A 1/32 scale 1964 American LaFrance aerial truck. In 1972, John made his first “kit-bashed” model fire truck. It used various parts from the 1/32 scale 1964 Aurora American LaFrance model kit, but the body is scratch-built using styrene plastic. The working aerial ladder and ground ladders are made of basswood strip stock. This was John’s first use of spaghetti noodles for rungs.
John Ackerman has been building and collecting miniature fire apparatus since he was 6 years old. His exhibits document the progression as a model builder from his earliest works through some of his most recent projects.
