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. It has two demountable searchlights of 9000 candlepower each. (The term “4th size” refers to a particular category of pump engine and is not a reference to scale.)
The late Tom Showers was a prolific builder of model fire engines and an apparatus historian. Many of his over 450 models are on display in fire museums like the one in Los Angeles. We are privileged to have some of his models on display courtesy of model builder and fire apparatus historian, John Ackerman. Tom Showers served as John’s mentor in model making.
