"Antique Fire Engine" - Old Pueblo Fire Brigade

History - In 1927, the City of Tucson (COT) purchased a new Ahrens Fox pumper. The Model M-S-3, Serial # 1750 was shipped January 16, 1928. After years of service and show, the rig was disassembled for rebuild in the mid 1990's. Unfortunately, budget cuts and retirements hindered the project. In mid 2006, retired firefighters were able to secure funds and began the long over due project.

Committee - The rebuild committee is headed by Retired Captain Chuck Thim and includes Ted Geare, Todd Vossler, Dan Larkin, Doug Edwards, Lee Sebring (*) Don Uthe, Al Moritz, Super Chuck Damerow, John Roads and Jay Smith. Many other people are volunteering to assist. Chuck Thim was the last person to drive the FOX when it headed for its long hibernation.

* Lee was never a firefighter. He was the 1st paramedic instructor that taught the 1st Tucson paramedic class.

Future - When the FOX is completed, it will join the Steam Pumper at the new Station 1 - a combined station, headquarters and museum being built in the SW parking lot of the TCC.

Status - The rig is in good shape, just disassembled. The engine is in good shape, the pump was rebuilt in the mid 90's. It requires some sanding, prep, priming, some body work and re-assembly. All the parts were carefully stored and it is believed that the entire rig is together.

May 2008 Updates - The dash board was the big project along with more sanding - ugh!

It's starting to come together, wheel hubs and the engine is back on the frame. (Feb 19th)

A lot of work the past several weeks has involved the engine and running boards. The engine required detail cleaning for its upcoming paint job. All new wood has been cut for floor boards and running boards. New linoleum is on order.

Progress Inspection - City Officials visited today to inspect the progress on the Fox. Assistant City Manager Liz Miller, Fire Chief Dan Newburn, Deputy Chief Joe Gullotta, and Assistant Chief Randy Odgen made the visit. "Sir Charles" Thim (recently back from being "Knighted" in England) gave the tour and answered their questions. Coffee and donuts were made available while work continued.

The "Silver Sphere" is back and prepped for installation. Gear shift handle is back on the chassis. The radiator was disassembled for plating.

The big parts are about ready to assemble and now work focuses on the smaller parts. Lots of plating and still a lot of sanding for final paint work. It is estimated that some parts will be reinstalled on the chassis in the next couple of weeks.

Todd, Ted and Lee survey the parts just returned from plating.

Chuck works out the dents in the fuel tank

When you leave the door open, you never know who might come in and try to get in the way!!! (This is known as a sanding circle)

The body work is complete, the painting is almost finished, the seat is being re-upholstered. The wheels are back on the frame. Most of the truck is in piles under plastic to keep the parts clean. Assembly should begin soon!








	Is Chuck giving instructions or telling war stories???
L-R - Lee Sebring, Chuck Thim, Todd Vossler & Ted Geare
	Todd uses the toilet brush for that scrubbing bubbles effect!
The bubble effect worked!!!!

	a 1927 American La France - waiting in the wings for help!

COT 1928 AHRENS FOX REPORT

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