Historical Tow. Towing a piece of History with the Vulcan
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- čas přidán 4. 11. 2021
- Using our Western Star with a Miller Industries Vulcan V70, 35 ton towing and recovery unit to tow an antique American LaFrance open cab ladder truck, fire truck, apparatus from its original station and current museum to a new station while they renovate the museum. Hopefully the viewers will enjoy the different towing unit and unique towed vehicle in this episode. Thanks for watching and God bless!!!
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!!!WARNING!!! !!!FLASHING/STROBING LIGHTS!!!
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I just want to give my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father I know he was a important part of your life and the community there in scott city. May God give you comfort and guidance in this time of sorrow.
I like when you verbalize your thoughts. It is great you evaluated the traffic signal before pulling out. Thanks for 'splaining.
1948 American La France 700 Series 75 foot Aerial. I owned one in Southern California. They are always fun to drive and operate; however anyone who purchases a Retired Fire Apparatus always needs to have "Plan B" in the ready. I only had to tow mine once and the Towing Company dispatched a standard wrecker even though I requested the Heavy Utility. The Tow Operator was very professional and delivered without a scratch. Great Videos.
My local FD has a similar ladder truck, they keep it fully operational and actually drive it between stations for display. It is a museum piece but by keeping it mobile they can have it show how much the systems have changed to those who live near each station.
That would be so cool. Imagine driving it, I don't think I'd stop having the biggest grin on my face. Would cost a penny to keep it running.
Did you notice how small that truck looks compared to the modern one next to it? It's probably about the same length but it's not nearly as tall or wide. I remember the old fire station in my town. It fronted RIGHT ON a narrow 2 lane street with parking on both sides and the "driveway" was only about 10 ft long. If you look at the old fire truck, the front axle is set back much farther than the modern one. Our old station, which was demolished in the late 1970s after the new one was built only had 10 ft high doors, typical for stations built in the 19-teens and 20s. The trucks needed that massive axle setback just to turn out of the station without hitting parked vehicles across the street. The "new" station (now over 40 years old itself) has 14 ft tall doors and fronts on a street with 4 traffic lanes and a center turn lane. It also has a 100 ft long driveway so there's a lot more room for the trucks to get in and out.
The modern trucks and stations are light-years ahead of what the firefighters had to work with not too many years ago and everyone should appreciate that, as well as the people and their training (which I'm sure you do). On the other hand, just like all other vehicles, the fire trucks (and stations) just don't have the same "personality" these days.
@@2DogsVlogs but it costs more to not run it because stuff goes wrong if you don’t drive it often!
My local FD has on older truck also, they drive it between stations and use it as a spare.
Hi I think that there are some FD;s in world that still have these or similar ones in service, because there are areas where modern equipment is just too large to even fit in the streets.
Our local fire department has their laddertruck from I think 70's it's mandatory to have one, since there are story buildings, but they have no need to buy expensive new equipment or something that would reach higher than tallest building
Why would anyone thumb it down?? This is 1 SEXY looking firetruck!! It needs to be kept in working order if not for anything but show!! Thanks Ron!!!!!!
i agree with you
It's only nerve-wracking to Ron, because Ron cares so very much about being a professional, and doing professional work. It shows in his meticulous methodology, and his incredible work ethic. Keeps me coming back to the channel; and I always manage to learn something along the way.
If someone isn't feeling the stress in this situation? They don't really care about doing it well. Nicely done!
I concur 100%. If you don't feel stressed about a task, you don't care.
I follow along and mentally "check off" things as he goes. I am always trying to duck and look for the axle, or under the sun visor, i this one I was trying to look around the curtain when he was backing into the station. the camera angle makes it as if I am the one in the seat.....lol He has some very good backing skills.
I bet the stress really kicks up when they put it back in.
You did a fantastic job, as you always do.
Night at the Museum. When the exhibits come to life :)
It must be an honor to Tow One of the best fire tracks ever
Good morning everyone and welcome to Friday. God bless.
You too !
Very saddening to hear about your father. Condolences to you and your family, and may he rest in peace and watch you all from above.
Great video showing the strengths of your 35-ton wrecker: strong enough to do the job, while being compact enough to maneuver through tight spaces. Stay safe and healthy, and god bless.
U got the same last name like me
I practically grew up in a fire station and we had one of those, It was retired from service when I was 7. Very nice job, Ron, in caring for that piece of history. Stay safe and God bless.
