SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER, SOCIETY FOR THE PRESERVATION AND APPRECIATION OF ANTIQUE MOTOR FIRE APPARATUS IN AMERICA


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PLEASE ENJOY BUT DO NOT STEAL THE INTELLECTUAL AND ARTISTIC PROPERTY OF OUR HARDWORKING MEMBER PHOTOGRAPHERS!

Last update: 2010-08-11

-Resources for Club Members

Privately owned fire apparatus operated at Crown Firecoach Enthusiast club sponsored events must abide by National SPAAMFAA rules outlined in the Safety Manual

Click here to view & print out the club safety manual

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Adobe Reader is used to view downloaded PDF files

 

 

CFE APPAREL AND MERCHANDISE ORDERING INFO

CFE has a new vendor for shirts, hats, etc., with the official CFE logo on them.

The Fire Connection is now ready to accept orders from CFE members.

Click here to go to their website.

 

CROWN FIRECOACH PHOTO BOOK

Long-time CFE member Chuck Madderom is the author of this excellent Iconographix photograhic history of the Crown Firecoach from its beginnings in 1951 until the company ceased building fire rigs in 1983. Photographs show a coss section of the full line of Crown Firecoaches, including pumpers, aerials, Snorkels and more. Click on the photo of the book for purchasing information.

PAST YEARS CFE DASH PLAQUES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

CFE Pump-In dash plaques for years 2004 to 2009, as well as dash plaques from the National SPAAMFAA Conventions hosted by CFE in 2002 (seen above) and 2009, are available for purchase from the club. See samples of the plaques below (click on the thumbnails to see a larger image).

One to two plaques are $5 each; Three plaques for $12 ($4 each additional), or buy all seven (one of each version) for the special price of $25. All prices are U.S. dollars and include S/H within the United States. Canada add $1 for S/H and outside North America add $2 for S&H. Send payment by check or money order (sorry, we are not currently set up to accept Paypal or Credit Card payments). Click on the 2002 dash plaque above for the mailing address.

NEW WINDSHIELDS AVAILABLE FOR FIRECOACHES

Coach Glass, an Oregon company which specializes in glass for many types of vehicles, including buses and fire apparatus, now has windshields for Crown Firecoaches, including both narrow body and wide body models. Windshields are $265 for each side, crate $75, freight $90 (shipping prices may vary depending on destination). Compared to the prices that some individuals and salvage companies have been asking for used windshields, this is very reasonable. For more information, visit the Coach Glass website, or call them at 800-714-7171.

 

Scroll Down for Club News, Recent Event Photos and New Articles


1958 Crown being restored by CFE member in Columbus, Ohio

Question: What is this Crown Firecoach doing in Columbus, Ohio?

Answer: Undergoing an extreme makeover!

F1116, seen above, is a 1958 Crown, one of four identical 1000 gpm pumpers delivered to Santa Barbara, California that year.  In 2006 it was purchased by CFE member William F. Vedra, Jr., who is also a member of the Central Ohio Antique Fire Apparatus Association (SPAAMFAA chapter) and a retired battalion chief from the Columbus Fire Department who lives in Columbus, Ohio. Read about his ongoing restoration adventure and see more photos of the transformation of this Crown by clicking on the image above. 


- Club News -


2010 BRIAN DIERKENS AWARD WINNER

Matt Branley was presented with the 13th Annual Brian Dierkens Memorial Award and a Check from CFE for $500.00 at the Valley Center Fire Protection District (VCFPD) Board Meeting held on June 18, 2010. Matt is a Volunteer Firefighter with the Palomar Mountain VFD where CFE Member George Lucia, Sr. is Chief. George is also the Fire Marshall for the VCFPD and nominated Matt. Matt is taking Paramedic Courses at Palomar Junior College in San Marcos and was previously an Explorer at the Vista Fire Dept when he lived there.  Shown in the picture above are (L to R) CFE Board Member Mike McDonald, Matt Branley and Chief Lucia. Mike went over all the previous award winners and told them who they were with and what they were doing now as best he knew. Matt was very grateful for the honor and check that will help him with his studies.... just driving to San Marcos everyday from Palomar Mtn is quite a gas expense! Click here for more information about the Brian Dierkens Memorial Award and a list of past recipients.

INTERVIEW WITH DON CROUCHER

Our own CFE Director and Club Historian/Archivist Don Croucher is featured in an article entitled "An Interview with Firefighting Memorabilia Collector Don Croucher," in Collector's Weekly, where he "talks about firefighting collectibles, from department badges to actual fire trucks. Croucher, who retired in 2001 after 35 years in the fire service, also discusses such major fire apparatus manufacturers as Crown and Seagrave and a project to establish the California Fire Museum." The nine page article includes a number of photos.
To view the article go to: www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/an-interview-with-firefighting-
memorabilia-collector-don-croucher

FEATURE STORY ABOUT JOE ORTIZ

Long-time member Joe Ortiz was interviewed for an article in 2009 in the Contra Costa County Times. Joe supplies fire and emergency vehicles for many movies, TV shows and commericals (if "54" is in the unit, it is one of Joe's rigs). The article, "Collecting Fire trucks Becomes Carrer For Joe Ortiz," includes photos and can be found at: http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12845399?nclick_check=1

MIKE BRITT MAKES NEWS IN NORTH DAKOTA

Yes, in addition to doing this website and writing the "Blast form the Past" articles in the CFE newsletter, I'm involved in a lot of other things, some fire apparatus related and some not. And the fire appartus stuff extends far beyond Crowns, especially to Seagraves and ALFs from the 20s (these major project restorations are thankfully somebody else's checkbook - I just help out). And I'm always up for going out to look at an old rig found on some property somewhere. Often I take loads of photos and then go back and research the rig to discover it's history. Last year, this led to a discovery of a very unique rig which was the first motorized fire engine in the town of Mandan, ND. Since that time I've been working with thier historical society which is hoping to return and restore the rig. It was interesting to me, but I had no idea that it was big news there...
To view the article go to:
http://mandan-news.com/2009/09/old-mandan-fire-truck-found/

NEW WEBSITES OF INTEREST

The Crown Coach Historical Soceity <http://crowncoach.info> is a website dedicated to the history of the Crown Coach Corporation. The impressive site was recently started by the granddaughter of company founder M. M. Brockway. It includes articles and photos about both Crown buses and fire apparatus, and links to other Crown sites on the web.

The Hall Scott Motor Car, Truck & Engine Company <www.hallscottengines.com> was recently formed by a three partners who decided to buy all the rights and trademark for Hall-Scott. They are currently working on developing a Hall Scott CNG engine with plans to make the group a resource for Hall Scott engine rebuilds, repairs, parts and service. The group now includes several CFE members including David Cox ( a director with the LAFD Historical Society), Ron Debiasi (who is running Thom-Son Trucking Lines since Art Thomson died), Chris Coven (a Capt. in the Logansport, IN, F.D. and owner of F1035, a1955 Crown, ex LAFD P3), Craig Smith (from Campo, CA) and Tom Shafer (from Los Gatos, CA).  Besides the web site they are also currently restoring a the last(out of nine made) 1929 ALF type 285 pumper, from LAFD, a 1930 ALF chain drive 200 series, and a 1936 400 series ALF Metropolitan.

In addition to the above websites, a number of CFE members now have some great websites, a list of which you can find on the new LINKS page.

"CROWN" Mold Reacquired for Front Steps and Tailboards

If anybody's Crown has a damaged or missing corner on a front step or tailboard, Darrell Gilbert, who operates crownfiretruck.com, has re-acquired the orignal factory mold to cast the rounded corner "Crown" lettering. Contact Darrell at darrell@dgilbertassoc.com for more info. He also has the molds for the "Crown" and "Firecoach" emblems, as well as discharge caps - all of which are for sale on the website.

FIRE ENGINES NEEDED TO MAKE HISTORY!


Four working fire engines are needed to volunteer to test a new Hydro Turbine invented by legendary Engineer Joe Holden. The pumping test will be held at a lake, location to be determined.  They need 200 PSI, 1150 GPM, and 3” hose to be connected to the Hydro Turbine.  The turbine produces clean and safe renewable power. For more information, contact Mark November at 818-470-8453 or mnovember@earthlink.net.

Joe Holden's Background: Invented the first “Afterburner” for jet airplanes when he was only 18.  The afterburner technology which Joe invented for Rolls Royce is still standard technology on aircraft used worldwide; Invented the first ball and socket “CV Joint”, which is standard on every front-wheel drive car.  Land Rover was the first to adopt Joe’s invention; Invented the first “Air Slats” which are on almost every airplane.  It’s when a portion of the front of the winds extends down before landing and it allows the plane to reduce its speed before landing the plane;  
Invented the first “Thrust Tubes” which is standard on most supersonic jets: Joe’s inventions were also key for some of the early “Hovercrafts” and also for the “Harrier Jet.”; Invented a classified “Chase Boat” for the U.S. Customs Department, which was among the fastest boats on the planet; Joe was the one who parachuted into North Korea and “stole a Russian MIG” and flew it back to the West.  His bravery helped the West during the Cold War years; Joe flew a “Concorde Jet” (classified version) into sub-space; Joe was a “Top Gun pilot” who flew his own classified airplane designs: Joe led “17 Missions” into Vietnam to rescue over 500 POWs.

Volunteer the use of your pumping rig and help Joe change the planet!


- Recent 2010 Events -


CFE Members at Redlands Professional Firefighter's Annual Car Show

CFE member Mike Britt brought his 1966 Crown and CFE members Carl Lucey brought his 1975 Ford/Van Pelt to display at the Redlands Firefighter's 14th Annual Car Show held in downtown Redlands on May 16, 2010. Also on display were the Redlands Professional Firefigter Association's restored 1920 Seagrave pumper and the city's 1969 Crown pumper (restored to an open cab and now used as a parade rig). Click on the image above to see more photos.


CFE Members at Costa Mesa FD Safety Expo

CFE member Don Pogue brought his 1979 Crown and CFE members Mark and Mike Bramm brought their 1970 Seagrave to display at Costa Mesa FD's annual safety expo held May 16 for the local communiuty at fire station 4, featuring fire suppression and rescue demonstrations.


Large Turn Out of CFE Rigs Helps make Monrovia F.D. Centennial Parade and Show a Success

Many CFE members and area fire departments brought out apparatus both new and old on May 15, 2010, to help the Monrovia Fire Department celebrate 100 years of service to the community. The highlight was a fire apparatus parade through the downtown business district, followed by a static display of the rigs on the blocked-off streets. The event included a chili-cook-off, safety expo for the kids, live band, and awards for the best apparatus of different eras. Winners included CFE members Dave Hubert (for the CSFA Steamer) and Carl Lucey (for his 1975 Ford/Van Pelt).

Click on the image above to see lots of photos of this great event.


ATHS So Cal Chapter Truck Show

May 2, 2010 - Perris, CA

A half-dozen fire engines were on display May 2, 2010 at Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris, CA, for the annual truck show sponsored by the Southern California Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society. Several CFE members attended along with every size and shape of American truck over 25 years old - from Model T's to Kenworths and Peterbilts. Even a rare 1939 Ford COE pumper was trailered in. Fire apparatus photographer Dennis Maag tells us this rig started out its carrer with the Oblong, Illinois Fire Department. Click on the image above to see more photos.


CFE Members Participate in 2010 Firefighter's Quest for Burn Survivors

Several CFE members participatd in the Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors 2010 Burn Run, May 3-7, 2010, including Leonard Lotorowicz, Jim Conrad and Brian Grimes (pictured above with his cerimonial donation check). Click on the image above to see more photos.


CFE Members Participate in 2010 AARBF Southern California Burn Relay

The Annual Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation’s Southern CA Burn Relay took place on Saturday, May 1, 2010 with several CFE member's rigs participating. As in the past, the relay was broken into two legs, one doing the coastal cities and the other heading inland, each with CHP escort. Cerimonial checks were presented at each stop representing money raised for support of burn survivors. Retired KABC weatherman "Dr. George" was again the cerimonial host. The two groups met back up at Los Angeles county F.D. Station 118 for food and closing festivities. Click on the image above to see more photos from the event


April 2010 CFE Meeting

Camarillo, CA

The spring CFE meeting was held April 25, 2010 at the Oxnard College Regional Fire Academy located in Camarillo, CA. Thanks to CFE member Dave Kromka for arranging the meeting location and appartus display. Following lunch, CFE member and paramedic Lou Farah gave us a tour of the nearby Ventura County Sheriff's Air Operations. Our tour was cut short when two calls for air rescues came in at the same time and we watched as both crews lifted off, including Lou entroute to a fall victim. Next, a caravan of members drove out to see CFE member Bill Dundas' Santa Rosa ranch, railroad and fire engine land, where we got the royal tour of all the work in progress. Thanks to Dave, Lou and Bill for a great day! Click on the image above to see more photos.


CFE 2010 Banquet in Oak Glen, CA

The annual CFE banquet was held March 28, 2010 at the Orchard resturant in Oak Glen, CA. We had a good turn out of CFE members and spouses and some even brought their rigs up the hill for display. After lunch, Division Chief Dorian Cooley of Calfire/Riverside County F.D. gave a presentation which included his memories of riding as a fireman on Indio F.D.'s 1966 Crown with backfiring Hall-Scott, and as an engineer on the department's 1975, 100-foot Crown ladder truck. There were some great items for the raffle, and everyone went home a winner (especially Brain Grimes, whose numbers kept being called!) Click on the image above to see more photos.


