In 1973 2 new Mack CFs were built and delivered to Independent Hose Company #1 in Frederick, MD. My great grandfather drove those engines. The one we own now was engine 11, her sister was 12. There are stories of the legendary driving such as almost being flipped over by an oblivious cop so the engine driving done the street on 2 wheels. My grandfather also drove it and before it was retired my father also drove it, seeing as he was one of the only ones who could drive a double clutch manual. She went to the academy for a while to train the new guys but she was ultimately nearing the end of her service life. When it came up for auction my grandfather jumped on it. Her sister was sold much sooner to a California station that no longer exists, where she was shipped to Africa for a short period and pumped clean water non stop for a few days before coming back to the US. Nobody knows where engine 12 is but anyone who cares knows where engine 11 is, safe and sound being passed on as a family heirloom.
September 29, 2018
Early 1985
Nearing end of service at IHC.