Fire Engines Photos

Wow, this is an extraordinarily nice fire engine. Kelly-Springfields are a rare breed, and to see one out side the US is a surprise. Odd to see a US made fire engine on solid tires with left hand steering instead of the right hand that dominated American-made trucks and fire engines of that era.

Added by Ed Hass on 17 October 2010.

Hi Ed, glad you like it! This is one of many rare beasts in the museum - sadly can't find the better pictures I took on another visit.
I am sure some of the Portuguese visitors to the site may be able to offer more information, but it is certainly not uncommon for their brigades to feature American machines. In fact I have seen some truly stunning apparatus out there in preservation.
It seems that as often the town or area has had to directly fund such acquisitions they are cherished and maintained to an exceptional standard, then simply passed over to a role as a parade or show piece when replaced.

Added by John D on 17 October 2010.

Did you happen to photograph that very early Magirus aerial in the background, too? I'd love to see that closer up. My friend Rodger Birchfield in Indiapolis has one just like it, and there is also one like it at Calgary in Canada; there used to be one privately owned in Cincinnati, too, but it was allowed to sit outside and rust and I don't know if it even survives anymore.

Added by Ed Hass on 18 October 2010.

Hi Ed, the image in the back ground is actually a photo on a lightbox. However see picture 25558 of the old Magirus they do have, I am guessing it's the same machine.

Added by John D on 18 October 2010.

This one looks suspiciously like an early Mack? The only thing missing is the arched 'M' on the bonnet.

Added by Andrew Middleton on 18 October 2010.

I don't think it's a Mack, maybe an International?

Added by Roger Mason on 19 October 2010.

I believe that Roger is correct with it being an International. After consulting several texts The photo here matches photos of WWI era Int'l trucks.
The solid tires are typical of the era and Int'l used them on its trucks. The chassis was most likely shipped ot Europe and then a local firm put the water tank on the chassis.

Added by John Harris on 20 October 2010.

Not a Mack or an International. Made by Kelly-Springfield trucks of Springfield, Ohio.

Added by Ed Hass on 21 October 2010.

Thanks Ed

Added by Roger Mason on 21 October 2010.

Interesting to hear your observations, I have a contact at the museum and will pass these one.

I took the details from the accompanying information against the appliance.

Added by John D on 21 October 2010.

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