Fire Engines Photos

This is a very oddball truck, combining a Volvo medium weight chassis, of which very few were ever imported in to the US, unpainted embossed alloy bodywork - which is almost unknown here - and an open crew seat, which by 1972 had virtually disappeared on US fire apparatus.

The multi-colored "crosslay" attack hoses were a relatively new idea in 1972, making it easier for the volunteers to identify different hoses in varying sizes, or for different purposes. The lightweight blue hose has a "Boston bundle", which is an ultra-fast way of bringing the hose into operation - too complicated to explain! It is probably a 1 inch or 1.5 inch "trash line", used to replace the old-fashioned booster reel on minor fires. Another rather futuristic feature is the absence of suction hoses - obviously an urban pumper. Despite having a low capacity pump, note the deck gun - a US NFPA "must have".

Clearly a one-off.

Added by Rob Johnson on 21 September 2012.

Chassis bought used in 1978, built as attack pumper mainly for brush/mountain fires, and alley access for structure fires(hence the deck gun). Huntingdon is in central PA, is built in a narrow river valley with narrow, hilly streets, and has a population of less than 7, 000. Formerly protected by 3 separate vfcs, now served by a regional fire rescue dept.
Bruco built all rigs to the customers preferences, the closest thing to a "cookie-cutter" rig they built was the Ford C PUMPER RIGS like I also posted.
I have written articles about the manufacturers I am posting and would be glad to answer all questions.
Warren W. Jenkins

Added by Warren W. Jenkins on 21 September 2012.

Actually this was on a Ford chasis, 4 door cab) 4x4, all wheel drive. Members of Huntingdon Hook & Ladder bought the Volvo to replace the Ford(cab was rusty), original bruco rear, was past the crosslay's and they were 1 3/4


Added by Mike Quarry on 03 November 2012.

Please add your comments about this picture using the form below.

Comments

Your Name

Your email address - this will be shown on the page and will allow the system to notify you of further comments added to this picture.