How to Decipher Crown Firecoach Model Information

How to Decipher Crown Firecoach Model Information By Mike Britt, CFE President and Historian All vehicles manufactured by the Firecoach Division of Crown Coach had a builder’s plate which Crown called the “Vehicle Record Plate” located in the driver’s compartment of the vehicle near the accelerator pedal. The information on this plate is useful in […]

National Truck/Trailer Services Breakdown Directory

The National Truck/Trailer Services Breakdown Directory is a great website directory that will give you a listing of towing service, repair centers, and etc. for any area of the United States and Canada. This could be especially useful for those of you traveling the highway with your rigs. National Truck/Trailer Services Breakdown Directory www.nttsbreakdown.com Silver […]

Safety First

This is the 2nd article in a continuing series on SAFETY as it relates to our hobby of enjoying antique fire apparatus. REMEMBER – “THE FUN STOPS WHEN SOMEONE GETS HURT OR OUR PRIZED APPARATUS IS DAMAGED!” Following our last article on fire extinguishers to be carried on your apparatus, feedback was received from members […]

SPAAMFAA Safety Rules – “Standard of Care”

From the National Safety CommitteeWe have received comments back from members concerning the two articles that appeared in previous “Silver Trumpets”. Most of the comments were positive and expressed thankfulness that safety was an important part of our muster & event planning and operations and appreciated the tips and/or reminders, especially the “learned from experience” […]

Routine Maintenance of Fire Truck Hydraulic Brake Systems

By Doug Klink The braking system on your fire truck can be one of several types; mechanical, all hydraulic, or straight air. Mechanical brakes and air brakes (especially for those of us who live in a dry climate as little moisture gets into the air tanks so they are basically trouble-free) require little care; Just […]

Park it Where?

By Thomas Parsons, and from “the Roto-Ray” the newsletter of the Mile High Hook And Ladder Chapter. I have a buddy who bought an old fire apparatus. It makes me think of how many times my well intended procedures of planning were kiboshed while associated with the various organizations in my professional past. No one […]

Lubricant Oils

For some of the very early rigs I have seen graphite and tallow suggested as a gear box lubricant. Lubricating oils have come a long way since then! When asked about a lubricant for a 1920s Ahrens-Fox, Ted recommended an SAE 140 gear oil, Doug recommended a 1000 weight gear oil; they are both right, […]