Chicago Fire Department 1972 American LaFrance - Engine Co. 13
Lucky 13's Classic 1972 American LaFrance Pumper
The Chicago Fire Department Classics continue with the 1:50 scale, museum grade replica of the 1972 American LaFrance Engine Co. 13. 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. 13 is hand-crafted and authentic down to the smallest of features. Production is limited to an elite 40 units and includes a fully-custom display case to protect and preserve the unit.
Chicago Fire Department 1972 American LaFrance - Engine Co. 13 scale model specifications
- Scale: 1:50
- Production Quantity: 40
- 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. 13's History by Joe O'Brien
Chicago Fire Department Engine 13 was organized in 1867. The first steamer “A.D. Titsworth”. The firehouse located on the NE corner of Washington and Dearborn was a former volunteer station. The building did not survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In 1872 a new 3 story single bay brick firehouse opened at 209 N. Dearborn just north of Lake street and south of the river. This location put Engine 13 as the first company in on 3 major disasters in Chicago. The Iroquois theater fire that took 601 lives, the Steamship Eastland that overturned in the Chicago river and claimed 812 lives, an the Lake street EL accident(1977), when train cars fell off the elevated train line,16 people wear killed and 152 injured. In 1982 after 110 years in this firehouse Engine 13 would move into a brand new firehouse 2 story 3 bay fire house at 259 N. Columbus.
The new firehouse is built in an interesting spot. The land bounded from Lake Michigan on the east, the Chicago river on the north, Michigan Ave to the west, and Randolph street to the south is owned by the Illinois Central Railroad. The Railroad corporation owning the air rights above the land developed the area with office buildings, hotel, condos, and retail outlets starting in the late 60’s. By 1981 with 12 new major hi-rise building and the population of 80k on this 35 acre spot they wanted to have fire protection closer. The ICRR designed and built the fire house on the third level of the lot. The north end of the firehouse is tucked under a hit-rise to the north. The city agreed and took over the building, and completed the interior of the building. The 2nd floor of both wings of the living space is connected in the shape of a horseshoe above the apparatus bay. I did say third level. There are multiple levels of roads here, Wacker drive has three level’s Upper, Lower and Mid Wacker Drive. Columbus Drive has an upper and mid. When Engine 13 responds North they head down to the mid level where the access to the Columbus Drive bridge is. If the Upper and lower drives sound confusing they are. One of the chase scenes in the "Blues Brothers” takes you for rides on Upper and Lower Wacker drive.
More About the Scale Model
This Chicago Fire Department Engine Co. 13 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.
