, 1939: Shipped to Ocean Grove, NJ. Delivery photos #1064 & 1065. Price $12,360. Sale by Clarence E. Meek, New York, NY.
August 25, 1939: Delivered to E.H. Stokes Fire Company #3, Ocean Grove, NJ. Caretaker of this rig, throughout its career, was William N. Schwartz, 57 New Jersey Ave., Ocean Grove, NJ 07756.
August 25, 1939: Tested by C.H. Howe, Schedule Rating Office, Newark, NJ, from 10’ lift at Asbury Park, NJ.
First Test, 2 hours, both sides of pump. Two 50’ lines of 21/2” hose
siamesed to deluged set with 2” nozzle. 1023 gpm @ 155 psi. Engine 1243
rpm, pump 306 rpm. Displacement 3.35 gallons per revolution, slip 6.2%.
Second Test, 30 minutes, major side of pump. Two 50’ lines of 21/2”
hose siamesed to deluge set with 11/2” nozzle, discharge gates
throttled. 720 gpm @ 205 psi. Engine 1454 rpm, pump 358 rpm.
Displacement 2.01 gpr, slip 6.1%.
Third Test, 30 minutes, minor side of pump. 50’ line of 21/2” hose with
11/4” nozzle, discharge gate throttled. 505 gpm @ 257 psi. Engine 1421
rpm, pump 350 rpm. Displacement 1.43 gpr, negative slip (that is,
instead of losing water between the piston displacement and the pump
discharge, the discharge actually exceeded the displacement).
August 25, 1939: Newspaper article, Ocean Grove, NJ—Ocean Grove’s
New Fire Engine. Tests were scheduled to be held today on the new
Ahrens-Fox 1,000 gallon capacity pumper, delivered to the E.H. Stokes
fire company, No. 3, early this week. The board of fire commissioners
will vote on acceptance of the engine as soon as written reports are
received from the National Board of Fire Underwriters’ schedule rating
office. The tests will be under the supervision of that office.
The
engine will replace the old Stokes pumper which has been in service
with that company for the past 23 years. The old pumper was purchased
earlier this spring by the Ocean Grove Association, and will be used by
them for various projects about the town, one of the first of which
will be the placing of a new bulkhead on Fletcher Lake, near Central
Avenue.
Larger Capacity.
The new engine has a 250 gallon additional capacity than the one it is
replacing. It is the first of its type made by the Ahrens-Fox company.
The streamlined cab and hose body being designed by the company
engineers at the specific request of the Stokes company. Unlike other
fire engines, the new pumper carries all suction hoses, ladders, and
other equipment completely out of sight, being placed under the floor
of the catwalks and under the hose space. The front of the engine is,
however, like the conventional Ahrens-Fox truck, with the piston pumps
and hose outlets in full view. The Ahrens-Fox company is the only
remaining company still making piston pumps as a part of their regular
fire engine line {not true—Howe of Anderson, IN was also still making
piston pumps]. The Washington fire company also has an Ahrens-Fox
engine [1926 N-S-4 #1661].
The engine was shipped from the
Cincinnati plant of the company, arriving at the freight depot Sunday.
It was unloaded Monday morning and brought to the firehouse. It weighs
almost 9 tons, is 8 feet wide and has an overall length of 28 feet. The
preliminary pumping test was given the engine by Fire Chief R. Russell
Holbrook on Monday afternoon, previous to the regular Underwriter’s
testing.
Aside from the regular pumping equipment, the engine has a 100 gallon
booster tank, ladders, axes, lights, and other necessary fire fighting
tools.
In the pumping test, the engine is required to pump for more than 3
hours at various pressures, set by the Schedule Rating Office
representatives, and with various hose conditions. The test is most
strict and the engine is ready for service after passing it. Charles
Howe, of the office, will conduct the test. Mr. Howe also conducted
tests on the Belmar, West Belmar, Asbury Park, Avon, and Bradley Beach
engines before the were accepted by the towns.
Pumps Over Rated Capacity.
Pumping in a preliminary test Monday, the engine easily pumped well
over its rated capacity and sent streams of water more than 100 feet in
the air. The test was conducted at the ocean end of Deal Lake, in
Asbury Park, because of a ruling in the Underwriter’s test which calls
for the pumper to lift water ten or more feet during the test.
The
large spacious cab, the first of the streamlined type made by the
Ahrens-Fox company, will easily seat four men, and is equipped with a
heater for cold weather use.
The engine will carry 1,000 feet of 21/2 inch fire hose in addition to
the booster line, and will be stationed at the Olin Street fire house.
