This from Brian Murphy:
I came across this old Mack C series engine in a storage yard near I-55 just outside of Plainfield. I have no idea where it came from, but a guess is it may have been from one of the steel mills in NW Indiana or perhaps a chemical plant or refinery around Joliet. What thinks all of you????
Brian Murphy photo
Brian Murphy photo
Brian Murphy photo
#1 by John on March 25, 2016 - 12:00 PM
This blue engine has been out there for close to 10 years now as I remember going by on I-55 and seeing it on my way to my kid’s house when they lived in Plainfield. I think the lot is on the west Frontage Rd just north of Route 30, which was the exit I used. I seem to remember a sign with a phone number on it…if I go by there again enroute to the casino this time, I’ll try to get it for you & maybe they can shed it’s history.
#2 by Crabby Milton on March 9, 2016 - 5:49 AM
Thanks for that info Al. I figured my idea may have been a shot in the dark but who knows. Indeed the east coast has many literally colorful apparatus. Unless you can see this thing close up and perhaps see the VIN, it may always be open for speculation. Depending if the lot owner is willing to let you go up and take a look or chase you away with a broom or shot gun, the latter may be the rule of the day.
#3 by Al Whitlock on March 8, 2016 - 7:31 PM
The town of Madison in Jefferson County, IN has six firehouses. Each station has a different color scheme. Clifty Six went in service in 1969 and their first rig was a 1970 Hahn engine.Although their trucks are blue, they have white roofs. In my opinion, this engine came from Pennsylvania or another eastern state. It’s not Chicago, but check out Indiana Fire Trucks. It is a very good site for rigs.
#4 by Ted on March 8, 2016 - 2:18 PM
It sat outside of Manteno for a while, I believe it was used in a movie, and no one picked it up after that.
#5 by Scott on March 8, 2016 - 11:36 AM
Been told no Macks in Hebron (IL) history.
#6 by Crabby Milton on March 8, 2016 - 11:27 AM
It’s also possible that is was originally red and someone bought it and repainted it that blue then got rid of it at some point. It could have been sitting for who knows how long so if that’s the case, it could have come from anywhere but everyone here has good ideas.
#7 by Ffpm621 on March 8, 2016 - 11:06 AM
Its the old Smurf Mobile!
#8 by Ed M on March 8, 2016 - 9:49 AM
https://chicagoareafire.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HEBRON-ALDEN_FPD__BRUSH_805__1973_GMC_-_STAHL__450-250__BF.jpg
#9 by Ed M on March 8, 2016 - 9:46 AM
Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District had apparatus of a similar color at 1 time.
#10 by Crabby Milton on March 8, 2016 - 9:20 AM
I just checked Sullivan and they do have a bunch of them.
This is getting interesting now.
#11 by Big Moe on March 8, 2016 - 9:11 AM
Doesn’t Sullivan, Illinois have blue rigs? I know there is a town here in IL that does. Trying to think who it is.
#12 by Crabby Milton on March 8, 2016 - 7:44 AM
Feast you eyes on this.
Perhaps it’s a lead for you.
http://www.indianafiretrucks.com/pages/jefferson/madison6.html
#13 by Crabby Milton on March 8, 2016 - 7:36 AM
Wish I could be of more help but I have visited the Indiana fire truck website any number of times over the years and I recall coming across a dept. that has/had blue rigs. Can’t recall now but that site is amazing and you won’t be disappointed for lack of eye candy.