1950s FWD fire engine

[frizzen]

This is a JerryIndy build i'm helping out with. Hopefully he remembers his password soon...

The goal, model "High Fenders" a 1956 FWD fire engine run as "Engine 2" by Washington Twp. VFD in Indianapolis, IN. They operated it as a front line engine from '56 up until it was replaced by a Mack about '76, not sure how long it stayed on reserve status. This was JerryIndys favorite apparatus while he was a fireman.

Because...


Highfenders with the Snorkle in service 1970s


Latest known picture of her after leaving Washington Twp, going to work in Arcadia, now in barn of a private collector.


Starting point, jjrc Q61 , 4 wheel truck version of a zil-157


Wheelbase stretch and starting to reconfigure.


Might need longer rails to punch it out enough, gotta try mockups though.

Unfortunately the donor is closer to a 1949 FWD than the correct one, but we'll figure something out. Four Wheel Drive corporation has an interesting history, i'll probably go into it more as the build goes on.

This beast had a straight-piped gas engine, that with the bay door open could be heard crackling to life several miles away as the rest of the firemen were already rolling toward the scene.

Reference material is scarce, it's not even on
http://www.indianafiretrucks.com/Default.aspx

I think it needs a Federal Q with a Grover Airhorn
https://www.modeltrainsoftware.com/c...r-your-diecast

Here's a ride along of a "1958 FWD Fire Truck", because fire engines are sweet
https://youtu.be/Ay1yP0W9Krk