Ron doesn't care what state a vehicle is in, he always does it right. Even IF it was totally trashed, he always does his best to avoid causing any more damage. He's truly a credit to his profession.
"Couldn't help myself" hehe hey, let's face it...there's always that inner child in us that gets excited when we see an old fire apparatus and wants to ring that bell. You just did it for those of us who can't! :)
I was thinking I'd have rung it too, and I'm pushing 70!
It is a beautiful old fire engine. Thank you for the wonderful Friday vlog…god bless!
You handled that cool old girl with the respect and professionalism she deserves.
First seeing this fire truck, I thought about the early 70’s TV show Emergency. The series began with an open cab truck.
Yep.
That one is a 1965 Crown. The Ward LeFrance truck they used later is a 1975 I think.
@@cclngthr
I do believe you are correct.
That's a rare peace of history. She still beautiful. Great job Ron. God bless
There are a few types of this engine that were used in Emergency back in the 70s.
Very cool piece of history indeed.
I think this truck was a little bit older than emergency. From what I was reading I believe the latter truck used in the show was a 65 Seagraves
They were similar but the trucks used in Emergency! weren't ALFs like this one is. They were Crown Fire Coaches. One of the reasons that Los Angeles and many other western cities used Crowns is because they were built in California.
Somebody else watched that show.
@@authoronwheels that was a pumper not ladder used in Emergency
I'm surprised that any were used outside of California and the Southwestern US! Having a roof over your head is a good thing in rain and cold weather...
What a beautiful old Ladder Truck. So glad it has been kept in perfect order and saved for history. Thanks Ron for another awesome video
@ 19:32 You never cease to amaze me, "gotta twist it a little this way" get in the tow truck and move barely noticeably and you're spot on, IN THE DARK. Don't take this wrong but I love you and your company ,The Lord really knew he had a masterpiece when he formed you, keep up the Good work.
Ron's never satisfied unless it's perfect. where most other recovery operators would say 'good enough', he has a philosophy of "Safety is no accident."
Agree whole heartily.
@@Sara-L That's what I like!
The men and women who drove this firetruck were real brave. That open cab means you were susceptible to all the elements. Rain, sleet, snow, cold, wind and whatever mother nature decided to throw at you. I wonder if somewhere in Greensboro there are trucks my dad used to drive back in the 1950's.
They might not be in Greensboro but hopefully, they're still around somewhere enjoying retirement in parades with bright eyed kids climbing all over them!
Great move and a beautiful piece of history. Congratulations on the move
I always LOVE doing specialty tows. ie: antiques, special mods, high end, etc..
As an old retired volunteer firefighter I love that old ladder. good Job as usual Ron. Havagudun Brother
So sorry to hear about the loss of your father prayers are with you guys
It always has amazed me when I worked in the field, and still does when I see these videos, the variety of jobs that are presented when you work in the public safety arena. Whether as a Police Officer, EMT, Fire Fighter or tow operator, it can get a little routine until you step back and look at the individual scenarios and how they present themselves. Having a process is absolutely vital to make sure nothing is over looked. This video illustrates very well the benefit of preplanning on jobs, but also that things often come up that complicate those plans. The main goal never changes, safely accomplish the task, without harming yourself or others, doing no damage or further damaging the casualty or any other property, and cultivating and educating customers in safe practices. Great job in all of these sir.
Wow that's a beautiful old rig! Also I am so surprised to see an American fire truck of that vintage with a blue emergency light. Really cool.
Nice video you do not have to have a crash to have a good program. Stay safe, remember always who is in charge.
I love seeing antique equipment. Thank you, Ron, for helping preserve something amazing.
I love watching you drive. It takes skill, honed by experience, to drive like you are in a little car.
Ron excellent video as always. Sorry to hear about the passing of your father I will pray for your family in this time of need
The old Emergency show from the mid 70s featured an open cab 1965 Crown in the first part of its run. The engine was, in fact, a real reserve engine owned by LA County FD. It was replaced by a topped cab 1973 Ward LaFrance during the second season. Both are on display at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum. The Squad truck was not fire equipment, but was built by the studio.
In fact, the open cab was a manual transmission so they hired a LA county fire fighter to drive it. When they went to the closed cab he decided to stay on the show. I've forgotten his name but he retired recently as a Captain.
I miss watching the tv show rescue 911. It was on when I was a young child.
