bulldogboy

64C85: I was in Hagerstown two years ago. Isn't Hagerstown now home to Volvo Powertrain Division?? Just askin'.

I'm sure that different chassis were used at different times but when I crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel in 1998 and again in 2008 the wrecker at the rest area was a Mack MR. Not sure if it was the same one each time. In 2008 there was also a Ford F-550 wrecker outside the garage.

41chevy: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel that connects the Delmarva peninsula to the Norfolk, VA area has a similar Mack wrecker stationed at the rest area on the bridge. I crossed the bridge in 2008 and it was there; it was parked in a garage so I couldn't get a picture of it. It's a combination wrecker/fire truck. bulldogboy

Canineseven: Log-on to www.youngstownfire.com, go to "Forums", then "Fire Apparatus Manufacturers/Mack" and ask your question. There are members from all over the country that have a wealth of knowledge about fire apparatus. Maybe someone there might have some information. Good luck. I used to drive a Mack C85F 75' straight ladder; it was a Maxim ladder. Great truck, simple to operate, and did its job well.

Derry, NH bought two of these MBs. Engine 4 was kicking around a few used vehicle lots several years ago; I don't know what happened to the other one. Windham, NH had a '73 MB; don't know where that one went either.

counterman6: Is this controller for a fire department ladder truck? If so, they may want to contact the builder of the ladder for advice. If they want a used controller I guess they would still contact the builder or a truck parts dealer (but that's you, isn't it). A couple of fire truck dealers in New England would be: Minuteman Ford Walpole, MA Pierce fire apparatus dealer Greenwood Motors North Attleboro, MA E-One dealer If it's a utility bucket you could try CUES in Amherst, NH. They install all types of truck bodies and buckets. Good luck. There is a picture of Falmouth, ME's 1975 Mack ladder truck on www.firenews.org, department list, Maine, F. bulldogboy

counterman6: Just curious, where did your '75 "CF" ladder come from? I know that there were several '70s "CF" ladders around New Hampshire back in the day.

shuvlhd69: If you can find a copy of "Mack Tilt Cab Fire Apparatus" by John Malecky (1988) there is a section on Mack "N" model fire apparatus. Included is a picture of the only "N" model ladder truck built by Mack; it was delivered to Marcus Hook, PA in 1962. Also the Mack fire apparatus books by Harvey Eckart include several pictures of "N" model apparatus. Most "N" fire trucks were built by other manufacturers on commercial chassis. Whenever I read about "N" models most refer to the Ford cab. However, the Mack and the Ford models were separate trucks which each used a cab that was built by the Budd Company. The Public Works Department in my city once ran a fleet of Mack "N" model rubbish packers. Wish I had taken a few pictures back then. The green Mack is from the "EU" family such as an "EHU" or "EMU". The "U" designated a cabover or "traffic type" version of an "E" model truck.

Engine 2: Back in the late 1970s, early 1980s, I had Hollis, NH in my scanner. At that time Hollis and Milford, NH were on the same frequency. Mont Vernon is dispatched by Milford. On my scanner Hollis came in loud and clear but I could not pick up Milford's dispatches. However, due to Mont Vernon's location on top of the hill, I could pick up Mont Vernon FD's mobiles. I would not hear the dispatch but I could hear Mont Vernon clearly. One night I was listening when I heard "563 responding" (the '48 Mack was Engine 563),then "563 on the scene", etc. I thought that it was unusual not to hear the first out engines 561 or 562. Apparently, the call was minor because 563 returned shortly. End of story. A week or so later I was reading the local paper and in the Mont Vernon news there was a little article about the MVFD having had some apparatus problems. The article mentioned that recently there had been a fire call and only one engine was available to respond. I thought back to the night that I had heard 563 only responding and I guessed that was the answer to my question. I'm not 100% sure that it was referring to the same call that I heard but I believe that it was. Moral of the story: Nothing stopped the rugged little "Type 45", whether it was on duty in Billerica or Mont Vernon.

Engine 2: FYI: Hancock, NH still has their 1945 Mack Type 45. I'm not sure if it is owned by the department or privately owned but they might be a source if you need any information. Plymouth, NH had a 1949 Type 45; maybe you could contact them and find out whatever happened to it. Type 45 guys have to stick together and I'm sure that someone would be able to assist you. Good luck.

Hi, Engine 2: Is your Type 45 the former Mont Vernon, NH Engine 563? I know that they bought one from Billerica back in the mid 1960s. I like the Type 45; good luck with your restoration.