1935 Ahrens Fox -Model VC - Serial # 9005
Owner: Jim Russell
Tucson, AZ
This
is the second of the Hamilton, Ohio Twins (2nd by 1 serial number).
The Ahrens-Fox Company of Cincinnati, Ohio delivered both 500 gpm
triple-combination pumpers to Hamilton for $11,500, less a 2% volume discount
and a 5% cash discount, net $10,706.50. For both!
The vehicle is equipped with a ‘Fox-made’ 500 gpm centrifugal pump, very rare for this type, and a 75-gpm-primer pump, designed for use as a booster for small fires!
The twins were taken out of service in 1978 (43 years). This Fox was used last as a foam unit at the local airport. Both were then bought by a resident of the area, who stored them in a chicken coop. While the Firefighter’s Union was negotiating to buy both trucks back, Mike Adams of Michigan purchased the two. In the summer of 1987, Jim Russell and John Roads bought the rigs and had them shipped to Tucson.
Jim did a little research on the trucks and talked to a firefighter who used to be a driver. At the time, his brother owned a barbershop here in Tucson. The Fox has had little done to it, new brakes, and some 12 volt bulbs, but runs well. A little paint is slated for the near (?) future. As seems to be the trend, Russell built a garage to house this and perhaps other equipment.
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