1900 LaFrance FDNY Searchlight Engine #1

1900 LaFrance FDNY Searchlight Engine #1

Craftsman: Tom Showers

Catalog #: 2012.5.1 

Donor: John Ackerman 

A 1/32 scale model 1900 LaFrance searchlight engine #1. This New York Fire Department horse drawn engine is based on a 4th size steamer with Bullock marine type 5 Kw generator.

1914 Seagrave City Service Truck

1914 Seagrave City Service Truck

Craftsman: John Ackerman

Catalog #: 2019.32.9

Contributor: John Ackerman

For this scale model 1914 Seagrave city service truck, the ladders are basswood with wire rungs, and the gold pin striping was cut from a decal.

1921 American LaFrance 75-Foot Aerial Truck

1921 American LaFrance 75-Foot Aerial Truck

Craftsman: John Ackerman

Catalog #: 2019.32.11

Contributor: John Ackerman

John measured and drew up plans for this rig while stationed in Albuquerque. The model was built using styrene plastic and basswood strip stock for the aerial ladder, which raises and extends.

1925 American LaFrance Chemical Car

1925 American LaFrance Chemical Car

Craftsman: John Ackerman

Catalog #: 2019.32.13

Contributor: John Ackerman

This 1/32 scale model 1925 American LaFrance chemical car was built using sheet styrene plastic and turned aluminum, as well as a basswood.

1932 Seagrave Rescue Car 

1932 Seagrave Rescue Car 

Craftsman: Tom Showers

Catalog #: 2012.5.3 

Donor: John Ackerman 

This 1/32 scale 1932 Seagrave rescue car is equipped with an overhead ladder rack, four searchlights, and a compartmentalized body.

1934 Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine

1934 Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine

Craftsman: John Ackerman

Catalog #: 2019.32.14

Contributor: John Ackerman

Mr. Ackerman built this Ahrens-Fix fire engine using sheet styrene plastic, turned aluminum, and basswood for scaling ladders.

1937 Mack Type 21 Model

1937 Mack Type 21 Model

Craftsman: Tom Showers

Catalog #: 2012.5.5 

Donor: John Ackerman 

A 1/32 scale model 1937 Mack Type 21, FDNY. This is a New York Fire Department classic in bright red.

1955 Bedford Aerial Ladder Truck 

1955 Bedford Aerial Ladder Truck 

Craftsman: Tom Showers

Catalog #: 2012.5.6 

Donor: John Ackerman 

A 1/32 scale 1955 Bedford aerial ladder truck, Aalborg (Denmark) FD. The apparatus was built on a British Bedford chassis, with a Magirus aerial (a German aerial ladder and apparatus manufacturer).

1960 Bachert Fire Engine

1960 Bachert Fire Engine

Craftsman: John Ackerman

Catalog #: 2019.32.7

Contributor: John Ackerman

John was encouraged by his second modeling mentor, Tom Showers, to make this 1/32 scale replica of the German Bachert fire apparatus.

1964 American LaFrance Aerial Truck

1964 American LaFrance Aerial Truck

Craftsman: John Ackerman

Catalog #: 2019.32.10

Contributor: John Ackerman

Mr. Ackerman’s first “kit-bashed” model fire truck. It used various parts from the 1/32 scale 1964 Aurora American LaFrance model kit, but the body was scratch-built.

1965 Van Pelt Fire Engine

1965 Van Pelt Fire Engine

Craftsman: John Ackerman

Catalog #: 2019.32.12

Contributor: John Ackerman

Using a vacuum-forming machine, John Ackerman molded the styrene plastic cab, fenders, and hood all from hand carved forms.

Showing 20 of 25 exhibits.

Presented by The Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship