How about these beasts for the next generation Cal Fire rigs? (sub-title: Someone has WAY to much time on their hands!)

[BigWhiteDog]

Found these "models" while searching for a photo of a model 11. Absolutely crazy. Imagine the custom work (kit-bashed) that went into them and imagine trying to drive something like these in a typical SoCal neighborhood!

However, I do admit that I would so drive the tracked Water Tender on that Crew Buggy-Lowboy (yep, that's what I said, Crew buggy-Lowboy! )

http://www.scalefirehouse.com/waterc...hp?f=19&t=3135

Hey Abs, how about posting these in the rig photos LOL! (kidding)

Side note: We need to send the maker a guide to rig numbering! VBG

[kman]

But....did you find your pics of the model 11? I can think of 3 different versions of it in service still, TGU- Mack?, HUU- 1290 international conventional chassis, MEU- ford

[BigWhiteDog]

But....did you find your pics of the model 11? I can think of 3 different versions of it in service still, TGU- Mack?, HUU- 1290 international conventional chassis, MEU- ford

I just saw the HUU rig on the North Pass fire, didn't know any of the Fords were still in service and no I didn't find the one I wanted (the IH version) online so I just used a half shot I had of my old one.

[Smokey307]

For a second I thought I was looking at CALTRANS equipment. Don't they haul everything on lowboys? Imagine the crew buggy on some of the narrow dirt roads they need to access. Some years ago a Japanese firm was shopping around tomorrows engins. Entirely self-contained they were. They were track, had a blade, and crew members controlled various nozzles from inside the engine. I bet someone forgot you can't put a wildfire out until someone walks the fireline.

[Wandering Fed]

But....did you find your pics of the model 11? I can think of 3 different versions of it in service still, TGU- Mack?, HUU- 1290 international conventional chassis, MEU- ford

TGU has a Model 11 on a Ford Cargo chassis (looks like the Mack if it is dark or you squint ), MEU has one built on a Mack (just saw it on the North Pass fire). The last time I saw a Model 11 on the older Ford C series was on the Zaca 2 in 2007, so it may not be in service now.

I have not seen a Model 11 on a conventional IH chassis, do you know where in HUU it is stationed? I'd like to check that out if I'm ever in the area.


The Model 11 is an odd beast, really a Type 4 (NWCG) in California where the type is not recognized. Seems like a practical piece of equipment, but not very common in service.

Many military bases run similar engines, 6x6 with 1200 gallon tanks, a decent size PTO or aux pump and a crew of 3. Very effective for mobile attack in rolling hills with light fuels.


As far as the models, it is a fun hobby. I've actually talked with the builder and he is just having some fun, he knows they do not resemble anything out there. He has done some USFS and Florida FS stuff as well if you happen to like green.

[Wandering Fed]

For a second I thought I was looking at CALTRANS equipment. Don't they haul everything on lowboys? Imagine the crew buggy on some of the narrow dirt roads they need to access. Some years ago a Japanese firm was shopping around tomorrows engins. Entirely self-contained they were. They were track, had a blade, and crew members controlled various nozzles from inside the engine. I bet someone forgot you can't put a wildfire out until someone walks the fireline.

Sounds like BLMs "Dragon Wagon" and more recently their Tatras. BLM seems to like them and I must say they look impressive.

[A904G]

I have never seen a #11 on a Ford chassis. I have only seen them on International chassis. I drove a #8 on a Ford chassis, a couple years ago (perhaps 25 or 26). By the way, CALFIRE uses crew buses or ECT's, not buggies. Buggies, I think, are towed behind horses.

[MRIpcf]

MMU last year since a ford model 11 back to davis, they still have one Mack 11 assigned to the camp

[BigWhiteDog]

MMU last year since a ford model 11 back to davis, they still have one Mack 11 assigned to the camp

Both of those were model 9's. The Mack 9 (which I operated more than a few times, what a dog!) is the camp engine.

[4711]

I have never seen a #11 on a Ford chassis. I have only seen them on International chassis. I drove a #8 on a Ford chassis, a couple years ago (perhaps 25 or 26). By the way, CALFIRE uses crew buses or ECT's, not buggies. Buggies, I think, are towed behind horses.

When I retired CDF called them Charlie Charlie Victors. Next topic at Bradley FFS in the early 80 we had an 11 on the IH chassis.