Indeed, if it does the job, then thats all that matters in the great scheme of things. I think I was just being a bit nostalgic!!!!
Over here we have siren packages on the appliances that have 5 settings for different noises, and road users respond more to the change in tone, and the bull/air horn.
It seems, especially in Manhattan with the one way streets, that noise projection is essential in alerting road users further down the road, as opposed to right in front of the truck, that your there and trying to get through, and the current package used on FDNYs rigs just does not seem to do that.
Having said that, in times of fiscal austerity and with the amount of rigs the FDNY has, the guys make the best with what they have, as we always do!!!
JT