Alfred P. Todd is president of E.H. Stokes company, Wendell van Cleve
is captain of the company and Dr. William A. Robinson is engineer.
The fire commissioners this week also announced the purchase of a new
windshield and mounting for the Washington fire company pumper. The
equipment was mounted on the engine Tuesday by the Ahrens-Fox mechanic
[Frank X. Griesser], here with the new Stokes engine.
Ahrens-Fox and Ocean Grove fire company representatives Tuesday drove
the new engine to Long Branch and Sea Bright, where they demonstrated
the truck to fire companies there. Representatives from the New York
office of the fire engine company were in charge.
August, 1964: Fire Engineering magazine page 639—Pumped at draft, through 2700 feet of 21/2” hose, to quell $500,000 fire in Asbury Park, NJ, May 28, 1964.
November 21, 1985: Sold for $9,000 to Dave Napier, Bloomington, MN.
1987: Owner is David Napier, 2009 East 88th St., Bloomington, MN 55420, phone (612) 854-4479.
1989: Owner is David Napier, 158 Lemon Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727.
December 15, 1938: Bid proposal from Earl G. Moulton, Worcester, MA, representative of the Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company, to Chief Carl J. Kiessling, Fire Department, Worcester, Mass., for one Ahrens-Fox 750 Gallon Triple Combination Piston Pumper. Delivery to be made F.O.B. at Worcester, Mass. Shipment from factory in 60-90 days after receipt of contract.
March 11, 1939: Shipped by Carl F. Doering and Harry E. Hewson via Big 4 railroad to Worcester, MA. In service at Engine 11.
To Spare Engine 3.
July, 1975: I photoed this rig in Worcester firehouse at 141 Grove St. Chief is Edward Hackett, Worcester, MA 01613. Pump that is now on it is from Worcester’s 1930 M-S-4 #1777. Front pump plate shows piston sizes 4” x 6” minor, 43/8” x 6” major, and engine-to-pump gear ratio 16-55; pump has two discharge gates on right, one on left, and tall vacuum chamber of 1914-1935 style, instead of short type used in 1939.
photo 1
photo 2
photo 3
photo 4
photo 5
1991: Like many New England municipalities, Worcester is feeling the financial pinch and having to lay-off police officers, firefighters, and school teachers. So they are trying to sell this rig to raise some much-needed money.
December 28, 1938: Reg. Nos. 3449 to 3454 ordered by New York, NY. Sale by Clarence E. Meek, New York, NY. Price $11,850 each. These were basically the same as the 1938 New York HTs #3425-3444, except the 1939s had no siren on the air chamber, and suction hoses were below (rather than above as on 1938s) the scaling ladders on sides of hosebed.
December 28, 1938: #3449-3454 ordered by New York, NY. Sale by Clarence E. Meek, New York, NY. Price $11,850 each.
May 10, 1939: Statement of manufacturing costs ($8310.50 per unit) to build #3449 through #3454:
-----------------------------------------------------------------| Item | Material | Labor |
| Frame | 163.12 | 65.71 |
| Rear Axle | 46.14 | 9.33 |
| Bumper | 27.32 | 6.36 |
| Wheels | 10.21 | 11.20 |
| Brakes | 80.30 | 11.04 |
| Steering | 13.36 | 2.12 |
| Motor | 1414.14 | 6.68 |
| Radiator | 90.19 | 4.20 |
| Pump | 1418.45 | 548.28 |
| Cab | 356.77 | 12.44 |
| Hose Body | 157.57 | 99.19 |
| Fenders | 105.89 | 3.44 |
| Gas Tank | 76.31 | 3.69 |
| Hood | 19.49 | 17.16 |
| Rear Platform | 38.62 | 21.63 |
| Running Boards | 21.36 | 0.00 |
| Dust Shields for above | 12.18 | 3.85 |
| Rear Windshield | 60.48 | 34.18 |
| Lights | 43.90 | 4.67 |
| Wiring | 14.00 | 0.00 |
| Battery | 55.90 | 3.88 |
| Propeller Shaft | 67.66 | 10.00 |
| Clutch/Transmission | 266.48 | 10.00 |
| Speedometer | 68.98 | 25.00 |
| Instrument Panel | 61.77 | 3.46 |
| Accelerator | 1.54 | 0.19 |
| Standard Equipment | 257.89 | 28.42 |
| Miscellaneous Labor | 0.00 | 1.47 |
| Painting | 390.00 | 0.00 |
| Assembling | 0.00 | 418.55 |
| Shock Absorbers | 92.50 | 0.00 |
| Wire Basket | 13.42 | 5.51 |
| Spare Wheel Mounting | 1.99 | 2.97 |
| Compression Release | 1.60 | 1.94 |
| Morse Turret Nozzle | 315.44 | 17.15 |
| Extras | 1170.17 | 8.65 |
| Totals | 6938.14 | 1372.36 |
July 1, 1939: Shipped to New York, NY.
