Chicago Fire Department Big John 6-7-3 - 1952 International 6x6/1970 CFD Shop Deluge Unit
Take home a piece of Chicago Firefighting History...Big John 6-7-3
The 1:50 scale line of museum grade classics for Chicago Fire Department continues with the CFD built deluge wagon, Big John 6-7-3. Don't miss your chance to add this unique rig to your collection today!
Hand-crafted, limited in production and display-ready
The 1:50 scale Big John 6-7-3 is hand-crafted and authentic down to the smallest of features. Production is limited to an elite 250 units and includes a fully-custom display case to protect and preserve the unit.
History of Big John 6-7-3 by Joe O'Brien
On March 13, 1970, The Chicago Fire Department’s 6-7-3 "Big John'’ turret Wagon went into service at Engine 42. The turret wagons were the idea of then Civil Defense Chief Jimmy Johnson, who purchased surplus military vehicles for the Civil Defense. He worked with John F. Plant of the CFD fire prevention bureau, who was the chief designer and developer of the truck. 6-7-3 is named “Big John” after Plant.
The body of the truck was provided to the CFD shops, a 1952 IHC M65 5-ton 6x6 chassis. The shops fabricated twin Stang HP deluge monitors capable of flowing 15,000 GPM. Improvements from its predecessor “Big Mo” included elimination of all 90-degree connections, and a straight 16” manifold pipe reaching from the rear bumper upwards to the top of the cab. The manifold has 21 intakes of 2 1/2-inch size and four intakes of 3 1/2 inches. It could be hydraulically elevated to a height of approximately 21 feet above grade.
The turret nozzle tips range from 2 to 4 inches. The hydraulically operated “Big John” had no problem delivering 10,000 GPM at 200 to 300 psi and sending water streams to a distance of approximately 1000 to 1200 feet.
In the 70’s “Big John '' saw a lot of action at large building fire as it could sit back out of the collapse zones and throw water both by height and distance. The snorkels were the first choice at the warehouse fires until 6-7-3 arrived…from that point it was time to drop or drag the lines to feed “Big John”. CFD also started to purchase 2000 GPM engines that went in service in 1971 and 1972; these engines would also be specially called to fires where “Big John” was going.
In addition to the two large turrets, there were two deluge monitor deck guns installed on the front bumper, with nozzle tips ranging from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches; as well as, four 2000-watt flood lights are mounted, two on each side.
Chicago Fire Department Big John 6-7-3 - 1952 International 6x6/1970 CFD Shop Deluge Unit scale model specifications
- Scale: 1:50
- Production Quantity: 250
- 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: 7.75"L x 2.25"W x 2.75"T
- Display Case Dimensions: 10"L x 5"W x 5"T
The museum grade 1:50 scale model of Chicago's Big John 6-7-3 required over 24 months of development. Each of the hundreds of intricately detailed parts were 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 on the Fire Replicas assembly line. 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 this shop-built classic Chicago rig to your collection.
More About the Scale Model
This Chicago Fire Department Big John 6-7-3 scale model is a museum grade replica of the 1970 CFD Shop Deluge Unit built on a 1952 International 6x6 chassis. 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.
