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.

1938 Bucyrus-Erie 88B Series 4 Shovel

1938 Bucyrus-Erie 88B Series 4 Shovel

Craftsman: Classic Construction Models

Catalog #: 2009.11.1

Donor: Les Cade

This 1/48 scale model Bucyrus-Erie 88B Series 4 shovel (1983) was made by Classic Construction Models.

1954 Cox Racer Grand Prix Mercedes W-196

1954 Cox Racer Grand Prix Mercedes W-196

Craftsmen: Leroy Cox, L.M. Cox Manufacturing

Catalog #: 2018.43.1

Contributor: Rich Palmer

This replica of the #8 Karl Kling’s 1954 Cox Racer Grand Prix Mercedes W-196 is a rear-wheel-drive thimble drome tether car utilizing a driveshaft and differential.

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.

1973 Howe/Hendrickson Manifold Wagon

1973 Howe/Hendrickson Manifold Wagon

Craftsman: Tom Showers

Catalog #: 2012.5.7 

Donor: John Ackerman 

A 1/32 scale model 1973 Howe/Hendrickson manifold wagon for Luna Beach FD. Tom made this engine from sheet styrene plastic with turned aluminum parts and accessories.

426 Hemi Powered Cobra

426 Hemi Powered Cobra

Craftsman: Roger Butzen

Knapp Collection #: 783

Catalog #: 2024.5.19

Contributor: Paul Knapp

Roger Butzen built this 426 hemi powered Cobra and modified the miniature car to be operated by radio control.

A-bone Cox .049 Tether Car

A-bone Cox .049 Tether Car

Craftsman: Doug Parker

Knapp Collection #: 429

Catalog #: 2016.8.20

Contributor: Paul Knapp

The “A-bone” Cox .049 tether car is 7-3/4″-long and 3-1/8″-wide. The racer was machined from aluminum, brass, and steel bar stock.

All American Hot Rod 

All American Hot Rod 

Craftsman: Tony Orlando

Knapp Collection #: 551

Catalog #: 2019.9.3 

Contributor: Paul Knapp

This hot rod started as a die-cast push toy for kids, and was manufactured in Los Angeles in the 1950s. Mr. Orlando’s restoration included many modifications to convert it into a running tether car.

Automite .049 Tether Car

Automite .049 Tether Car

Craftsman: Wen Mac

Contributor: Ron and Steven Green

An Automite .049 tether car made by the Wen Mac corporation. This was one of the first tether cars made with a plastic body.

Babcock Jr. Gas Powered Micro Rail Mite Racer

Babcock Jr. Gas Powered Micro Rail Mite Racer

Craftsman: John D. Ellis

Knapp Collection #: 213

Catalog #: 2009.9.28

Contributor: Paul Knapp 

John Ellis produced this miniature rail racer as a tribute to the late John Babcock, who was one of the most colorful builders and model racers in the San Francisco Bay area.

British MK IV Battle Tank

British MK IV Battle Tank

Craftsman: Stephen J. King

Knapp Collection #: 243

Catalog #: 2011.27.24

Contributor: Paul Knapp 

This 1/16 scale model British MK IV battle tank was built from 1/16 steel sheet, and over 1,200 steel rivets were made and set by hand.

Showing 20 of 77 exhibits.

Presented by The Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship