A 1965 Van Pelt fire engine. In 1982, John made this 1:32 scale model using a newly acquired vacuum-forming machine for molding. Using the vacuum-forming machine, John molded the styrene plastic cab, fenders, and hood all from hand carved forms. 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.
![1965 Van Pelt fire engine rear view.](https://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019.32.12.1965VanPelt2-1-150x150.jpg)