Chicago Ward LaFrance/Ranger/EONE (part 3)

For those interested in learning more about the Engine 17 restoration project, discussions are ongoing on the Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show's Facebook page. If you're considering purchasing this historic rig, feel free to send a private message to Facebook.com/ChicagolandEmergencyVehicleShow or leave a comment on this post.

CFD Engine 69 with numbering for both Backdraft Engines 17 and 51. Photo by Tom McCarthy

Where They Went…

• 80-287/D-372 E126 – Rehabbed to E122 – Crushed in Blue Island in 1994
• 80-288/D-373 E73 – Reassigned to E103 in 1981 – Not rehabbed – Crushed at Cicero Iron in 1984
• 80-289/D-374 E8 – Rehabbed to E17/51/69 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts on August 28, 1996
• 80-290/D-375 E106 – Rehabbed to E113 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts on September 4, 1996
• 80-291/D-376 E22 – Rehabbed to E46 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts on September 9, 1996 (later crushed)
• 80-292/D-377 E113 – Used as a spare at T61, O’Hare, E34, E19, E109, and E72 – Rehabbed to E14 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts on August 29, 1996
• 80-293/D-378 E49 – Rehabbed to E34 – Sold to a private party, later sold to a PA FD

Engine 17 on April 4, 2004.

E17’s Current Condition…

• The owner estimates that 75% of the rig remains intact, with 20% of parts needing purchase and 5% requiring fabrication.
• It features a complete Cummins NTF 365 Turbo-Diesel engine (365hp @ 2300 rpm).
• Missing an Allison HT70 6-speed overdrive transmission.
• Needs $1,100 worth of copper radiator cores — originally from Mesabi, Minnesota.
• Includes a non-functional Hale Q-2 2,000-GPM pump, but comes with a replacement PTO gear box, some valves, and gauges from E14. These can be rebuilt by SPAN Gauges in Wisconsin for $30 each, plus a new pump gasket set from Hale.
• Equipped with a 500-gallon water tank and a 140-gallon foam tank added during the refurbishment.
• Has a 50-gallon diesel tank.
• Measures 35 feet long with a 178-inch wheelbase.
• The original grille was removed but replaced with a high-quality reproduction.
• Retains its original deck gun.
• Requires diamond plate and steel work, but includes full refurb blueprints from E-ONE.
• Features original Imron paint, which could be repainted in a close match to 68-69 Dodge red.
• Includes 500 feet of 5-inch LDH hose.
• Equipped with functional lights, sirens, horns, and a period-correct Motorola radio.

Engine 17 photographed on September 15, 2012.