Tuesday, May 29, 2012

1922 Ahrens-Fox

Back in April we had a chance to visit the best privately owned Vintage Fire Engine Collection in the Country and I was mesmerized with the stunning beauty of a

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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 ***


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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







13 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Keith:

      When we went into that garage, I couldn't help but keep stareing at that beautiful fire engine

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  2. Those are wonderful photos of a great restoration. I'm still attracted to fire engines, old and new.

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    1. Richard:

      I 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.

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  3. Beautiful machine. But why are they being exported to Canada? Has the owner decided what he will do with the machines when he passes?

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    1. Lori:

      There 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" . . .

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  4. I am with the others on this...Beautiful.

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    1. Roger:

      I just couldn't help but keep snapping photos of it. I also recorded some video . . .

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  5. Beautiful it looks like art.

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    1. Dar:

      it 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

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  6. Wow, that is really cool. And 90 years old too.

    I am glad someone took the time and resources to restore it.

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    1. Trobairitz;

      a 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.

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  7. Dear Bob Skoot:

    There 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

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