Posted by Eric B. [99.100.188.129] on Monday, October 07, 2013 at 09:09:17 :
In Reply to: Little MO data tag posted by Joe Cimoch [68.186.242.95] on Sunday, October 06, 2013 at 16:14:23 :
“’Little Mo’ a Fast, Effective Fire Fighter by … American LaFrance
“It has no equal for Airports, Thru-ways, Structural, grass or brush and flammable liquid fires
“’Little Mo’ has proven it versatility and ability to pack a mighty wallop for all types of fire fighting. ‘Little Mo’ is a basic development by ‘Army’ Armstrong to meet the need for a fast, light, compact, low cost fire fighting unit. ‘Little Mo’ has proven its ability during the past several years to produce outstanding results. By exclusive agreement with Mr. Armstrong, this efficient fire fighter is now being produced by American LaFrance.
“The chassis is 4 x 4 all wheel drive powered by a 205 Brake Horsepower V-8 engine for fast acceleration and operation over all types of terrain. The chassis is a Dodge Model 205 built to American LaFrance specifications for this specific fire service.
“The pump is 2-stage for operation at all pressures to 600 psi. The pump is capable of operation at all driving speeds to permit turret or hand line use with the vehicle in motion. The turret is one man control from within the cab. The turret can be operated by the driver. Turret discharge rating is 90 g.p.m. The turret discharges a water straight stream or fog pattern; air foam straight stream or fog-foam; wetter water, either straight stream or fog.
“The water tank is 200 gallon capacity, 20 gallons of air foam liquid and 5 gallons of wetting agent are each carried in a separate neoprene tank. Any of these fire extinguishing agents are available for immediate use as required. All tank fills are easily accessible for refilling supply. Air foam and wetting agent are automatically proportioned correctly by fixed orifice plates without any adjustment required. Simplicity of control is an important feature of ‘Little Mo’.
“Water, air foam, or wetting agent can be discharged through the two front bumper fog nozzles or the hand lines. Two reels, each carrying 150 feet of ¾ inch high pressure hose are provided. The hand line nozzles provide either straight stream or fog. A bayonet piercing nozzle is also provided for use in stacked or baled materials. One 1½ inch ball type discharge gate is provided for use of 1½ inch hose if desired.
“For real performance at low cost and minimum manpower, you can’t beat ‘Little Mo’. Write for detailed specifications.
“American LaFrance, Elmira N.Y. USA … American LaFrance Fire Engine-Foamite Limited, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.”
A number of Armstrong’s vehicles remained in service into the 2000s and a handful survive in the hands of antique fire apparatus collectors. The Homeville Antique FireHouse Museum in Homer, NY has a 1959 Dodge-American LaFrance Little Mo Crash Truck.
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