August 1, 1939: In service at FDNY Engine 21, 216 East 40th St., Manhattan.
November 1, 1940: New station for Engine 21, 238 East 40th St.
To Hose 81, 3025 Bailey Ave., Bronx.
To Engine 16, 225 East 25th St., Manhattan.
Junked.
July 1, 1939: Shipped to New York, NY.
July 6, 1939: Theoretical pump discharge curves, develops 450 GPM @1600 motor RPM, minor side of pump. 730 GPM @ 1600 motor RPM, major side of pump. 1170 GPM @ 1600 motor RPM, both sides of pump. Develops 1000 GPM (rated capacity) @ 810 motor RPM minor side of pump, 490 motor RPM major side of pump, 305 motor RPM both sides of pump.
August 1, 1939: In service at FDNY Engine 73, 655 Prospect Ave., Bronx.
Junked.
July 3, 1939: Shipped to New York, NY.
August 1, 1939: In service at FDNY Engine 279, 252 Lorraine St., Brooklyn.
To Engine 160, 1850 Clove Rd., Staten Island.
To Hose 162, 256 Nelson Ave., Staten Island.
Junked.
June 28, 1939: Shipped to New York, NY.
December 26, 1939: In service at FDNY Engine 260, 1115-17 37th Ave., Long Island City, Queens.
Cornwell open-end wrench from this rig’s tool box somehow ended up in tool box of Ahrens-Fox mechanic Frank Griesser, from whom I bought it and still have it. 3/4” both ends.
Junked.
June 28, 1939: Shipped to New York, NY.
August 1, 1939: In service at FDNY Engine 304, Hempstead Turnpike & 217th St., Queens.
Junked.
June 30, 1939: Shipped to New York, NY.
July 12, 1939: In service.
March 18, 1940: In service at newly-formed FDNY Engine 324, 108-01 Horace Harding Blvd., Queens.
Replaced at Engine 324 by FDNY shop-built pumper.
August 19, 1941: To Engine 157, 1573 Castleton Ave., Staten Island.
Junked.
Sale by Charles E. Wood, Chester, PA.
October 26, 1939: Shipped to United Fire Company Number 3, Frederick, MD.
1972: Out of service.
October 20, 1973: One of 6 Ahrens-Foxes in International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) centennial convention parade, Baltimore, MD.
September 28, 1974: One of 28 Ahrens-Foxes leading the PA State Firemen’s parade, Conshohocken, PA, 4 across in 7 rows. Driver was C.E. Miller, United Fire Co. #3, Frederick, MD 21701.
1977: At Baltimore, MD
May 11, 1985: At Frederick, MD, muster.
May 13, 1989: At Baker Park, MD, muster:
May 16, 1990: At Frederick, MD, muster.
July 25, 1939: Bid proposal from E.F. Carr, Chester, Pa., representative, the Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company, to Mayor & Commissioners of Belleville, NJ, for one Model HT Ahrens-Fox Twin Triple Piston Pumping Engine, Hose Car, and Booster Apparatus. Delivery F.O.B. at Belleville, NJ. Shipment from factory in 90 days after receipt of contract.
October 30, 1939: Tested by C.H. Howe, Schedule Rating Office of New Jersey, from 8-12’ lift at Newark City Dock.
First Test, 2 hours, both sides of pump. Two 50’ lines of 21/2” hose
siamesed to deluge set with 2” nozzle. 1015 gpm @ 155 psi. Engine 1157
rpm, pump 285 rpm. Displacement 3.56 gallons per revolution, slip 0.3%.
Second Test, 30 minutes, major side of pump. 50’ line of 21/2” hose
with 15/8” nozzle, discharge gates throttled. 713 gpm @ 201 psi. Engine
1447 rpm, pump 356 rpm. Displacement 2.0 gpr, slip 0.6%.
Third Test, 30 minutes, minor side of pump. 50’ line of 21/2” hose with
13/8” nozzle, discharge gates throttled. 522 gpm @ 260 psi. Engine 1503
rpm, pump 370 rpm. Displacement 1.41 gpr, slip 1.4%.
October 30, 1939: Delivered to Belleville, NJ. In service at Engine 1. For most of its career, it ran out of Fire Station 2 even though it ran as Engine 1.
June 22, 1955: Ahrens-Fox invoice #1980 to Frank Griesser, 416 Palisade Ave., Bogota, NJ, for Belleville, NJ HT #3456, Stewart-Warner 92852 oil pressure gauge, $4.14. Sent Oct. 15, 1955.
