500 & 600 Series American LaFrance Apparatus

[boardmansteve]

Danville VA
Engine Company 2
1938 American LaFrance
750 GPM

500 Series

[boardmansteve]

Fairview OH
1946 American LaFrance
750 GPM - Quad
#L 2275  Model: 675 CDO

600 Series

[GA_Dave]

Any info on the aerial size, who originally took delivery of this beauty and what engine was in her?

What are the differences between the 500 and 600 series (other than looks) and how do I tell the pre-war 500s from the pre-war 600s?

It's difficult to see in that pic, but it appears to be a three section 75' or 85' aerial.  The 100' model had four sections.  I can't tell you the origin of the rig, but it's a 500 Series.  

The rig in Reply #17 is a 600 Series.  That profile shot shows how the 600's grille stands almost vertical.  The 600 Series motor sat a bit forward of where the 500 Series motor sat, causing the radiator and grille to sit up straight.  You can also see four thin grille bars between each thicker grille bar.

On the 500 Series, like the Cato rig in Reply #19, you can see that the grille has more of a rake to it and only three thin bars.  The radius of the trailing edge of the grille is the same as the front fender on each side.   Look back at the 600 and you'll see the same grille and the same fender, but since the radiator is more upright, the space between the grille and fender gets wider towards the top.

The change from the 500 to the 600 occured in 1941, with the first 600's showing up in 1941 and the last 500's delivered in 1942.

[GA_Dave]

In addition to what Steve just posted about the Series and Type versions, the Type apparatus were considered to be the "B" version, which was reflected in the model designations.

[Engine33Truck]

Thank you very much for the information, Steve and Dave!

[Lifeguard238]

What are the differences between the 500 and 600 series (other than looks) and how do I tell the pre-war 500s from the pre-war 600s?

The Type 500 and 600 rigs are often confused with the 500 and 600 Series trucks.  

The easiest way to tell a 500 from a 600 Series is by looking at the grille.  On a 500 there are three small grille bars in each of four sections (separated by larger/thicker bars), while a 600 has four.

The Type 500 and 600 models have narrow bodies and cabs with two-piece "V" windshields; the 500 has a mesh grille, while the 600 has grille bars similar to the 600 Series.

Going back to the USS Steel Homestead engine, I can see the difference in them now.

[Engine33Truck]

Now out of curiosity, is the Type 500 and Type 600 the same relation to the 500 Series and 600 Series (respectively) as the Junior 400 Series is to the Senior 400 Series? If that makes sense.

[GA_Dave]

Now out of curiosity, is the Type 500 and Type 600 the same relation to the 500 Series and 600 Series (respectively) as the Junior 400 Series is to the Senior 400 Series?

To a certain extent, yes, but the idea behind the Junior 400 was a smaller, lower cost apparatus for communities that didn't require a full custom rig, where the Type 500 and 600 rigs were designed to use less metal (wartime effort).

[Engine33Truck]

To a certain extent, yes, but the idea behind the Junior 400 was a smaller, lower cost apparatus for communities that didn't require a full custom rig, where the Type 500 and 600 rigs were designed to use less metal (wartime effort).

Thanks.  That idea makes sense.

[Captain E35]

Here is a recent picture of the Engine in reply #1, 1940 ALF 600 series 1250 gpm / 85 gal, Former Baltimore City Engine 32, Reserve E-9, Reserve E-5.  This picture was taken on 6/21/2010.  As soon as I can make room in my garage I will start a complete restoration.  The The serial number as listed on the title is 8202.  I also have the complete original factory parts list book, I also have the original factory operators manual but it is missing pages 1,2,3,4,93, 94, 95, 96, both manuals are in somewhat delicate condition and were acquired from the Baltimore City Fire Department's Fire Maintenance shop.  

[Engine33Truck]

Here is a recent picture of the Engine in reply #1, 1940 ALF 600 series 1250 gpm / 85 gal, Former Baltimore City Engine 32, Reserve E-9, Reserve E-5.  This picture was taken on 6/21/2010.  As soon as I can make room in my garage I will start a complete restoration.  The The serial number as listed on the title is 8202.  I also have the complete original factory parts list book, I also have the original factory operators manual but it is missing pages 1,2,3,4,93, 94, 95, 96, both manuals are in somewhat delicate condition and were acquired from the Baltimore City Fire Department's Fire Maintenance shop.  

Sorry I'm just noticing this, but I see the potential life in her!   Looks like she's a bit too big for the garage, maybe that's what you meant by "as soon as I make room in the garage?" 

[Box 2565]

Riverside, llinois
1939 American LaFrance
750 GPM
#L 1128   Model: 575 CO
Steve Mieszala photo.

[Box 2565]

Harrisburg PA   Mt. Pleasant No. 8
1940 American LaFrance
1000 GPM – 150 Tank
One of two purchased.
Jack Robrecht photo.

Kingsport TN
1940 American LaFrance
750 GPM – 100 Tank
#L 1339   Type: B 575 CO
Steve Hagy photo.