Chicago Fire Department 1972 American LaFrance - Engine Co. 42
The Iron Ring...Chicago's Classic American LaFrance Engine Co. 42
The Chicago Fire Department Classics continue with the 1:50 scale, museum grade replica of the 1972 American LaFrance Engine Co. 42. 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. 42 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. 42 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. 42's History by Joe O'Brien
Chicago Fire Department Engine 42 “The Iron Ring" was organized in 1888. From 1885 to 1888 the City of Chicago was starting a boom growth period as housing, industry as well the population were growing. This also meant the Fire Department would need to grow. The firehouses built during this time saw a mixture of 2 story and 3 story building as well as single bay and double bays. The 3 story firehouses were considered “inner city”, higher population of people and property required more manpower, so the need for room for personal meant a third floor. These stations were also built in neighborhoods and were the corner stones of the area. The double bay stations were built with a Ladder and Engine to serve the area while the single bays would have normally one company (Engine and Hose wagons were considered one company as would a ladder).
The new Firehouse at 228 W. Illinois was built in 1887 and completed in 1888, a fantastic looking building that still stands on the near north side. Engine 42 was organized here in 1888, with a steamer, and hose wagon. Engine 42’s first motorized engine was a 1921 Seagrave that ran until 1928 when it was replaced by a 1928 Aherns Fox. The Fox would last 20 years and would be replaced in 1948 with a Mack L Sedan. Squad 1 ran out of this house in 1928 thru 1930, and back again in 1963. Squad 1 ran a 1954 Autocar which is a model that Fire Replicas has produced.
In 1968, a new 6 bay firehouse opened a few blocks east at 55 W. Illinois, Engine 42 and Truck 3 moved into the new station. This was now the largest firehouse in the city. During the 70’s Big John ran out of this house. Engine 42 like the other loop rigs got a 2000/500 GPM ALF Engine. Engine 42, and Engine 5 automatically respond to any 3-11’s as a water task force. Engine 42, and Big John would respond from 42’s, while Engine 5, and the hose wagon 6-1-1 would respond from 5’s.
Fire Replicas has reproduced engine 42’s, 48 Mack L Sedan, as well as Squad 1’s 1954 Autocar that where both at the original 228 Illinois fire house. The 1972 ALF, Big John, Squad 1 and 1A and Truck 3 models produced by Fire Replicas ran out of the current station.
More About the Scale Model
This Chicago Fire Department Engine Co. 42 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.