1959: Motor Number 321755 from FDNY’s 1938 Ahrens- Fox HT#3437.
1965: Sold to 19-year-old Jim Murray, Belleville, NJ.
1970: Jim Murray’s address 25 Sand Gap St., Richmond, Staten Island, NY 10312.
Nov., 1971: Moved to 351 Pacific Ave., Richmond, Staten Island, NY.
June 24, 1972: One of 14 Ahrens-Foxes at Fairchester Hose Haulers muster, Kensico Dam, Valhalla, NY.
June 3, 1973: One of 4 Ahrens-Foxes at Newark, NJ, muster.
June 23, 1973: One of 18 Ahrens-Foxes at Fairchester Hose Haulers muster, Kensico Dam, Valhalla, NY.
1975: Owner James A. Murray, 715 Craig Ave., Staten Island, NY 10307.
June 8, 1975: One of 6 Ahrens-Foxes in parade at Newark, NJ.
June 28, 1975: One of 15 Ahrens-Foxes at Fairchester Hose Haulers muster, Kensico Dam, Valhalla, NY.
September 20, 1975: One of 6 Ahrens-Foxes in centennial parade at Westfield, NJ.
October 4, 1975: One of 17Ahrens-Foxes leading Fire Prevention Week parade at Morristown, NJ.
1976: Sold to John Bart, 98 Byram Shore Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830
1983: Owner is Jack Bart, 218 West 57th St., Suite A, New York, NY 10019, phone (212) 582-7575.
April 19, 1942: Ordered by Harrison, NJ, Fire Department. Sale by Frank X. Griesser, Ahrens-Fox eastern agent, Bogota, NJ. Built entirely from parts in stock, could not get WW II priority certificates to make new parts.
November 25, 1942: Shipped to Harrison, NJ.
December 3, 1942: Delivered to Harrison, NJ. Price $14,965.00 (was to be $16,000).
December 7, 1942: Tested by H.R. Bogardus and C.N. Cadman, Schedule Rating Office, 31 Clinton St., Newark, NJ, from 9-12’ lift at Harrison, NJ. First Test, 2 hours, both sides of pump. Two 100’ lines of 21/2” hose with 2” nozzle. 1043 gpm @ 157 psi. Engine 1210 rpm, pump 297 rpm. Displacement 3.512 gallons per revolution, slip 1.68%. Second Test, 30 minutes, major side of pump. 100’ line of 21/2” hose with 13/4” nozzle. 716 gpm @ 208 psi. Engine 1484 rpm, pump 355 rpm. Displacement 2.017 gpr, slip 5.8%. Third Test, 30 minutes, minor side of pump. 100’ line of 21/2” hose with 11/2” nozzle. 517 gpm @ 259 psi. Engine 1484 rpm, pump 355 rpm. Displacement 1.33 gpr, slip 7.0%.
December 7, 1942: In service at Engine 2.
April, 1943: Fire Engineering magazine, page 193—Shows rig as delivered, with chrome plating, on a street in Harrison. Although delivered with chrome plating, it was all covered with lamp black during WW II blackout regulations, then cleaned off after war’s end.
February, 1969: Traded-in on new Oren pumper to New Jersey Fire Equipment Corp., 1000 North Washington Ave., Dunellen, NJ. Bob Schierle of Westfield, NJ, photoed it behind their building in Dunellen.
April, 1969: I saw this rig at New Jersey Fire Equipment Corp., Dunellen, NJ.
May, 1969: Sold to Jim Verni, Shady Grove Antique Fire Dept., 374 South Country Rd., Brookhaven, NY 11719.
June 2, 1973: One of 6 Ahrens-Foxes at Center Moriches, NY, muster.
September 28, 1974: One of 28 Ahrens-Foxes leading the Pennsylvania State firemen’s parade at Conshohocken, PA, 4 across in 7 rows.
October 4, 1975: One of 17Ahrens-Foxes leading Fire Prevention Week parade at Morristown, NJ.
August 26, 1978: One of 13 Ahrens-Foxes leading parade at Hempstead, NY.
June 28, 1980: One of 22 Ahrens-Foxes at Fairchester Hose Haulers muster, Kensico Dam, Valhalla, NY.
August 24, 1980: One of 9 Ahrens-Foxes leading parade at Baldwin, NY.
February, 1990: Sold for $20,000 to Michael J. Verni (Jim’s son), 38 Chapel Ave., Brookhaven, NY 11719.
September, 1990: At Southampton, NY, muster.
1993: Pumped at Mastic, NY, muster.
