HME video of the new engine for the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods FPD
From the HME Facebook page:
Congratulations to the Lincolnshire Riverwoods Fire Protection District, Lincolnshire, Illinois, Chief Steve McCaughey and crew on their new HME custom sidemount pumper.
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#1 by LT501 on October 7, 2016 - 2:18 PM
To me it seems more like a cross between a mini-pumper and a full size engine. I would use the term “midi” (mid-size) pumper, but that word has already been used to describe the smaller conventional-cab pumpers of the 80’s which were often paired with quints.
HME is using the label R.A.T. to identify these short wheel base vehicles since they are trucks designed for “Rapid Attack”. Strangely, the HME rep in the video never uses the term. They also manufacture a “Rodent” which looks the same as the RAT but has “4-wheel” drive, and can double as a larger brush truck. Notre Dame recently bought a RAT after evaluating several different models and manufacturers. They are particularly pleased with the engine’s short turning radius.
#2 by Bill Post on October 6, 2016 - 8:59 PM
For the people here who were around in the 1960s, the new rig actually looks like a Fog Pressure Wagon on steroids.
Seriously speaking, I would guess that it would go to station 53 on Woodlands Drive as Truck 53 moved to Station 51 and exchanged places with Engine 51 about a year ago. RAT is a good description of that make and model fire engine.
#3 by ffpm571 on October 6, 2016 - 1:11 PM
Oh look a toy fire engine… Or is it a medic squad with a pump and hose?