This from Mike Summa for #TBT:
For TBT-In the 1970s an upstart company decided to enter the fire apparatus field and challenge the establishment. Here are some examples of their early apparatus.Mike Summa
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#1 by harry on December 13, 2019 - 11:04 PM
crabby Milton truly the ol=nly gas engine fire truck I have ever seen that I truly remember is plainfield il fire dist double axle chevy tanker but that was likely not used as mauch as an engine and truck but however Menlo pk California has the first ever electric engine while cool but it will be interesting to see how it holds up
#2 by JBavitz on December 13, 2019 - 7:23 PM
Mike L good web site to watch is Wisconsin Surplus. Lots of rigs from that era. Might find a Sentry III. Good luck.
#3 by CrabbyMilton on December 13, 2019 - 12:31 PM
I could see your point Harry but somehow I doubt that you would ever see a gasoline engine in a full custom. If for the sake of arguments who would supply a V8 gasoline engine FORD, GM, or CHRYSLER? Diesel’s have it over gasoline with the hp and torque and still use less fuel for the same power.
Gassers generate more heat too per power output.
#4 by John Antkowski on December 13, 2019 - 9:59 AM
Thanks again, Bill Post for your reply. I really enjoy your feedback to my inquiries and questions about fire apparatus in Chicago Fire Department. John.
#5 by Bill Post on December 12, 2019 - 11:08 PM
John Antkowski the Chicago had 35 of the E-One Sentrys on Ford C/8000 chassis. That doesn’t include a 36th that was purchased for training. It didn’t look like the rest of them. The first five were 1976 models. They were the first E-One rigs Chicago purchased. The first two were assigned to Engines 70 and 75 while the remaining three went to Engines 56, 62, and 15. Engines 70 and 75 were a little shorter. The three larger ones might have had bigger booster tanks however I am not sure.
The next batch was purchased in 1980 and 1981 with about 10 delivered each year. The last batch was in 1982 and were the first Chicago pumpers delivered with crosslays for 1 3/4″ pre-connected hose in place of booster reels. These also had deck guns piped to the pump. That was known as the quick water set up. Within a few years the older models had their booster reels removed and crosslays plus the piped deck guns installed. The fire academy engine was a 1987.
I always just called those rigs Ford/E-Ones. I didn’t know them as the Sentry model.
#6 by harry on December 12, 2019 - 5:30 PM
I am sure as technology improves we will see a pierce velocity or eone cyclone engine that will be gasoline powered
#7 by John Antkowski on December 12, 2019 - 1:47 PM
How many of the Sentry III Engines did Chicago have? I loved the one that Engine 8 had in Chinatown. They had both the American and Chinese numbers on the rig. I’m not sure if the truck did. I would love to see those in a model. John
#8 by Mike on December 12, 2019 - 1:20 PM
The commercial fords with 3208 car motors or The 460 gas engines were so slow. They needed more power, but those rigs otherwise were so simple and easy.
#9 by CrabbyMilton on December 12, 2019 - 12:34 PM
That’s good info and eye candy. I think they established in 1974.
#10 by rich s. on December 12, 2019 - 12:30 PM
Mike, Yes absolutely one of the best rigs ever. A power house small and maneuverable yet roomy and powerful. The should bring it back to market.
#11 by Mike L on December 12, 2019 - 11:10 AM
The iconic Sentry III. Wish I could get my hands on one.