Ahrens-Fox Apparatus 1930 - 1977

[MplsBuffalo]

1940 Fox from Ebay  #9089 Belvue Ky

[MplsBuffalo]

 Alright  the last post has spelling issues.. Present day photo #9089 From Ebay

[paulromano]

Small World Department!!  While looking through photos in the Harold Walker Collection, I noticed two photos marked Southern Campbell, KY noting that the apparatus which appeared to be a standard Ford tilt cab, the back of the photo indicated that the truck was a "1969/77 Ford/Ahrens-Fox".  I remembered a section in Ed Hass's Fox book about the last Ahrens Fox apparatus built by I think it was Curt Nepper, who took eight years to complete the apparatus working by himself.  If I am wrong, I am sure the photographer of the truck will correct me as the back of the photos are marked "Steve Hagy #653".  (been holding out on us Steve??).

[Box 2565]

Small World Department!!  While looking through photos in the Harold Walker Collection, I noticed two photos marked Southern Campbell, KY noting that the apparatus which appeared to be a standard Ford tilt cab, the back of the photo indicated that the truck was a "1969/77 Ford/Ahrens-Fox".  I remembered a section in Ed Hass's Fox book about the last Ahrens Fox apparatus built by I think it was Curt Nepper, who took eight years to complete the apparatus working by himself.  If I am wrong, I am sure the photographer of the truck will correct me as the back of the photos are marked "Steve Hagy #653".  (been holding out on us Steve??).

That's a familiar looking scene!  I took those pictures in October of 1977 when Southern Campbell had the dedication ceremony for Engine 1205.  Curt built that rig at the former Ahrens-Fox factory on Central Avenue in Cincinnati.  That building was the one used during the 1950's when the GMC dealer owned A-F. An old structure, it was torn down 15 or so years ago for an expansion to the Schoenling Brewery (which is where Sam Adams is made these days).   Curt had the rig in that very dimly lit and dirty place and I was amazed that he was able to build anything in there.  In the photos, the Ahrens-Fox nameplate was not attached to the front bumper.  Southern Campbell had grown impatient waiting for the engine to be finished and in 1977 decided to go over to the plant and get things done themselves.  Curt was a stickler for detail and expected things to be accomplished in the exact manner that he wanted.  One of the detail items that he showed me on the day of these photos was that screws were not aligned straight up and down.  Since SCFD did not adhere to his standard of construction, he initially refused to put an A-F nameplate on the bumper.  The hubs on the rear wheels had cast "A-F" logos on them at the time of delivery.  In time, Curt changed his mind and some time in 1978, he added the nameplate to the front bumper.

[ScottR]

We tried to find where the A-F factory was last time we were in Cincy. Was the factory where the brewery is now or where they park the trailers?

[ScottR]

It is going back to Bellevue. The person that owned it in this photo called the Bellevue FD and told them he was going to sell the Fox and they told him Bellevue had combined with another department and they were not interested.

Several days later the former mayor of Bellevue called and offered to buy the rig. The mayor told of "still catching hell for selling that old fire engine" from some constituents with long memories (he sold the rig nearly 35 years ago to the Jim Dougherty).

[Box 2565]

We tried to find where the A-F factory was last time we were in Cincy. Was the factory where the brewery is now or where they park the trailers?

The building was on Central Avenue just north of Liberty Street (Central & Oliver).  There is a newer looking building on the east side of the street which is where the A-F facility was.  One of the more interesting aspects of the old place was that the building was owned by and was connected to the brewery.  You could walk through to the brewery and enter the break room where there was a tap...

[HmaximS]

another shot of the River Edge NJ from page 1
credit to original photographer

[Box 2565]

River Edge, New Jersey
1939 Ahrens-Fox
500 GPM
#9075

[wfdstation42]

Small World Department!!  While looking through photos in the Harold Walker Collection, I noticed two photos marked Southern Campbell, KY noting that the apparatus which appeared to be a standard Ford tilt cab, the back of the photo indicated that the truck was a "1969/77 Ford/Ahrens-Fox".  I remembered a section in Ed Hass's Fox book about the last Ahrens Fox apparatus built by I think it was Curt Nepper, who took eight years to complete the apparatus working by himself.  If I am wrong, I am sure the photographer of the truck will correct me as the back of the photos are marked "Steve Hagy #653".  (been holding out on us Steve??).

This truck is currently for sale on Ebay. As of this writing there is 16 hours left with no bids.

LINK TO LISTING

Pics from the listing:

[Box 2565]

Bryn Mawr Fire Co. PA
1947 Ahrens-Fox
1000 GPM
#3461   Model: H-T Special
Photographer unknown.

[RDW]

8-21-10

Cumberland FC Carlisle FD Carlisle, PA

1947 Ahrens Fox HT

( now privately owned in CA., back in Carlisle for the summer )

[RDW]

Citizen FC
Mechanicsburg, PA.

1935 Ahrens Fox

[wf33ret]

                                                        1937 Aherns Fox, Model VR, #8024
                                                              500 gpm rotary gear pump
                                                   South Fayette Twp. Vol. Firemans Assoc.
                                                                       Cuddy, Pa.

                                                        1955 Aherns Fox, Model IC, # 9175
                                                                  750 gpm centrifigal
                                                    South fayette Twp. Vol. Firemans Assoc.
                                                                       Cuddy, Pa.

                                               Photos from my good friend, the late John Schmidt

[wf33ret]

                                                         1930 Aherns- Fox  Model NS-444
                                                         Reg. No. 5055, shipped 12/30/30
                                          Aherns-Fox discription: 4-wheel service ladder truck and
                                          hose car with booster tank and small pump.
                                                                      Ladder 1
                                                                  Pleasantville, N.J.


                                                  Photographer Unknown - Lloyd Collection