Chicago Fire Department 1949 Mack® L Engine 25 scale model
Chicago's 1949 Mack L Engine 25...small enough to take home.
This 1:50 scale model of Chicago Fire Department's 1949 Mack L Coupe Cab Engine 25 is a museum grade masterpiece, and a worthy addition to high-end Chicago collections.
Engine 25 is hand-crafted and very limited.
Engine 25 features true-to-scale parts that are individually designed, cast or fabricated, painted, decorated and assembled over the course of 18 months. Production has been limited to an elite 50 units.
Chicago Fire Department 1949 Mack® L Coupe Cab Engine 25 scale model specs
- Scale: 1:50
- Production Quantity: 50
- Multi-materials including High Def Resin, stainless steel photo etch metal, wire, rubber and other composites.
- Mounted inside high quality, custom display case featuring etched stainless steel I.D. nameplate.
- Model Dimensions: 6"L x 2"W x 2.25"T
- Display Case Dimensions: 8"L x 4.5"W x 4"T
In 1949, Chicago Fire Department utilized Mack L coupe cab triple combination pumpers. These Engines had character and style that seems long gone in the world of fire apparatus. Producing replicas of these classic rigs that are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, is a painstaking process. Over 18 months of research and development has led to each of the hundreds of intricately detailed parts, which are designed, cast or fabricated, painted, decorated, and trimmed...then organized in small bins, ready for assembly. There is no substitute for the laborious tasks that each of the 35 skilled men and women perform. It is a sight to see as each team member patiently adheres each part to another, consistently analyzing the end result. As you scroll down the assembly pictures, take notice of the parts on each workstation and you will gain a greater appreciation for the process. And don't forget to add this classic pumper to your Chicago collection.
A Brief History
At the end of 1873 the first Ahrens steamer purchased by Chicago was received and tested that year, it was Ahrens 31st built steamer. Two months earlier a large fire in the area of 15th and Halsted, destroyed 62 buildings and the city realized they needed to get more protection in the area. Engine 25 was organized and would go into service in a temporary building at 1900 S Halstead with the new Steamer, while a permanent building was being built at 1975 S. Canelport. The new 2 story 1 bay brick fire house on Canelport Ave opened in 1974 with the Ahrens Steamer. Over the course of years Chicago would have 110 Ahrens rigs. In 1923 Engine 25 was motorized with an Ahrens Fox. In 1949 the Mack L replaced the Ahrens Fox. The area was residential with factories and rail lines to the north and south which kept Engine 25 busy. In 1961 as the Dan Ryan Expressway was being built Engine 25 house would be torn down for the construction of the expressway. In 1961 the 49 Mack of Engine 25 moved to a new firehouse at 541 Taylor St. which is adjacent to the new CFD Fire Academy. This station had 2 bay doors, each door was 37 feet wide by 12 feet high. This was a very popular firehouse to visit. Fire Replicas did an outstanding job capturing the different details of Engine 25. The most notable is that engine had a red painted grill instead of the Chrome grill on the other 1949 Mack L’s. The pike pole handle is also red and the soft suction is dropped over the fender. (Courtesy of Joe O'Brien)
More About the Scale Model
This Chicago Fire Department 1949 Mack® L Coupe Cab Engine 25 scale model is a museum grade replica. Like all Fire Replicas models, every detail is modeled to perfection and with razor sharp precision. The replica features the specific department configuration and graphics, leaving no detail overlooked. The display case is custom manufactured with high quality acrylic and resin. The stainless steel etched plate features the department and truck name, and department seal. This replica is a treasure to be displayed and admired and is in no way a toy.
Safety Warning
This is not a toy and not suitable for children under the age of 14. This highly detailed scale model contains small, intricate pieces that may present a choking hazard.
The Mack trademarks and bulldog hood ornament are registered rights of the AB Volvo Group and are used pursuant to a license.
