Chicago Fire Department 1972 American LaFrance - Engine Co. 5
Greektown Express Engine 5...a 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. 5. 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. 5 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. 5 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. 5's History by Joe O'Brien
Chicago Fire Department Engine 5 was organized in 1860, replacing the volunteer Engine 5 “Excelsior” at 550 W. Jackson. The first steamer “U.P.Harris”. In 1868 they received a 2nd class rotary Silsby, the steamer was called “Chicago”. Also in 1868 Truck 2 was organized with Engine 5. Engine 5 moved into a new 2 story, 2 bay firehouse at 326 S. Jefferson with Truck 2. Both Engine 5 and Truck 2 responded on a still alarm to the Great Chicago Fire from here. In 1888 Truck 2 moved into a firehouse at 540 W. Washington to make room for a horse hospital in the truck bay of Engine 5’s house. In 1928, the firehouse was bought by the IGOE corporation, who also exchanged for a lot at 324 S. Desplaines which was a block away. In 1928 the new 2 story 3 bay firehouse opened on Desplaines, the large firehouse was built to accommodate 26 firefighters. The size of the building is 52’ wide by 102’ long. During the 70’s and into the 80’s Engine 5 and hose wagon 6-1-1 would respond from here with Engine 42, and Big John on any 3-11’s or fires that Big John was requested for. The two 2000 engines and with the hose wagon that had 5,000 feet of 5 inch allowed more water support for Big John.
Today Engine 5 and Truck 2 still are in the big house on Desplaines, the nickname is “The Greektown Express”. The 1972 ALF has been produced by Fire Replicas, this is the 2nd replica of CFD’s Engine 5 the first was the 1948 Mack Sedan. Fire Replicas has also released two different Truck 2 models.
More About the Scale Model
This Chicago Fire Department Engine Co. 5 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.
