American LaFrance 1952 700 Series 100' Aerial Ladder Truck

Johnson Volunteer Fire Museum's 1952 American LaFrance 100' Aerial Ladder Truck (Model 7-100-AJO) in April, 1999, shortly after being purchased from the Brownsville Fire Company, Brownsville, Wisconsin, which had bought it from Waterloo, Iowa, where it served as Aerial 1 and Aerial 2 for around 40 years. This truck has been used by itself or in combination with Waterloo's 1966 900 Series Aerial to save more than 25 lives. It exists today because of the mechanical craftsmanship and skill of Waterloo's Master Mechanic and Assistant Chief (retired) of 44 years, Herman Wenzel. Herman replaced the aerial ladder after it was hit by a panicked semi driver at a fire, then later replaced its open cab with a closed cab from Waterloo's 1956 800 Series pumper, and also replaced its original ALF "J" Series V-12 with a Cummins VTF-555 diesel in 1975, along with adding air brakes, air horns, additional revolving lights, a rear strobe, and an electronic siren. After my purchase of the truck, Herman helped me acquire the truck's original Sterling Model 30 Sirenlight, which is now mounted on the left front bumper. It also now has an American LaFrance bell, and an ALF rescue net. The Cummins is a rare, high-reving diesel, which could be installed with the original Fuller transmission. It is turbocharged, which has a slight muffling effect, but otherwise has no muffler -- just a straight pipe. This truck is currently undergoing an engine overhaul, and though everything on it is manual, including the outriggers, it is fully operational, and could be in service to this day. Back when fire department's were adequately staffed, former Syracuse Deputy Fire Chief Tom Laun's crew could set the brakes on this model of truck, set up, mount the ladder piper and the hose, and have water flowing in less than one minute! Tom sold me the bell that is now on this truck.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• American LaFrance
• Aerial
• Fire Truck
• Cummins
• Ladder Truck
• diesel
• Fire Truck Ride
• V-12
• Herman Wenzel
• VTF-555
• Triple Nickel
• VT-555
• Cummins diesel
• 555
• straight pipe diesel

[CFDPaul]

ahh double clouching good technique

[EMJ31]

@CFDPaul Thanks, but I had a brother-in-law who about fell off of the chair when he saw this -- that I was using the clutch at all. Once you've been at it for a while, it is certainly possible to avoid using the clutch even with this old Fuller transmission, but the mechanic who kept this thing in tip-top condition for many years told me something about lengthening the life of the throw-out bearing (I think) by using the clutch, so I've followed his advice.

[EMJ31]

By the way, we're kind of partial to Detroit 2-cycles also. I read somewhere that most firefighters like the combination of an unmuffled 6-71N or similar, combined with a Federal Q and stutter horns, as the best to clear or freeze traffic. I used to hear the Detroit of Elgin's 1982 American LaFrance at night from over a mile away before I'd ever hear the siren! Elgin also had a 1947 American LaFrance re-engined with a 6V53, and it also howls...

[EMJ31]

Thanks! I've got lots of information on this engine, but the torque rating was always omitted, and sure enough, someone asked me that question. I've been wondering about the answer for years, so I appreciate that.

[EMJ31]

Per the "more info" to the right, it's now got its original Sterling 30 on it -- similar in size and volume to a Q, but lower-pitched. I'll try to post more video later from a later date in which you can hear the Sterling. One thing, though, I can't take any compliments on restoration, because it isn't restored! Herman Wenzel's spectacular maintenance and dedication are responsible for this truck looking like this in original condition. A little wax and it looks like new!

[biglawso]

good sounding engine

[biglawso]

sounds cool

[yamahonkawazuki]

i remember an ALF like this in west chicago il when i lived there. it was IN SERVICE. not daily but as a backup unit

[CAPTSTANLEY51]

Wow it great to still this truck is still working and in great shape. I seen it in action many times and go by my house were I grew up on Franklin st. I often wonder what happen to it after the city of waterloo sold it for there new aerials.

[NewJerseyBill]

I always liked those Fuller 4 speed overdrive transmissions with the backward shift pattern. Fun to drive. We had one in our '54 ALF pumper and our '63 ladder truck

[ClassicTVMan81]

A VTF-555 in 1975 produced 240 hp @ 3300 rpm and 445 lbf/ft of torque @ 1900 rpm.