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Somebody finally figured out how to install missle launchers on an ambulance.

New pictures are posted on darienfire.org @Izz&Bob: The legend is that this was the 1st in Connecticut, the 1st anywhere with bucket breathing air, and the 2nd 'scope in New England. That's the legend, anyway. @norestriction: We did a fair amount of research on factors with regard to metal fatigue: With Seagrave and other experts. Provided we didn't ever drop it into a fire, drive it into a wall, or let it corrode, there is no risk of fatigue. The inspections were clean. The only damage was very superficial on one of the flies, from an old dislodged wear pad, which was insignificant. Obviously, you can't rule this out with all old booms, but being the original owners, knowing the equipment's history, and the quiet nature of its 40 year life, it's a good candidate for re-use. @gotta: The height restrictions are pretty well in-hand. The old truck actually didn't fit under our lowest underpass after the rear-end was overhauled. The new one might, but it will be really close. As for being money well spent, a truck this capable, versatile and safe; protecting property as valuable as we have to, is worth a lot more than what we're laying out. For me personally, it was not an easy decision to make. With the committee, this option was the subject of a ton of scrutiny. The end result should be extraordinary. @shadow: Make sure you let us know when you're back in town!

A tiller WILL rule in Norwalk. That's another one I can't wait to see.

We certainly feel the same as you regarding the versatility of a single axle scope; and asked the same questions about risks. Our conversations delved into the methods for testing strength of aluminum and steel, general metallurgy, superstructure design, and history. Having scrutinized the entire concept with many professionals at Seagrave and elsewhere, our conclusion was that there really were no additional risk factors to re-mounting a 40 year old boom onto a new chassis. It's essentially the same risk as buying a new one. If it ever comes to pass between now and the boom's 80th birthday (an idea that made many jaws drop in the Seagrave conference room) that a boom section had to be replaced, the solution is to build a replacement section, which they say they're capable of doing. Some outside research suggested also that the quality of the aluminum and steel used in 1971 was higher, in general, than it is now. There are weight and overall vehicle height (OVH) differences between the old boom-bucket-superstructure designs and those of the Aerialscope II. I don't know the specific contributing factors to the weight differences, but I believe the new design does not leave enough design margin on the rear axle to run with a single axle. We're getting a Telma, and a 10 KW Harrison generator which add some weight, offsetting it with a smaller but ample engine (2009 ISL-425) and aluminum roll up doors, with several thousand pounds of margin to spare on the rear. We can't wait to get it either. When it arrives, you'll be among the first to know! An Aerialscope would rule in Norwalk. Joe

I bought the DVD. It's pretty good. There's another similar program, on a different network, about Seagrave, that's also pretty good.

From looking at other pictures in web-land, it's evident the boom was left fully-extended for what appeared to be hours. The first picture was in broad daylight, and the other pictures in the evening. Somehow, a heavy-duty wrecker was used to get the scope back on all-six. My only thought is that they did not want to retract the boom for fear that the truck would slam back onto the ground and cause a bunch of structural damage. Any ideas?

For rail routes with less traffic, such as New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury, why is equipment such as the old Budd RDC no longer considered? If contemporary versions of this equipment were manufactured, one would think their efficiency would be of considerable economic and environmental benefit. Perhaps the economic benefits would allow for more frequent service, or service to new towns (i.e. Brookfield, New Milford, Kent, Newtown) The new electric equipment looks pretty slick. Are they stainless steel or aluminum? I sure hope ease-of-rescue design features were implemented. On the rare but unfortunate occasions that stainless has to be cut for rescues, those attempting it face the reality that it's not that easy. Perhaps that's discussion for another thread.

GO to www.darienfire.org ! Tons of Pictures

E42, first due to boxes, goes out about 450 times a year, and was bought with private funds that have been accrued over many years. It is owned by the fire company. E41 was purchased by the town, and is equipped as a highway pumper. We hope they last 20 years. They're great machines.

Scott is a fire apparatus genius. Who else in the country that you know of can pull off projects of the nature, magnitude, and succes, that Scott does? The extraordinary quality of the work he's done for Norwalk and Noroton Heights speaks for itself. Nice work, Al & Scott.

Which reflective stripe did you finally Chose?

John J. Harvey is a retired FDNY fireboat of great historic significance, now privately owned, and it's in rough shape. The foundation could really use some help with people going down to Derecktor's in Bridgeport on her last weekend in dry dock. I was there this past Saturday, and wish I could have stayed all night working. It's mostly paint and rust removal they need help with. They provide the tools, but it would be helpful if you could bring your own resperator, hard hat, safety goggles, and work gloves. They have matching grants, so for every bit of time that is volunteered on the boat, the foundation gets money. Take time to check out fireboat.org in the next week. They'll be working Thursday - Saturday this week, and then she goes back in the water. There are instructions on the web site on who to contact, and how, so you'll be allowed into the shipyard. http://www.derecktor.com Here's a map: Derecktor's Map.

Rosenbauer / Metz was the aerial. http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/aerials/ A.K.A. "Rosenbauer Raptor" On the Crimson monster truck, it provokes a lot of interesting ideas. The squirrel-tail is the worst implementation I've ever seen. The tank is only 2000 gallons. On a positive note, you can show up to the fire and get a lot done without many people. I like the preconnects inside the cab under the crew bench.

Very nice. This sort of thing takes tons of work. To whom should I write to correct one of the links? Joe