Station 51 was the actual station number of the station located at the movie studio. The station used on the TV show was station 127. I believe the rescue squad 51 was used as a spare by LA County Fire for a short time, before being moved to the museum, as noted above.
@@ChessieCat65 Sort of, Mike Stoker was a real FF and at the time the FD requirements were that all equipment that was connected to the department had to be operated by actual fire personnel, he had a SAG card and got the role strictly because of that. When they switched to the Ward LaFrance later in the series he wasn't needed, because Ward LaFrance donated that rig for advertising and it was owned by the studio and as such didn't require a real firefighter to operate it. As for the Squad, the ones used on the show was built by the studio, to the same exact spec as those used by LAC Fire, and when the series ended the last unit they built was donated to the department, who used it as a reserve unit, then they donated it to the museum. That show did a lot for fire and EMS recruitment. Wish the modern shows would do that with the current generation...
Mike stoker was his name I believe
hey ron i just saw your posting about your dad im very sorry ill miss seeing him in the videos may he rest in peace...
Wow you weren't wrong about that overhang! Lovely piece of equipment nice to see it being preserved. Safe and professional job as always.
“GOAL” more drivers need to do that “get out and look” would eliminate a lot of grief, damage, time!
i swear Ron is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to antiques.
American LaFrance 700-Series Mid-mount Aerial Ladder Truck, "Quint Configuration", Cape Girardeau loved that magnificent beast very much, as is evidenced by the care made apparent by viewing the underside of the truck. Continental straight 8 gasoline engine, likely, some came with 12-cylinder engines; nothing even resembling a syncro in that tranny, "double-clutch both ways"... Probably early to mid-'50s vintage, just before they introduced the "Century cab" design. I doubt that it would take much to get her driveable again. Dry-piped, with no pump; definitely 8-cylinder, the quints with pumps from that era had Continental 12's, with only a handful being diesel, until the early 1960's rolled around. RUNNING THOSE THRU THE GEARS, SUCH A SWEET SOUND!!!! Thanks, Ron, for sharing this.... You've made many smile today!
If my health was better, I'd offer to re-do the gold leaf, even with it involving a 1,400-mile trek. Should she need any wiring harnesses re-made, I'd be more than happy to help.
Thanks for giving the stats on that old, beautiful truck.😊
@@Ambidexter143, The department which I volunteered with had an 'almost twin', which stayed in service with two departments for 39 years. When someone who actually knows how to flawlessly 'run through the gears', drives one to a call, the sounds they make are beyond cool!!
The V12,s back then where either the small ALF "junior" V12 that was made by Lycoming or one of the two bigger V12's that ALF made themselves. I don't think ALF used Continental engines in mass till the 900 series came out in 1959, and that was a Continental BIG inline 6. We had one in our '63 aerial truck. Continental never made a V12.
@@newjerseybill3521 I was told that the 12's were sourced from Seagrave. Lycoming was more heavily into aviation, prior to 1956, or so. Both the aerial which I speak of, and a (same vintage, 1948/49) engine, with an ALF pump had Continentals on board. A later, 1969 model midmount aerial quint had the ALF 12, which was okay until the gas crisis hit in '73. They re-powered it in '89, with a 6-V-71, Allison Tranny.
As a former firefighter, I have great respect for old fire apparatus like that. I have had the privilege of driving some of them as well. They don't make them like they used to.
Dear Ron with mixed heart so so sorry for your family loss l am sure his giving lessons on the right why to tow and give much love to all in heaven and he is not suffering with loss comes some comfort much love Susan and Garth Hirsch his missed about month of your shows l am in the hospital since Oct we 26 had major back surgery but had to force myself to wish our condolences of your wonderful father mY he blessed in heaven for his life love the. Hirsch.
Mercy sakes this was a good one. Love watching the tator do wrecks, roll overs and other recoveries but really like the historical ones like this one. That truck shifts so smooth.
That brought back memories. Years ago my great Aunt lived next door to a firehouse that had a truck like that one. Thanks Ron for the journey and memory.
Great work Ron. Another job well done.
Thanks for adding the driving portion. Those are my favorite parts. I think you left your bright headlights on when transporting the fire truck.
Truckers always preach (GOAL) Get Out And Look! Always better to be safe than sorry.
