bulldogboy

Nice idea but do you think that Volvo would ever sell Mack? I'm sure that Volvo knows that an independent Mack would be serious competition to its brand so it would rather keep Mack as a niche model (think of Autocar) in their lineup. bulldogboy

Always like to see a "B" model fire truck. Too bad it wasn't in better condition. Thanks for the photos. bulldogboy

Did not know that, I'm not all that familiar with PA fire departments. I know that takeovers have happened in NH when a larger fire department merges with a smaller department in the same town. Not all of these mergers started out friendly but they have usually resulted in smoother, more coordinated operations. bulldogboy

It's been a long time for me but I seem to remember that you had to pull the switch out to activate the fuel gauge. Why it was set up this way, I haven't a clue. bulldogboy

Luckily, northern New Hampshire didn't fare too badly in the ice storm. I read that there were not many power outages. bulldogboy

Drove a few "B-85Fs" and "B-95Fs" with those small mirrors. I learned a lot about backing a "B" model into a fire station with those small mirrors vibrating all over the place. Those were nice trucks, but in looking back, those coupe cab fire trucks were really cramped; the "L-85s" and "L-95s" were roomier. Of course, the fact that they were semi-cabs probably made them seem bigger. Ah, the "good old days". bulldogboy

According to the news northern New Hampshire dodged a bullet and did not have a very bad ice storm. PSNH brought in crews from out of state but the power outages did not occur and the command center was closed. Good news, especially just before Christmas. bulldogboy

Needs a little more work. bulldogboy

Yes, I remember Holmes; they were big in New Hampshire. I believe that they had a terminal in Manchester (or Londonderry). In NH they also ran "MB" and, later, "MC" model straight trucks. That's a name from the past along with Yale, Jones, St Johnsbury, Carolina, etc. bulldogboy

Check with "joes mack", he's looking for some parts for Yocum Creek, KY Fire Department's "CF" that was recently in an accident. bulldogboy

Congratulations, Al, the truck looks great. Where is it from originally? bulldogboy

Joe: Good luck, hope that you can buy those two "CFs" and get yours back in service. As to the driver, give him a little space and time to recover, eventually he'll feel ready to drive again. Almost all of us have put a ding (or worse) in a fire truck, it's part of dealing in a hazardous and ever changing environment. bulldogboy

Nice "C" model. Years ago I drove a Mack "C" model aerial ladder; it was a great truck, had a few "big ones" with it. Was that '73 "R" model the one that Brighton donated to Bon Weir, TX to replace its pumper that was destroyed during Hurricane Rita in 2005? bulldogboy

Speaking of I-495, a couple of weeks ago on 495 I passed a TT unit from Roaring Spring, PA. Smith Transportation or something like that? I don't remember the company name but can't forget the unusual name of Roaring Spring. I have passed by Sinking Springs, PA which is near Reading. bulldogboy

Where in northern Vermont is that? bulldogboy

Vinny: I don't know what kind of tractor it was. I think the "R" model dump truck in the photo may have been a town of Alton truck. bulldogboy

The dam break was in Alton, NH, March 13, 1996. A two year old earthen dam gave way dumping the contents of Meadow Pond onto the unsuspecting citizens below. Unfortunately, one woman was swept away and died; her body was located several days later. She was trying to flee in her pickup while her husband attempted to move his tractor-trailer. Both were caught in the flood but the husband was rescued. That's his TT unit in the photo. Ironically, their home was spared, it would have been a safe haven for them. Hindsight is always 20-20. A tragic accident. bulldogboy

Probably too late on this one but jhancock has a posting on "Trucks For Sale" showing a 1983 "CF" for sale in Winchester, NH. The closing date was November 6, 2013; if not sold it may be still available. That '91 looks nice and has an enclosed cab. Mack stopped making complete fire trucks in 1984, after that Macks came with a variety of different manufacturers' bodies. Grumman built a lot of the Mack "MB" bodies. bulldogboy

Joe; What happened? Hope that the accident wasn't too bad and that no one was injured. bulldogboy

"L" model fire trucks had hand crank starting, if needed. Fortunately, I never had to do it, those trucks started right up (most of the time). The hand crank for the booster reel was also the starter crank. bulldogboy

Wrestling with bea? Bea who, Bea Arthur? Sounds manly to me. I'm a Ford guy but obviously I'm not man enough for this truck. I don't buy the idea of a "feminine automatic". There are times when an automatic comes in handy. I've driven Mack fire trucks with standard and automatic transmissions, believe me auto is better. Just concentrate on getting to the scene safely without all the double clutching and shifting. My ego doesn't need the manliness of a standard in a fire truck bulldogboy

kscarbel2: Does Ford of Brazil sell its heavy duty trucks in Mexico and other Central American countries? bulldogboy

That's my situation; I've had my CDL for over 40 years (not class A). My license expires in 2014 and because I do not have a current medical card I'm thinking that I will have to revert to an Operator's license. I haven't driven a commercial truck or fire truck in years and, at my age, I doubt that I will ever again. I have been told that I could still get a CDL without a medical card if I am only driving non-commercial within the state (NH). I will look into this but, like I said, I think the truck driving days are over. I have my fond memories of driving Mack "L", "B" and "C" model fire trucks. bulldogboy

Nashua, NH Public Works Department once had a fleet of Mack "N" model rubbish trucks; green cabs with gray bodies. Unfortunately, no photos. At least the PWD is now running a fleet of Mack "MR" and "LE" CNG powered rubbish and recycling trucks. bulldogboy

Was the name of the company Idlenot Dairy or something like that? They also had a restaurant division, there was an Idle 90s restaurant down the road. Similar setup to Friendly's today. Friendly's still has a few Macks running around but I've seen more Volvos lately. bulldogboy