Last of the CFD Water Towers

[JoeO]

The final of the 3 CFD Water Towers has been release, WT 1. Here are the inspection photos of WT 2 and WT 1. Don't wait WT 3 sold out in 24 hours, Water Tower 2 in 72 hours.

https://www.firereplicas.com/chicago-fi ... r-tower-1/

In July of 1928 Seagrave delivered WaterTower 1 to the Chicago Fire Department. The CFD required Seagrave to build the rig similar to the old style radiator and hood so all three Water Towers would look alike, Seagrave had changed designs and started making radiator’s and hoods rounded after 1925. This tower came originally with the two turrents on the deck, and the one at the end of the mast. The “Corrigan Pipe” and crows nest were added in 1936 on all three Water Towers.

Water Tower 1 moved into a brand new Fire House at 324 S. Desplaines (Engine 5) in October of 1928. The old 1923 Water Tower was moved to the shops and renumbered at put back in service in December as Water Tower 3 at Engine 104’s on 1401 South Michigan Ave. Water Towers. Water Tower 3 served on the front line until 1959 at which times Quinn’s Snorkel were being place in service, The first snorkels were called Water Tower 4 and 5, by May of 59 those were called Snorkels 1 and 2. Snorkel 2 was stationed at engine 5 in April of 1959, in December Water Tower 1 was out of service after 31 years.

Water Tower 3 the 1923 Seagrave moved to the far south side in 1959 with Engine 46 until 1961 when it was replaced by Snorkel 6. The 1923 Seagrave Water Tower served on the front line 38 years.The 1925 Seagrave Water Tower was at Engine 14’s from 1925 until July of 1962 serving 37 years.

Fire Replicas has done a amazing job replicating these three rigs, persevering the history of the classic trucks that served the City of Chicago over 90 years ago. Each model has the distinct difference of all three rigs, note the hose ramps on the running board of Water Tower.