I too saw the blue light on the dash :)
I am a retired Volunteer fire fighter and retired fire police officer I had 25 years of active service and I absolutely love the antique fire apparatuses out there this was an awesome video and thank you for doing this one
That "rescue" would have made a great 2 camera video. Your rig and the vintage fire rig, great viewing. 👍
You are a blessed man . In my 20 years of towing and truck driving I've never even got a chance to assist on a classic like that 👍
I love any iron, especially old iron; but fire apparatus has a special place in my heart. Calling this an antique was a shock to me, these were still active when I was young. I
That was a reality check. Excellent work and excellent video Mr. Pratt.
Thank you.
God bless you.
Being the professional you are Ron, I imagine if you hadn't gotten that engine straight you wouldn't be able to sleep just thinking about it.
Seeing history like that makes me proud of all those served our country keeping it safe for the next generation of fire fighters.
Beautiful ALF…and a magnificent job of blind side backing, Mr. Pratt!! Thank you for the care you show. Excellent job!!
I just learned that Mr. Pratt passed away yesterday. So sorry, Ron. He must have been an amazing man to have raised such a caring son.
In my early days of my fire fighting days my department had a couple of these American LaFrance as pumpers the 12 cylinder engines were strong and the open cabs were different to drive
Me too...had two 57s...first gear all the way down, second gear up, third gear to neutral and back, up and fourth gear down. Double clutched it cause synchronized tranny didn't go back then. We built a nice heavy plywood top on ours which really helped out in the rain...in the cold, not so much 🤣😂
@@dougbledsoe259 We had 2 in the department and we didn't have any cover on them and this was in Pasadena Texas so we had all kinds of weather
Very nice peoce of equipment indeed. Your patience for each unique situational attention to detail never ceases to amaze me Ron.
That seemed like the perfect case for using the Landoll
My first thought when I went to scope out the job was using our Trail-Eze trailer, until we did the measurements of the lots and the ladder. The ladder would have fit on our trailer no problem, but getting the trailer in and out of the small lot(s) would not have been quite so easy. Thanks for watching and God bless.
I can't say that, that fire truck is beautiful ,,,,,BUT,,,It oozes CLASS like there's no tomorrow ........Keep up the good work in both towing and faith . GOD bless you...................
Yes, it does. Thanks for watching and God bless.
That's a nice museum piece! Very well done, Ron. Stay safe and God bless. :-)
Ron, may your father rest with god at his side forever in heaven, and forever be your guardian angle on the job and in life. Your family is in my prayers
That was a beautiful job moving the antique firetruck. You always ❤do a great job. I love the way you and the other people who work at your company work.
What an awesome piece of equipment to be towing.
Talk about bringing out one's inner child! I absolutely loved watching this! Its always great to see old equipment like this in this great of shape! I have seen a few of these and other vintage trucks in parades but this is my first seeing one be towed. The care you put into this job was outstanding! Thank you for sharing this! Also, that train horn on the Vulcan needs to be on the tator. I loved hearing that thing! Also, I see your inner child came out when you rang that bell! I was just wondering at what point of the video you would do that! Keep up the awesome work, stay safe and God Bless!
this one is special for me i spent 8 years as a volie and i love these old rigs
What is a volie?
Volunteer firefighter?
@@ellenl.5581 Volie is shorthand for volunteer firefighter
Wait a minute this is a current video right if that’s the case his 2006 tow truck is 15 years old so he’s towing an antique with an antique cruiser awesome👏
Sorry for ur loss Ron. I'm sure he will b missed but he's still watching from above
I love those old trucks. Most of the young guys have no idea how to drive them due to being manual and the pumps are mechanical instead of computer. First fire truck I learned to drive and pump was a 1953 piersh.
Wow Ron, lot of new respect for the V70. I always was thinking the ‘tator is your main rig, but this thing is STOUT, too.
Ron i would have done the same thing, ring that bell. Good job towing that old fire truck.
What a-professionally conclude job I was amazed by one man show actions to the high level
Bet when it is time to upgrade it is going to be hard to let that rig go. It has been a great rig and a bread and butter machine. Have a great weekend and God Bless
Great Job. We love working on a piece of history and they are alot different from old to new current day rigs ( old guy talk ) 🚒🚒🚒🚒🚒 keep them rolling shiney side up and dirty side down.
They could have left the light on in the yard! What a beautiful firetruck. Be sure and get a photo for your album of Treasured Tows.
