Synopses & Reviews
Of all the companies that built motor fire apparatus in America in the 20th century, none has acquired the cult-like devotion accorded the unique products of the Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. With its front-mounted piston pump surmounted by a gleaming spherical air chamber, the Ahrens-Fox piston pumper projects irresistible aesthetic and mechanical appeal. Fire apparatus aficionados and collectors have all but elevated the truly distinctive Ahrens-Fox piston pumper to a firefighting deity. Noted fire apparatus historian and author Walt McCall has selected the best of the best for this photographic tribute to a legendary nameplate—including the milestone Continental, mighty six-piston Models PS, BT and what is arguably the most beautiful fire engine ever made in America, the classic, semi-streamlined Model HT. A supplemental gallery of 30 color photos showcases some of the finest surviving Ahrens-Foxes.
Synopsis
Of all the companies that built motor fire apparatus in America in the 20th century, none has acquired the cult-like devotion accorded the unique products of the Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. With its front-mounted piston pump surmounted by a gleaming spherical air chamber, the Ahrens-Fox piston pumper projects irresistible aesthetic and mechanical appeal. Fire apparatus aficionados and collectors have all but elevated the truly distinctive Ahrens-Fox piston pumper to a firefighting deity. Noted fire apparatus historian and author Walt McCall has selected the best of the best for this photographic tribute to a legendary nameplate—including the milestone Continental, mighty six-piston Models PS, BT and what is arguably the most beautiful fire engine ever made in America, the classic, semi-streamlined Model HT. A supplemental gallery of 30 color photos showcases some of the finest surviving Ahrens-Foxes.
About the Author
Walter M. P. McCall is one of the most widely known and respected fire apparatus historians and authors in North America. In addition to his highly regarded American Fire Engines Since 1900 – still considered the “bible” of the old fire engine hobby -- Walt McCall has authored ten Iconografix fire apparatus and professional car books including the landmark Encyclopedia Of American Fire Engine Builders. Walt served as Editor of Enjine!-Enjine!, the quarterly magazine of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA) for 25 years and edited The Visiting Fireman, the annual international directory of fire buffs for nine years. McCall has also written numerous articles for fire service and antique vehicle publications and newsletters in the United States and Canada.