Fire Engine [Mack Baker Aerialscope]
Maker and role
Mack Trucks, Inc, Manufacturer
Baker Equipment Engineering Company, Manufacturer
W S Darley & Company, Manufacturer
Mills-Tui Ltd, Assembler
New Zealand Fire Service, Commissioned by
Production date
1981
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Object detail
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Akron Brass Company: Manufacturer
Veeder-Root: Manufacturer
Lucas Industries: Manufacturer
Alco-Lite: Manufacturer
STEMCO Products Inc: Manufacturer
Specifications:
Brand and Model: 1981 Mack 75 Aerialscope (Baker Aerialscope mounted on Mack CF612 truck chassis).
Engine type: Mack Thermodyne air-to-air intercooled turbo-diesel ETAZB with six cylinders inline.
Engine size: 11.02 litres (672cu-in)
Power output: 235kW (315bhp)
Transmission: 4-speed Allison HT-740 automatic.
Maximum speed: 80kph
Crew: 4 (capable of seating 5). Officer, driver and two crew members.
Pump: Darley SH1500 3-stage (serial 81997) fed by onboard 400-litre tank, or external water sources.
This Mack Aerialscope claims several firsts in the fire-fighting work. It is the only Mack Aerialscope in the Southern Hemisphere and the only right-hand drive model ever produced in the world. It is also the only Mack Aerialscope fitted with a Darley pump. This one-of-a-kind appliance operated out of the Auckland Central Fire Station from 1981 and attended virtually every major fire during its 30-year service. The 22-tone (23,000kg) aerial appliance operates a remote hydrant system called a maverick. This takes water from several hose lines and feeds water to the pump using an extra-large hose.
The vehicle was manufactured in the USA after being commissioned by the New Zealand Fire Service. Body-work was assembled locally by Mills-Tui in Rotorua. This particular Mack Aerialscope was also modified to suit the hilly streets of Tāmaki Makaurau. The rear overhang of 4.5 metres caused the vehicle to bottom out on steep streets, so the rear locker space was trimmed down. Its large 'Mars light' mounted on the front of the vehicle was also removed due to a conducting earth problem.
The most notable feature on this appliance is the ‘Aerialscope’ telescopic ladder by Baker Equipment Engineering Company (Model 5070-0008). This can extend to 22.86 metres (75 feet) with its basket and has a horizontal reach is 19.5 metres. The ‘scope can be operated either from the basket, or from the operator’s platform mounted on the vehicle’s deck.
It was donated to MOTAT in 2013 by the New Zealand Fire Service (now Fire and Emergency New Zealand) in its final of three refurbishments, these took place in the late-1980s, mid-1990s and 2001. Its engine has been rebuilt twice.
New Zealand Fire Service Painted
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