Century II/Straightline/Spartan II . . .

[fyrboy]

. . . so says Walt McCall in his "100 Years of American LaFrance."  Here's Asheville, NC's only one, a 1982, their first automatic transmission-equipped pumper.  It was painted an orange-red, rather than the typical ALF red.  The balloon's were a no-cost option.

[BFD1151]

Great photos Jack! This rig was around for a long time, the last time I saw it was around 2003-2004 at station 8 as a reserve. Thanks for posting all the cool older Asheville rigs!

[boardmansteve]

Please feel free to fill in the blanks:

Warren Twp. VFD (Marietta, OH)
1979 ALF #6371
1500/750
Diesel/?

Unidentified Snorkel; perhaps for somewhere in the Middle East (lettering appears to be Arabic)?

Just when we think we've seen 'em all...!

(factory photos)

[GA_Dave]

Someone (it may have been Box2565) already posted the Snorkel and I think he said it went to Sohag, Egypt.  I've always wondered how many of these rigs were built by ALF.  I've photographed five and I'm aware of about 15 others.

[boardmansteve]

Someone (it may have been Box2565) already posted the Snorkel and I think he said it went to Sohag, Egypt.  I've always wondered how many of these rigs were built by ALF.  I've photographed five and I'm aware of about 15 others.

Found it...thanks!:

http://www.youngstownfire.com/forums/index.php/topic,1307.msg8735.html#msg8735

[boardmansteve]

Highland, NY
198? ALF #?
?/?
Diesel/?
(note ribbed stainless steel trim below color break, extra aluminum diamond treadplate at lower cab)

Danville, ?
198? ALF #?
?/?
Diesel/?
Engine 1

Unidentified Spartan II...possibly the prototype?

(factory photos)

[GA_Dave]

Engine 1, Danville, IL
1979 Spartan II
1500/500
#6514

[GA_Dave]

I don't have the year or production numbers of the next two.

Engine 3, Travelers Rest, SC
Spartan II
1250/750

[GA_Dave]

BTW, the Asheville rig is a 1250/500.

Engine 4, Hanahan, SC
Spartan II
1000/500

x-Redwood FD, Durham, NC

[mgk110]

Dormont, Pa. E32. Some say that the JOX or Patriot's were the ugliest ALF's made. This model gets my vote. Bair photo.

[Engine33Truck]

Dormont, Pa. E32. Some say that the JOX or Patriot's were the ugliest ALF's made. This model gets my vote. Bair photo.

Personally I don't think they're THAT ugly.  They're ugly, but almost in a cute way, like someone took a hammer to a Pioneer II, or maybe a 1000 Series.


Were these like some kind of program engine, or originally a military/export design?

[fyrboy]

Were these like some kind of program engine, or originally a military/export design?

The only comments I could find in Walt McCall's book are:  It "was the economy model . . . introduced in 1978," and "featured less-costly flat body panels and one-piece windshield." 

[Engine33Truck]

Honestly, these things certainly do look cheap.  But I thought that the Pioneer was the economy or "entry level" ALF chassis?

[GA_Dave]

By the time the Spartan II entered production, the Pioneer III was being phased out.  Even though it was introduced during 1978, the first Spartan II was delivered in 1979.  Only a few Pioneer III's were delivered in 1979.  The Spartan II was the "entry level" replacement.

[START WATER]

THE MILITARY HAD A 750A STRAIGHT FRONT  BUILT BY  WARD  LAFRANCE   IN THRE 50??   AND THAT MAY HAVE BEEN WHERE THEY GOT THE THOUGHT  OF A FLAT FRONT   WOW I AM OLD  I WORKED ON A 750A ,1N  1964 ,