Chicago Fire Department 1972 American LaFrance - Engine Co. 98
Engine Co. 98...Serving Chicago's North Loop
The Chicago Fire Department Classics continue with the 1:50 scale, museum grade replica of the 1972 American LaFrance Engine Co. 98. 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. 98 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. 98 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. 98's History by Joe O'Brien
When you talk about Engine 98 most people recognize the Firehouse. The building was built on the water department lot East of the Chicago Water tower and works. The water tower that survived the Great Chicago fire, and its pump buildings were made of rough face limestone. The firehouse also took on the medieval architecture and castellated look to blend in with the Water works. For several years those really were the only building around Michigan Ave and Chicago, in fact because of the open space driver training would occur at Engine 98’s, first with horse’s. The firehouse is really a site to see both inside and out, it should be on your list to visit. The Danbury mint in 1990 released a replica of the firehouse under its "American Classic Firehouse" series with the iconic 1972 American LaFrance on the ramp. The area start growing a few year later Northwestern’s Chicago campus is east if the firehouse on Chicago Ave.
Engine 98 was organized in this Firehouse in 1904, Hose 2 was first moved into the firehouse several months before the Engine steamer arrived. Today Ambulance 11 and Engine 98 are the only companies in this station.
More About the Scale Model
This Chicago Fire Department Engine Co. 98 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.
