Chicago Fire Department 1949 Mack® L Engine 4 scale model
The next addition to your vintage Chicago fire truck collection.
This 1:50 scale model of Chicago Fire Department's 1949 Mack L Coupe Cab Engine 4 is a museum grade masterpiece, and a worthy addition to high-end Chicago collections.
Engine 4 is hand-crafted and very limited.
Engine 4 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 75 units.
Chicago Fire Department 1949 Mack® L Coupe Cab Engine 4 scale model specs
- Scale: 1:50
- Production Quantity: 75
- 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
Engine 4 traces back to the Chicago volunteer fire department, the original Engine 4 volunteers were known as the "Red Jackets". In 1858 The Board of Control was formed in Chicago to create paid volunteer companies, which later became the Paid Chicago Fire Department. The city was growing at a rapid pace with railroads moving people and products from east to west. Engine 4’s steamer known as the “Island Queen” would be in several different fire houses prior to moving into a former volunteer Fire House at 1626 N. Larrabee in 1863. In 1869 they would move into a new building at 1602 Larrabee with their new steamer the “Jacob Rehem” Engine 4 responded to the “Great Chicago Fire” from here some 5 miles away. The firehouse was destroyed during the fire. In 1873 a new firehouse was built on the same site, this was actually the 5th fire house on the same site. In 1891 Truck 10 and Engine 4 would switch firehouses. Engine 4 moved to 1244 N. Halstead, and Truck 10 moved in on Larrabee. The firehouse on Halstead actually had a wooden floor its entire life while being used. Engine 4 would remain at the FireHouse on Halsted until 1960 when the new firehouse would open at 542 W. Division right in the middle of the Cabrini Greens housing project. The new station allowed 3 older firehouses to close Engine 4, Truck 10, and Engine 27. Fire Replicas did an outstanding job replicating the 1949 Mack that ran as Engine 4, it has the original look on how the truck was delivered with no roof light, it did have a red oscillating light above the bell. I love the fact that Engine 5’s sedan along with Engine 4 had no roof lights on the models, so you could really get the idea of the classic rigs. (Courtesy of Joe O'Brien)
More About the Scale Model
This Chicago Fire Department 1949 Mack® L Coupe Cab Engine 4 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.
