Couldn't keep up with T. Horlick's Fire Crew rig's schedule but with any luck, Diane's rig should be RED this fall/winter. New, custom built torpedo tanks arrived last Friday so just trying to get tanks positioned for permanent mounting.
What fun. Good job. I like the garage too.
Rich
Both tanks for gas, or one for water and the other for gas?
Thanks, Richard !
Both tanks are to appear as "chemical" tanks after some "creative" brass pipe plumbing & gauges as in a American LaFrance rig. A screen sided hose basket will straddle the tanks behind the "soon to be there seat" holding the red hose with brass nozzle. Assorted fire tools will be bolted, hung and placed wherever I find vacant space. Next up is to replace the 21" wood wheels with a set of Michelin 30x3.5 steel disc wheels. I think the 21" tire is too much rubber for an early brass rig.
Very nice Steve! Will the fancy brass hub covers work on the disc wheels?
If those are both going to be gas tanks, you could go on quite the tour without a lot of stops. Filling up would be hell on the wallet, though. Looks great, Steve!
Note the fire extinguisher hung on the shop wall within easy reach - there's a lesson there for all of us, well done!
Nitrous tanks for that extra boost up hills!
No, I don't believe so, Jay - but they will go on the '14 Touring !
Being a State & City licensed service garage, I'm required by the Fire Marshall and my Insurance Co. to have extinguishers strategically placed.
Steve,
I like your custom built torpedo tanks. They're just about what I'm looking for to use on a speedster I have in mind building. Would you please answer some questions for me? Where did you have them made? Were the filler necks, caps, and tank mounting brackets supplied with the tanks? What diameter and length are the tanks?
Thanks,
Charlie
Sent you an e-mail, Charlie. The tanks I had built are 36" long x 14" diameter with the fuel neck, cap and bottom outlet on the same end to assist in plumbing as I want to be able to squirt water out of the fire hose during parade duty ! The steel saddles & straps are stock Torpedo repro's. I have a '12 Torpedo tank in the trunk of my Racer - see profile photo.
Nice work Steve.
Something I want to point out about the wall mounted fire extinguisher--note it is on the wall next to the exit door. That is exactly correct as you want to be near an exit and on your way OUT if you are running for one. Do Not put the extinguisher at the back of the shop where you have to run into the fire to get to it.
Tim Moore
Steve, My schedule isn't so impressive when you figure I planned the construction and collected parts for over 4 years before I started. Then retirement freed me to spend adequate time to achieve my project's completion.
I made little doors into the hose tray and use the space to carry tools and other items... lots of space is available in side your "tanks"!
I just came off my first tour with the car with a neighboring HCCA group. I was shocked with how well my car performed... I dreaded the several mile long steep single lane grade up out of Bear Valley on State Highway 20...no passing with heavy traffic. My hat had blown off so after stopping for it I was about 1/2 mile behind the 1915 T in front of me when I hit the grade. That '15 T had a some go fast stuff on it like a Tillotson X carby and large manifolds, hot cam, etc. Since my mag had died I was running on battery so I had more advance settings available. By nursing that advance I was able to run high gear all the way to the top (something I have never been able to do in any other T), having to slow down near the top because that '15 was in the way! My T running gear is completely stock except for a Stromberg OF carb... Even the 1913 original round tube radiator didn't boil on that climb!
I feared that my car would receive a cool reception with HCCA members because the body is a reproduction (club members have a bit of a history with that) but was pleased with the friendly interaction the whole weekend. Since it was a camping tour perhaps the more straight laced members stayed home to polish brass! Never the less I am sure that nice fire car you are building will be a hit everywhere it goes.
I passed on the Montana 500 (touring class as the brigade car won't meet regs) but might come next year if you are driving your fire car... what do you say?
Nice work, Terry
Here is a nice Model T Fire Chief's car that might be used for the gold lettering and pinstriping. I have the patterns for it if you are interested. Jim Patrick
PS. The 2 pictures I just now posted are only 100 pixels as the Forum does not allow any larger than that, however, anyone interested in High Def zoomable pictures, send me your e-mail and I will be glad to send you both pictures for you to have a closer, more detailed look. The gilded gold lettering is exquisite. jim@bvsmulberryrailcar.com. Jim Patrick
Is that Fire Chiefs truck a Maxwell?
Yes, Herb. I incorrectly posted that it is a Model T, but you are correct. On the front license plate tag, it says it's a 1911 Maxwell. Sorry to create any confusion. Jim Patrick