January 2010 CFE Meeting

Escondido, CA

The first CFE meeting of 2010 was held January 16 at the new Escondido Fire Station 1. The 28,340 square foot facility includes a 6-story training tower, calssroom facilities and a museum to store their restored 1926 American La France pumper. The staiton houses a paramedic engine company, truck company, brush engine, two ambulances and batalion chief. Following the board meeting, CFE member Mike McDonald drove those in attendance to lunch in the club's Crown Fire Bus. After lunch, CFE member kevin Johnson gave the group a tour of the facilities. Click on the image above to see more photos.


- Articles and Video Links -


Former Orange County, California Crowns still providing fire protection in three very different locations

Shown above is Crown Firecoach S/N F1372, a 1965 pumper that originally served Orange County, CA, and is presently a first-out pumper in Firmat, Argentina. Read more about the history and journey of this rig and two other former Orange County Crowns by clicking on the photo.


1963 Crown still proudly serves northern California volunteer fire department


Pictured is Crown Firecoach S/N F1287 which currently serves the Westhaven Volunteer Fire Department on the northern California coast in Humbolt County. This 1963 pumper was one of three identical units purchased by Eureka, CA. Read about the history of this rig and see more pictures by clicking on the photo above.


Crown Videos on the web

JCFE member Bill Hoeft is featured behind the wheel of his 1970 Crown (S/N F1643, ex-Mt. View, CA) rolling Code 3 in a Denver Post video called "Fun at the Firehouse," an event recently held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of old Denver Fire Station 1, now home of the Denver Firefighters Museum. Bill restored this Crown to look like a Vernon FD Crown, where his dad served. To watch the video, click on the photo above. To see what the exterior of F1643 looks like, click here and then click on the top left photo.

JA YouTube video posted August 10, 2009, shows a firefighter turning on the lights on this Crown at a recent emergency services display in Scotland. Yes, that's Scotland in the U.K. The notes with the video state "1967 Crown Fire Engine doing a light test, note the lights arent very effective on this appliance as it is about 40 year old." (Actually, it is exactly 40 years old since it is a 1969, not a 1967). For those unfamiliar with the story, in 1996, Pleasanton, CA donated Firecoach S/N F1579 to its sister city, Blairgowrie, Scotland, who maintains it as a parade "appliance." For veteran club members, see the 1997-3 newsletter. To see the video, click on the photo above.

JYet another YouTube video now online which features a Crown pumper is the unsold pilot for a 1959 TV show called 'Where There's Smokey," starring Soupy Sales as a bumbling but good-hearted fireman and Gale Gordon as his brother-in-law and the fire chief. You only need to watch part I of the 3 parts posted on YouTube to see the Crown. If you watch all three parts of this Desilu Production, you will realize why it never sold. It really has nothing to do with the fire service, that is just a setting for this sitcom.

Richard Yokely brought this to our attention and after carefully examining the footage, Don Croucher determined it is a Downey Crown and fire station, and I narrowed it down to one of Downey's 4 identical 1957 pumpers (F1109-F1112). Several editing flubs I guess they assumed people would not notice include, the rig used in the studio shots is an open cab 1958/59 C series Mack, and in the scene of the Crown returning to the station they have flipped the film backwards so the rig is on the wrong side of the road and the driver is on the righthand side (maybe it was in Scotland!). To see the video, click on the photo above.


CLASSIC CROWNS ON YOUTUBE

There are several clips currently on YouTube showing classic L.A. and Honolulu Crown Firecoaches.

The short video entitled "LAFD Crown Firecoach, Auckland, New Zealand, 1 Dec 07" shows former LAFD shop 60086, a 1961 Crown that ran as W10. It was given to New Zealand by LAFD in 1993 and is now part of the collection of the Museum of Transportation and Technology in Auckland. Click on the image below to go to the YouTube video.

There are also some clips taken from the 1960s television drama "Hawaii Five-0" on YouTube that show some classic Crowns. The first clip shows two different Crown pumpers, a 1960s triple rolling out of a station and then a 1950s Crown responding down a street. These are actually LAFD rigs filmed on the streets of Los Angeles but edited in with footage filmed in Hawaii to make it appear they are in Honolulu. Click on the image below to go to the YouTube video.

The other clip is from the opening of the episode "The Sunday Torch" from season 6 of the "Hawaii Five-0." It shows the very first 85-foot Snorkle that Crown built (S/N F1224), which was mounted on a 1961 International-Harvester chasis with only two axles. This beast was a one of a kind rig! Click on the image below to go to the YouTube video.