Vulcan was always a good, tough wrecker. My old 896 continues to punch well above its weight class & for a 12 ton, it never ceases to amaze me. It can out lift a 612 any day of the week. I don't know how much got watered down when Miller bought them out but I would hope they didn't mess with too much of a good thing. Great job as always 👍 nice apparatus 😍
Another great video as always! That was a really beautiful piece of history. I'll just bet it was a great thrill for you to have the pleasure of moving that engine.
Thanks for sharing and God bless
Wow! And I thought moving a 14ft long wood sign to the museum I work at was a challenge!
Nerve racking??? Nerve biting!!! As for the backing in at the fire station, time and patience is Insurace... an excellent job with excellent support from the fire department.
That truck was built 4 blocks from my house Elmira Heights NY Most of the plant is gone but the office building is still in use
That's a beautiful old fire truck. Thank you for sharing! I always enjoy and learn things from your videos. Please stay safe!!
just a thought, if you set up the tool boxes on both the rotator and Vulcan it would be easier to go back and forth, plus when you train new drivers there is less confusion. went on vacation and when I got back, my took boxes were a mess.
Hello Ron be safe and have a bless day prays for all of your family and employees. Also love seeing oid vehicles
The town I grew up in had several of the American LaFrance trucks. If i remember right, they were gas burners, not diesel. I agree, it is a beautiful engine!
Good morning Ron! That's a true American history! Keep up the good work
always do Goal. Get Out And Look . truck driver here watching
very beautiful old fire truck
The horn on the Western Star sounds like a train from inside the cab.
Hello Ron thank you for sharing this video. I know that it has to truly be an honor to be able to do a job like this. I've always loved old firetruck and old law enforcement cars and trucks. I live in Fort Lauderdale Florida and that have an old fire station nearby and it's a museum.
I also wanted to let you know that I was waiting another tow truck video and your name came up and that made me happy that you were recognize by another towing company I think was called southern towing. So as always stay safe and may God continue to bless you and your family and Crew. 🙏🇺🇸
That truck was built in my home town, Elmira, NY. Great to see such a beauty.
RONN,,Good morning,,that old LA FRANNCE open cab,,is really old,,I am NOT sure if I ever saw an open cab ladder truck,,at least it’s NOT an articulated ladder truck,,I do NOTthink any of those are still in operation in NYC. Nice job, early AM , there is someone I know whom owns an old fire engine, which he drives around week ends in NJ, he is a LOCOMOTIVE engineer, for NJ TRANSIT .
SAFELY as PRATT goes, God Bless, & have a great weekend.!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
It's like the batteries in the Vulcan's remote die every time Ron uses it... lol. Also haven't seen the Little Pete in action in awhile.
Ron uploaded early, not on lunch break yet, least i know what to look forward too.
Have to say one thing Ron she is a beautiful firetruck always loved the older firetrucks
Cool a mini firetruck
I was worried it was not Friday I checked about 10 minutes to 8 and there was no posting. Besides being retired volunteer fireman and interested in trucks the first posting of yours I saw was the firetruck and now you have a ladder truck what a great group of bookends for your site and my enjoyment. Thank you. Let’s not call is an antique as it was the same ladder truck make that my city had when I first joined the company. Although there’s was white.
Another awesome job there Ron and I bet it was an honor for you to do that one now too it's amazing how much the technology has changed since that one was in service for our communities around the country too have a great day now and be safe and be careful out there
Love hearing that cat purring
I worked at Freightliner before I had brain surgery to remove a brain tumor. Freightliner owns ALF fire trucks company. We built them down the assembly line up to the point where they got their engines. After that, they were pulled off the line, and built to the tune of 1/day. I’ve seen some doozies in my time there. A few were all wheel drive. Those had frame rails that were 5’ at the top of the rail while sitting there.
My dept had a ladder like this except it it was wood. The open cab was nice in the summer but coming back from a fire soak and wet in the winter was always interesting.
I can't help but think of dads brother driving those LaFrance engines. I loved the sound of those inline Detroit engines.
love the train horns you should put some on the rotator
so sorry about your dad R.I.P.
I really enjoyed the video ron the old fire truck is very beautiful and it was good to see the western star
I love to see those old restored vehicles. They look better than modern cars and were built better. That was a good looking fire truck.
Wonderful video, Ron! Thanks for the time to make it for us to enjoy!
Amazing toy of old fire truck, It's flash back of hwta use to be out there on the roads saving us, And very cool tow truck