Vehicle Description
John P. Ahrens and Charles H. Fox of Cincinnati, Ohio built their
first motorized fire engine in 1911 just as the curtain was closing
on the days of horse drawn apparatus. Motorized trucks were adapted
quickly by fire fighters, as they were far easier to house, didn't
require feeding and care like horses, and could withstand the
rigors of duty far better, particularly in extreme conditions. The
Ahrens-Fox Fire Engine Company would go on to produce some of the
finest, fastest and most exquisitely constructed fire engines in
America, battling their chief rivals at American LaFrance for the
top spot in the industry. Fire chiefs across the country were
fiercely loyal to their Ahrens-Fox apparatus, and a great number of
trucks had remarkably long careers in service. Such is their
quality and attention to detail, the Ahrens-Fox is to this day
considered to be the Rolls-Royce of fire trucks. One of
Ahrens-Fox's specialties was the development of the pumper, with
the N-S-4 of the late 1920s being one of their most popular and
iconic models. A trademark of an Ahrens-Fox pumper is the beautiful
polished sphere that sits atop the front-mounted pump. The genius
of that sphere is that it served the purpose of smoothing the
action of the pump, preventing pulsation through the hose and
giving firefighters greater control and precision, all while
allowing for tremendous power rating or 1,100 gallons per minute.
Speaking of power, mounted aft of that pump is a great, thumping
998 cubic inch t-head inline six-cylinder engine. Backed by a three
speed manual transmission, the N-S-4 had the power and capability
to reach any emergency in record time. This 1927 Ahrens-Fox N-S-4
Triple Combination Pumper is an outstanding example of this iconic
firefighting rig. It is beautifully presented in restored condition
and includes a fascinating, well-documented history. The name
"triple combination" means the truck incorporates three distinct
components - the pump, tank, and hose body - which allows for
efficient response with a single vehicle. This truck, registration
number 3312, was originally delivered in 1927 to the Piqua, Ohio
Fire Department and was one of three Ahrens apparatus owned by the
city. Extensive files document the history of this particular rig
from its construction through its time in service in Piqua. Copies
of original correspondence between Piqua Fire Chief Joe Caulfield
and the Ahrens-Fox works date back to July of 1927 with a proposal
submitted to Caulfield by John Ahrens to build the new N-S-4
pumper. Subsequent documents include hand-written as well as typed
build sheets, and numerous pieces of original correspondence
related to service and maintenance of 3312 through 1959. Also
included are several copies of the Ahrens-Fox bulletin, parts
lists, and factory memorandums as well as original instruction
handbooks detailing the operation of all aspects of this machine.
Following its retirement from Piqua, number 3312 found its way to
Michigan where it was owned by an antique apparatus collector. A
photo from 1982 shows it in remarkably complete and sound
condition, clearly a truck that was cherished during its time on
duty. 3312 was subsequently treated to sympathetic restoration work
by respected antique apparatus expert Ken Soderbeck of Hand in Hand
Restoration. Today, this magnificent Ahrens-Fox presents in
beautiful condition. The restoration has mellowed but has been very
well maintained, and a number of the fittings and components remain
in preserved original condition. Paintwork is excellent, and the
truck is finely detailed with gold leaf striping and filigree as it
would have worn when new. Numerous fittings include original
ladders, large hoses, Foamite fire extinguishers, hose reel,
nozzles, and tanks - even the original Grether search lamps remain
in place on brackets flanking the dash. Vast swathes of
nickel-plated fittings and lamps have all been beautifully polished
to a warm luster. The driver's compartment is trimmed in button
upholstery as original, presenting in good condition with green
linoleum floor boards and a polished wood fascia. It is easy to see
why the Ahrens-Fox earned its nickname of "The Rolls-Royce of Fire
Engines" as one could easily get lost in the seemingly endless
detail and quality of this magnificent machine. Underhood detailing
on the massive T-head inline six is very good and the engine runs
strong; delivering its massive torque through a three-speed gearbox
and suitably heavy-duty rear axle. Records show the clutch was
re-faced and brakes serviced as part of the refurbishment by
Soderbeck. This example is fitted with pneumatic tires from new,
allowing for ease of service and greater usability on the road.
While this is no doubt a large and imposing vehicle, it is not so
large that it could not be enjoyed on the road or in various events
by a dedicated enthusiast. This spectacular Ahrens-Fox carries with
it a tremendous history from its time in service; we only wish it
could tell us more of those stories. Such is its beauty and
attention to detail, it would not be out of place in a collection
of antique apparatus, yet it can also be appreciated by collectors
of classic motorcars and trucks. This is a wonderful example of one
of Ahrens-Fox's most iconic models, a truly historic machine that
is suitable for show or regular enjoyment.