Fire Engines Photos

Even today the American taste seems to be for plenty of chrome on their appliances, whilst in Europe chrome has almost totally vanished. As a 'fan' of chrome, can anyone suggest why in America is is very much a must have feature whilst in Europe it is not seen as essential?

Added by Barry on 22 December 2007.

Barry,
I'll give you my personal point. I too LOVE chrome. Polished SS is nice too. Why? I love my trucks. I want them to look as shiny as they possibly can. I feel sure our Brothers across the pond keep their apparatus in spotless condition, but to a lot of us, chrome higlights the cleanliness. We Americans put chrome on dang near everything. It's what I want more of for my motorcycle, (Yamaha V-Star 1100 Sliverado Classic) and it's what I want more of for my Jeep, if I ever get it back from my son. It gets attention, it's that shiny thing that just can not be ignored. Why heck, we've even been known to put chrome on our locomotives! It's like red fire trucks, it's just a way of life. Some of our chrome is "fake" though. It's only plastic parts (grills, trim, etc.) that have a cheaper chrome on them that you see. My only thought about Europe not being as hot on it is money. Maybe with polished aluminium and polished Stainless Steel, You can enjoy more of the shiny stuff.

Added by TheFireman on 23 December 2007.

I'm not familiar with the appliance cleaning schedule for staff these days in Australia and New Zealand. A long way back in my time when we worked 24 on/24 off the engine driver was responsible for machine cleanniness and he'd be there nearly all day polishing and fussing over his charge. Low and behold if you got it dirty at a job, it'd be out on the apron or back yard when you got back getting a wash down and the crew were expected to help. Now, perhaps that's a thing of the past? I know in some States with severe water restrictions you'd be limited to a bucket.

Added by Pavel - Western Australia on 29 December 2007.

Actually, I see very little chrome trim on this rig, which is an International/Pierce Contender. The grille and bumper are standard production from International. The lug nuts are chrome-plated plastic. Chrome on the discharge outlets is done for corrosion resistance, just like the air horns. Painted ones rust much faster.

Added by GA_Dave on 29 February 2008.

we use the same exact fire engine here in Oakwood IL. check them out at oakwoodfire.com.

Added by Adam on 12 March 2008.

Chrome Debate - ah, yes; a fire-scene, similar to my neck-of-the-woods.

Can't be too big a fire; as only one 1-1/2 inch (38 mm) hose-line off, from the Cross-Lay Hose-bed; and a Porta-Tank (Dump Tank, Mobile Dam) is not deployed.

The Pumper/Tanker parked behind, is transferring water via the 2-1/2 inch (63.5mm) hose-line to the Auxiliary Pump Intake Valve. In coupling up, it is the one case where you lead the male coupling towards the truck.....

The Driver (Engineer, Pump Operator, Chauffeur) is watching his levels and gauges like a hawk; as he is both pumping off, and filling his water-tank - soon, it should be full and overflowing onto the ground - want to catch it fast, especially in winter, it means instant ice "skating-rink".

Only 500 gal (1890 litres) tank and the big "Wye" water intake valve (don't know the correct term - believe it allows a second Pumper to draw from the Steamer Connection on the hydrant) imply a Rural/Urban Fire Coverage Area, partly equipped with Water Mains and Fire Hydrants, and the rest is Tanker territory.

The smaller Hard Suction lines (for Portable Pumps?) are stowed inside the bigger ones; and both high on today's tall trucks - which means some language, getting them off, and, back on their stowage cradles....... an elsewhere " 'ELF and SAFETY " might have some comments about that.

With the leaves off the deciduous [hardwood] trees and the dead grass patches - either Spring or Fall setting - I don't know the Georgia USA climate well enough to say.

Oh yes, CHROME; gotta have lots of it - after all, it IS a Fire-Engine;, and has to be a Show-Piece.....

Keep 'em coming, TheFireman,

Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B

Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 29 January 2009.

Further; "IIRC" means "If I Remember Correctly"....

How did I do, on the rest of it, above ?!

Pat_R-B

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 29 January 2009.

The FF wearing long sleeves would suggest that it's cooler weather, which we only have a little of each year, probably December or January. The device that you referred to as a big "Wye" is a piston intake relief valve, used to connect large diameter hose (5") to the pump, having a 150 PSI relief valve built into it. The hoseline off the pumper is likely a 1-3/4" line, much more common here. Your summation of their territory is dead on, Whitfield is mostly rural, with some developed areas, but they do have hydrants in many places. I think the other rig might be another pumper. Most of their tankers are on older chassis than that one.

Added by GA_Dave on 30 January 2009.

Thanks, GA_Dave - I was only off by 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) on the Hose size - not too bad.....

BTW Those Trailers or Mobile Homes (think Portakabins, TM Registered), go up in a flash, due to the nature of their construction.

Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 04 March 2009.

If you buy a commercial chassis, and most US fire departments actually do, you buy whatever grille the manufacturer fits.

The old International behind this newer rig has a painted grille, but IH decided to go heavy on the chrome for their replacement series cab, to make it look quite different. Tough!

Added by Rob Johnson on 22 March 2018.

I recently visited this FD again. Both apparatus are 1250 GPM pumpers, the newer one having 1000 gallons and the older (1997) having 750 gallons.

Added by GA_Dave on 23 March 2018.

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