not a bus but must see

[CrabbyMilton]

Don't always like to see an old fire apparatus converted but it still beats the scrap yard and some dignity for the old gem.
http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/2017/03/a-request-for-assistance-8/comment-page-1/#comment-684557

[HB of CJ]

Ah, a narrow cab wide fender American LaFrance Century Series Engine.  A blast from the past.  Just about ALL the old fire apparatus from my old outfit, the Bakersfield Fire Department, (CA) had that type, both in Engines and Ladder trucks.

Some of the older stuff had no roofs.  Convertibles?  A California thing.  Pumped Detroits.  N90 injectors.  2500 rpm.  Manual trannies.  Usually Fuller T905s.  Old old Engine 2 was particularly fast.  Long ago, far away.  The "pretty city".   

PS:, I think old old Truck One still exists and was completely restored by the Bakersfield Firefighters Relief Association.  A 1968, (?) tractor drawn 100 foot aerial.  Used in parades and such.  Bone stock if I remember.  Fun to drive way back.

[Oonrahnjay]

Some of the older stuff had no roofs.  Convertibles?  A California thing  ... 

       Nope.  In 1953, Wallace NC ordered a new firetruck from American-LaFrance.  The VFD people here had some ideas of what they needed -- small town, many firemen could meet at the station and ride the truck so extra crew accommodation was wanted, lots of rural fires with ponds or other outdoor water available so big pumps with filters needed, plenty of area for extra hose length.  Completely open topped in the driver's/crew cab at the front.
       "That's an odd specification - nobody else will want to buy one like that!"  Umm, nope, that spec became known as the "Wallace model" and it was purchased by fire depts. from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada throughout the '50s. 
       That truck is under restoration by the VFD members now.  I'll get you a photo when I can.

[CrabbyMilton]

I know you understand the history HB but for the younger people out there, open cab apparatus were quite common even in colder climates. I know Milwaukee had many of them at one time. One of the so called advantages was for the crew to more easily review the fire scene as they were pulling up. Now, a typical apparatus is not only all enclosed but may have AC and I would argue a nicer interior than a seated skoolie plus ride nicer. That way the cab can be used for rehab.

[HB of CJ]

That is one nicely done American LaFrance toy hauler.  Wonder what he has for power?  Transmission?  I bet it is very fun to drive.  Be fun to run the siren and blow the air horn.

Riding the tail board back in the day in the snow was not fun.  It did snow occasionally, (rarely) in Bakersfield CA.  Hail storms were not fun either.  Open cabs.  No heaters.

Manual trannies.  Armstrong steering.  Big steering wheels.  Wedge type drum air brakes.  Now a day fire apparatus is so nice.  Soft ride.  Air ride seats.  A/C.  Heaters.  Drink holders.

Automatic trannies.  Automated fire pump controls.  Everything riding on a vulnerable micro chip.  The fire fighting job has certainly become safer.  Again, long ago, far away.