heavyhauler

Allow me to address some of your suggestions. I was in Philadelphia a few years ago for an AACA Awards dinner and I made a point of visiting the museum. Everyone would like to help after I tell them what I am trying to do but they ALWAYS ask for the city property number. Without it, there is no way they can search the city data base. I think one of the property numbers is as follows but I will post the pic that shows the number although its not clear. I think its I3 or 13-E2565. What's your take? Its painted on the lower left front bumper. I am assuming that city property numbers would be consecutive for these three Mack American LaFrance tillers. Any ideas? It appears that the tractors were delivered from Mack directly to the city. It's not clear from the build records what options they were delivered with-I'll check with the Mack Museum again to see if there may be some additional info. I have attended a few fire truck shows but until I get the truck actually in front of people, it's rather difficult to get one's attention. I have been invited to bring the truck to the Philadelphia Fire Truck muster which I believe is held in the Fall of every year. I will also forward the photo I have to the Fire Hall Museum to see what they can make of the property number. I really appreciate your help and comments. Regarding Wayne King, I do not have an email address for him-just phone numbers. Send a private email message to b813sx@gmail.com and I'll give you his phone numbers. Best regards, John

This tiller is a 1950 American LaFrance unit. The city of Philadelphia had 3 of these rigs mated to 1950 American LaFrance open cab tractors. I have conflicting stories about the tractors but basically, there were problems with the V10 gas engines, particularly trying to get them started. There were other complaints so in 1961, the city ordered 3 Mack B85F open cab single axle tractors to replace the ailing American LaFrance units. The city disposed of the complete rigs in the late 1970's. One unit was scrapped, one unit was pulled from a scrap yard and underwent a 2 year complete restoration. It is owned by Wayne King who lives in Owen Sound, Ontario. My unit was sold to the city of Oaklyn, NJ for $1. The city spent $10,000 and thousands of man hours restoring this unit. It changed hands once more before I bought it. My interest is in obtaining some detailed history on this unit and perhaps obtain photos of the truck in action. I would like to interview anyone who worked with any of these 3 units.Your thoughts or suggestions would be most helpful. I have posted a picture of Wayne King's unit. Best regards, John

It has taken several years to find a city property number-without it, the city of Philadelphia has no record of these trucks. They did not keep serial numbers-only city property numbers. This will be my next historical project but I suspect that the people who worked on these tillers have long since retired and perhaps have passed away. Any suggestions on how to find these people would be most welcome. I'll post a few more photos for you. Best regards, John

I think this might be of interest for you. Best regards, John

I have the 100 ft aerial with a B85F tractor. I runs somewhat but is slated for some restoration work next summer. We may get the gas engine running properly and drive it to Macungie next year. Just a thought. Best regards, John PS-have been busy with this project which is now finished.

I talked to John Montville at Matt Pfahl's Xmas Party. I suggest that you call him-his phone number is 845-462-6469. Regards, John

Josh and Thad: ET-1005 V8 pics are posted in the gallery. Let me know your impressions. Best regards, John

Thad: OK, I will post the photos here on the BMT web site. I need to work with that pdf file-I'll keep you posted. I have many other V8 pics so I may add those as well. Regarding the Mack museum, I did not ask them about specific numbers for the ET-1005 V8; I was more interested in the E9 V8 and they gave me a complete history of specific models numbers and engines, but nothing more of a technical nature. I wanted to finally finish the paper on the E9 V8 but things have been so busy for me that I have not had any time to finish it. This small task will help. Best regards, John

Josh: The file is a 2.6Mb pdf file-it might be best if I printed it for you and simply mailed it to you. I can get it out today (Friday) if you reply to my last email message to you with your mailing address. Best regards, John

Josh: I will try to post for you and other members either here or on another web site. Best regards, John

Josh: I have sent photos to your personal email address as you requested. Let me know your thoughts when you open the file. Best regards, John

I'll send an email message to my engineering contacts at the Hagerstown plant and let's see what they can come up with. Regards, John

Josh: I may have some photos for you that I obtained from the Hagerstown engine plant. I can email these to you or post them in the gallery. Let me know. Regards, John