1922 Ahrens-Fox Model J-S-2 piston pumper #1211, built in Cincinnati. This engine was delivered to Station 9 in downtown St. Paul, Minn. It was the city's only all-African American-manned firehouse. The Cincinnati-built rig cost a staggering $12,500. The state-of-the-art fire engine could pump 34,051 litres of water a minute . The engine is equipped with dual ignition - battery and magneto - for guaranteed performance.
You can read more about it *** HERE ***
As part of the restoration process, it cost approx $50,000. to rechrome all the chrome bits. It is powered by an Auburn designed V12 engine which was converted to dual spark plugs
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKeith:
DeleteWhen we went into that garage, I couldn't help but keep stareing at that beautiful fire engine
Those are wonderful photos of a great restoration. I'm still attracted to fire engines, old and new.
ReplyDeleteRichard:
DeleteI have photos of the other fire engines, but the Ahrens-Fox was so beautiful. It belongs in a museum. It has a unique pumping system where the water is "pushed" by the pistons, and that big chrome "ball" is the reservoir tank, like a waterhammer. This particular Pump is able to stream water over a hundred stories high for tall buildings. It takes 1 pst per floor and the stream can be pressure regulated using those valves.
Beautiful machine. But why are they being exported to Canada? Has the owner decided what he will do with the machines when he passes?
ReplyDeleteLori:
DeleteThere is a lot of history behind Firestation #9 in St Pauls, MN and the fact that this fire engine when new, was given to an ALL BLACK fire department. I tried to find out more but it seems that all black police officers were also eliminated from the police force there, over time, and eventually FireHall #9 was replaced with White Fireman. Seems to be lots of discrimination back then.
As per your next question, what is going to happen to my "R" . . .
I am with the others on this...Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteRoger:
DeleteI just couldn't help but keep snapping photos of it. I also recorded some video . . .
Beautiful it looks like art.
ReplyDeleteDar:
Deleteit belongs in the Smithsonian, it's that stunningly beautiful . The RTE guys were talking about you at the Night Market last Friday. Lots to eat there
Wow, that is really cool. And 90 years old too.
ReplyDeleteI am glad someone took the time and resources to restore it.
Trobairitz;
Deletea fire truck, hook & ladder isn't the same as restoring a muscle car. I am sure we are talking "BIG BUCKS" and this isn't the only truck he has. I don't even think you could take it out for a ride down to the park, insurance must be costly plus poor fuel mileage, but that Ahrens-Fox is much more beautiful in person.
Dear Bob Skoot:
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing that matches the regal richness of the red and gold of a timeless fire engine. My family has over 80 years of professional fire fighting experience, and some of it started on equipment like this.
Fondest regards,
Jack/reep