heavyhauler

I have started the review article on the Mack E9 and Mack V8 development several times but things keep popping up that have distracted me. I am working on this article plus one on the Cummins single disk injector pump plus an article on the Procter company based on 12 boxes of documents that I purchased last year. I'll post one of the pictures here that dates to the turn of the century when steam was king. Mr Procter Sr is in this photo in the background. Best regards, John

I am planning to be at both South Bend and Macungie. That's the plan but we'll see how the year unfolds. The Watt's tent at noon on Saturday, June 18 at Macungie works for me. I'll be bringing the 1950 LJSW. John

The ATHS National meeting is in South Bend, IN May 26-28 at the St. Joseph County 4H Fairgrounds. It would be a very great pleasure to meet some of you folks if you are planning to go. Let me know. Best regards, John

I would suggest that you call Matt Pfahl-his ad appears on this site: Best regards, John

Mark: That is a good suggestion-it means scanning some of the most important pages from the books and manuals and posting those on the item description-we're on it! We have several new pieces to add but time-time! I will see what we can squeeze in next week. I just got back from a business trip to Japan and it seems to be taking longer to clear that darn jet lag. For some reason or another, its worse coming this way than going over there. Thanks again. Best regards, John

Mark: That is our web site and it is a work in progress. If there is something that you would like to see, let us know. The site is not perfect and perhaps won't ever be-there just is not enough time but if there is something that we can do for the members of this board, then by all means, suggest it and I'll get with my web guys and see if we can offer it. We have some more ideas for the Photo Galleries but, again, time is the main constraint. Let us know your thoughts. Best regards, John

Unfortunately, we seem to have run into a dead end as far as info is concerned. I am not sure where to go for more info based on Jack's response (see below). The latest email traffic between Jack and myself are as follows: John, I doubt very much that any service records exist for your truck. Philadelphia operates combined shops for all city agencies (fire, police, sanitation, etc). For them to retain records on vehicles that served over 40 years ago doesn't seem likely. I don't know of any photos that exist of this rig in action. There's really no way to know if it responded to any large fires. The department fought thousands of building fires during the years this piece was in service. It may have but there is no way to know for sure. With regard to the newspapers having photos of it, once again there is no way of knowing without going through the archives of the three local papers in circulation back then, two of which published two editions each day. Sorry I can't offer you much more information. Regards, Jack Wright Jack: Are there any service records or records of any kind that the city may have saved? Would there be any pictures of the truck in action? Were there any big fires that this rig worked on where the local newspaper press may have taken pictures? I am trying to figure out where to go from here in building out the history from the material that we now have. Your suggestions would be most greatly appreciated. Best regards,

Just a heads up to remind those of you who likely have your antique truck or trucks either stored in your own building or perhaps at a rental facility. The building that we had been using for storage collapsed last week due to extreme snow load. That part of CT is really not used to or built for heavy snow. Perhaps its time to have a look at the snow on the roof and remove some of the weight?? Its just something that we tend not to think about. Best regards, John

Below is the response that I received from the historian at the Philadelphia Fire Dept. John, I received the packet of information you mailed to Harry Magee at the Fireman's Hall Museum. In light of the information contained in the article written by Alex Hendry on Oaklyn, NJ's tiller here is what I have: PP #62066 - 1962 Mack B / 1950 American LaFrance 100ft TDA in service as Ladder 27 1962 to Ladder 20 1969 to spare 1971 The trailer portion of the truck served as Ladder 9. While serving as Ladder 9, the rig was damaged while operating at a church fire on 3/10/1960. My records show there were extensive repairs but do not mention anything about the main ladder being replaced. I hope this information helps. Regards, Jack Wright PFD Historian

There are 45 Mack Superliners listed for sale on the www.truckpaper.com web site. There could be something there that would fit the bill. Good luck. John

Any chance you fellas might make to Macungie this summer? It would be good to match faces with avatars! See ya! John

There is an F Model on Truck Paper but its incorrectly listed under MH-612. It is the last listing of that group. It's not a single axle and perhaps this might be the truck for you. Good luck. Best regards, John

Hauling six large beer vats from one brewery to another. Average speed is about 4mph. John

I have posted the build records that I obtained from the Mack Museum for the three B85F's that that the City of Philadelphia ordered on August 17, 1961 and delivered on November 20 of that year. Only 17 of these units were built in that year. It would appear that some of the sirens and other accessories from the replaced units were saved for installment on the new Mack tractors. John

Fred: Would that engine be the 426 c.i., turbocharged 175 HP unit? If so, I might suggest that you contact Bill Johnson, The Executive Director at the ATHS. His email address is bill@aths.org. Best regards, John

That's a great picture and thank you for sharing that photo. The folks who purchased it from the Oaklyn Fire Dept. really didn't change much including the number over the grill. That is very useful info for me. I'll pass that on to Harry Magee at the Fireman's Hall in Philadelphia with some comments about those historical folders. I shall be most interested in his comments. Best regards, John

I forgot to add some more info on the truck that spent many years in Ladder Company 20. The pic is not very good but that's my truck. John

Does it have a Mack or Cummins diesel in it? Any history on the truck? Perhaps you could post some pics? Best regards, John

Tim: I have written to Harry and sent some of the photos from this conversation and some others that I had. I found his business card that he gave me the last time I was at the museum so let's see what he comes up with. John

Gregg: Any idea where that MH of yours is now? Where was it traded and approximately when? Regards, John

I really enjoy driving this MH but perhaps the air ride suspension, air ride cab and air ride seat all combine to make the difference. Regards, John

Ryan: Can you give me some detail about the pic that you last posted. What unit is it? Do you have a serial number or a property number of that rig. Here is another one for you. Best regards, John

Ryan: Where did that pic come from? Did you get a chance to talk to Wayne King? John

OK, I will contact Harry today and ask for his very able assistance. Many thanks. John