Fire Trucks Of The 1950s

American motor fire apparatus design reached its high-water mark in the 1950s. Every one of the nation's major fire apparatus manufacturers boasted uniquely individual custom fire truck designs. Unlike the look-alike cookie-cutter shoeboxes of today, back then a fire fighter could instantly identify these makes a block away. From conventional Fords to the custom rigs of fire apparatus manufacturers, all the most popular, unique, and industry-changing designs and innovations are featured in this long-overdue tribute to the fire trucks of the Fabulous Fifties!

This highly visual study examines the important role of trucking in the growth of North America in the 1950s. With 120 images and evocative writing, it encapsulates the histories of the major, minor, obscure, but nonetheless historically significant truck manufacturers. Detailed captions and supportive text complement contemporary brochures, period literature, factory photos and over fifty new, unpublished color photos of restored examples to relate the importance of these historic vehicles.

A history of the fire appliances operated by the British fire service between nationalisation in 1948 and local government reorganisation in 1974. It begins with the vehicles inherited in 1948 and covers the products of AEC, Bedford, Commer, Dennis, ERF, Ford, Leyland and many others.

Re-create the fantastic '50s in your model railroad setup! This book, compiled from articles published in Modern Railroader magazine, provides historical information and photos covering steam and diesel locomotives, passenger equipment, freight cars, and trackside details.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the fire apparatus industry saw unprecedented revolution, innovation, and parity. The long admired conventional models gave way to the contemporary archetypes that are the genesis of today’s fire trucks. Just as disco and the lava lamp became all the societal rage, the fire service saw its own fads and trends. A new generation of aggressive fire apparatus manufacturers led by Pierce and Emergency-One began to overtake their forefathers and the pool of builders producing high quality apparatus in numbers became considerably more populated. This volume highlights the fire trucks of the Swinging Sixties and the Groovy Seventies!

In 1938, American LaFrance pioneered the first cab-forward fire apparatus, then revolutionized the concept in 1945 with the classic 700 Series. In the 1950s, legendary names such as Ahrens Fox, Crown Firecoach, Mack, Maxim, Pirsche, and Seagrave began offering their own cab-forward versions. The cab-forward design became the glamour queen of fire apparatus. This volume traces the evolution of cab-forward fire apparatus from its fathering to today’s industry giants, with a brilliant selection of black and white and color photographs with historical commentary and technical data.

The vehicles and other firefighting equipment of the Milwaukee Fire Department, like the department itself, are unique among the fire service. It built more of its own apparatus than any other American city and few can match the scope and character of apparatus used to serve and protect life and property in Milwaukee. Through detailed research, firsthand narratives, and captivating photos, the author walks the reader through the fascinating history of the incredible machines that served Cream City from the mid-nineteenth century to modern times. This volume traces the ever-changing face of Milwaukee's fire-fighting and life-saving equipment in parallel with the city's own history and growth. The fire department workshop's reputation for ingenuity is shown through its adaptations to disastrous fires that brought about changes in laws, economic growth and decline, the establishment of Milwaukee's ethnic neighborhoods, the difficult transition from horses to motorization, the wartime and post-war experience, the corporate world of apparatus manufacturers, and Milwaukee's fireboat fleet.

Call out the monster trucks, exotic equipment, and unique apparatus of professional departments. Donald F. Wood and Wayne Sorensen include year of manufacture, make of truck chassis, commercial outfitter, and equipment for each listing.