Chicago Fire Department 1972 American LaFrance - Engine Co. 1
Engine Co 1...Serving Chicago's South Loop
The Chicago Fire Department Classics continue with the 1:50 scale, museum grade replica of the 1972 American LaFrance Engine Co. 1. This is your chance to take home a piece of Chicago's rich firefighting history!
Hand-crafted, limited in production and display ready
Engine Co. 1 is hand-crafted and authentic down to the smallest of features. Production is limited to an elite 60 units and includes a fully-custom display case to protect and preserve the unit.
Chicago Fire Department 1972 American LaFrance - Engine Co. 1 scale model specifications
- Scale: 1:50
- Production Quantity: 60
- 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: 7"L x 2.25"W x 2.25"T
- Display Case Dimensions: 10"L x 5"W x 5"T
Character, style and personalization epitomize the American LaFrance pumpers that served Chicago throughout the 1970's. Producing replicas of these beautiful rigs that are small enough to fit nicely on a shelf, has been a painstaking process. Over 18 months, each of the hundreds of intricately detailed parts 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 these Classic Chicago pumpers to your collection.
Engine Co 1's History by Joe O'Brien
Chicago Fire Department Engine 1 was organized in 1858. The first steamer “Long John” was purchased by the city the same year and it was stationed at the City Armory at 221 S Franklin, until the new firehouse at 19 N. Lasalle was ready late in 1858. Both the Armory and LaSalle street firehouses were destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In 1872 a new 2 story Firehouse was built on the site of the Armory. Engine 1 and Truck 6 moved into the new firehouse. As progress and growth of the cities financial district was growing. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange would be built on this site in 1886, and in exchange the city received two other lots for future use. In 1886 two new firehouses would be built on the lots that they received from the Mercantile Exchange. At 333 S. Wells a 3 story two bay Fire House was built Engine 1 moved in here with Water Tower 1. The second lot that was exchanged was at 119 N. Franklin. Truck 6 would move into that fire house with Engine 40. As the city grew more in 1927 the “EL" was built making a right around the business/financial district. Most people refer to this area as the loop or the iron ring. Engine 1 firehouse faced out to the girders used on the “ L” platform framework that made it difficult to go around. Engine 1was moved to Engine 10’s house at 210 W. Lomax Pl. in 1927, 3 years later Engine 10 was taken out of service and that firehouse became Engine 1’s Engine 1 and Truck 1 were now stationed together. In 1949 Engine 1, and Truck 1 would move to a new two story, 3 bay firehouse at 419 S. Wells. The Lomax Pl. Firehouse would be torn down for the building of the Congress/Eisenhower Expressway. Today Engine 1, and Truck 1 are still located on S. Wells, this is the only house in Chicago were the Truck and Engine are the same numbers. You can also see this firehouse from the top of Sears/Wells Tower. That other Firehouse at 119 N. Franklin used by Engine 40 and Truck 6 was closed and torn down in 1963. It is now part of the land Sears/Willis Tower was built on. Engine 1 has been in service on the CFD rooster 164 years!
A couple of notable rigs Engine 1 ran from the fire house at 419 S Wells, would be the 1949 Mack, 1956 Mack, 1972 ALF, and presently the 2003 Spartan. The 1972 ALF has been produced by Fire Replicas, it is one of the 6 2000/500 gpm engines that was protecting the loop.
More About the Scale Model
This Chicago Fire Department Engine Co. 1 scale model is a museum grade replica of the 1972 American LaFrance Pumper. 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.
