Fire Engines Photos

This is an early post war American La France pumper. ALF were the first to release a "modern" forward control pump chassis in the US, in 1948. The engine was behind the front axle, with a rear-facing "jump seat" on either side.

This design continued for decades, with only minor modifications, so it is very difficult to pin down its age. Both this type of enclosed canopy cab and quite a large number of open cab units were built, and the same cabs were used on ALF ladder trucks and rescues.

The design was so successful that all other custom US fire engine manufacturers eventually copied this ALF configuration, and it became the norm for most US fire trucks.

Added by Rob Johnson on 19 May 2013.

American la france 700 series , made around the late forties - early fifties , looks to have been imported into GB and given an age related plate , british indicators and mirrors , anyone seen it on thier travels?

Added by Ronnie Mac on 19 May 2013.

It used to live in Darlington Co Durham, I went to see her when she was for sale, a classic american fire truck, was to the USA as the Dennis F8 is to the UK. long may they survive

Added by Gordon Smith on 19 May 2013.

I was born and grew up in Darlington and now live in Chicago. So I guess this "Alfie" and I just swapped places - but it is at least four years younger than me! In its day, the ALF 700 was a trend-setter, and the basic design survived through to the 1000 series, which were still being sold into the 1990s.

Added by Rob Johnson on 19 May 2013.

it has a nairn/inverness plate , looks to have survived very well for its age and looks pretty original , must be very well built, i like the look , very post war american

Added by Alan Ramsay on 19 May 2013.

Now operates as a mobile bar selling various alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. have come across it at various airshows.

Added by Stevie Murray on 21 May 2013.

1947 ALF 700 series 1000gpm; formerly Iowa Falls, IA.
Model 710PJO, serial #L-3184
privately owned in Iowa before exile overseas
700 series engines were built from 1947-1956, being then superseded by the 800 series from 1956-58. These had a different style body with compartments, which then became the 900 series in late 1958, with a totally redesigned cab.The 1000 series was discontinued in 1975, the new Century series did away with the wide front fender wells of the previous models.However, 1000 and Century cabs were used for rehabs after the respective models were replaced by newer models;e.g. Century cabs were used by ALF rebuild shops into the late 1980s after the Century 2000 came out in 1986.

Added by Warren W. Jenkins on 24 May 2013.

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