Chicago Squads

[Bulldog]

Has anybody heard what's happening with the new Snorkel units for the Chicago squads?  I think it was about 3 years ago that Rossenberg got a contract to build but we haven't seen any units yet.  I wonder if the contract will change to Smeal now that they have the rights to manufacture Snorkels and have actually built and delivered a couple?

 

[grumpy grizzly]

It appears that Rosenbauer is starting work on 3 units for Chicago. They just completed a unit for Frankfort Illinois which is about 25 miles S of Chicago. Cubs are also in first place, so maybe new squads and a WS win for Cubs, LOL!

 

[Bulldog]

I saw the snorkel for Frankfort on the Smeal website (http://www.smeal.com/fire-trucks/snorkel-articulating-boom-platform/) which is what got me thinking about this.  Was the one for Frankfort built by Smeal or Rosenbauer?

 

[grumpy grizzly]

Frankfort's was built by Smeal. Should be interesting to see how it performs, not talking badly about the manufacturer but that rig will not be a busy unit IMHO. Rosenbauer is making the CFD units, will update as info is acquired.

 

[raybrag]

Rosenbauer uses Metz articulating booms, while the Frankfort rig clearly states "Snorkel" on the boom.  Here's a link to the Rosenbauer "T-Rex" articulating boom rig:

http://www.rosenbaueramerica.com/fire-trucks/aerials/t-rex-articulating-platform


And here's a video of Hastings, MN's T-Rex:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gSdU9QheN8

And finally, here's Frankfort's Smeal/LTI Snorkel:

http://www.smeal.com/fire-trucks/snorkel-articulating-boom-platform/

 

[grumpy grizzly]

Smeal has the rights to "Snorkel", the name, the equipment, etc.

 

[Bulldog]

Rosenbauer uses Metz articulating booms, while the Frankfort rig clearly states "Snorkel" on the boom.  Here's a link to the Rosenbauer "T-Rex" articulating boom rig:

Didn't the 1st generation T-Rex have a piercing nozzle on the end of the boom and no bucket?  I remember somebody coming out with a rig like that maybe it was somebody else.

 

[CVILLE7111]

I believe the Oshkosh ARFF rigs have a piercing nozzle (Snozzle) option for aircraft firefighting:

 

[grumpy grizzly]

Just as a bit of information Ferrara is making an industrial pumper for the BP plant in Whiting IN. It has a Schwing boom, which is similar to what you see them on cement trucks.

 

[fdny747]

Do you have a picture of the BP truck?

 

[raybrag]

You can find some here:  http://www.ferrarafire.com/CustomerSupport/InProduction/pages/5824/5824.html

 

[firepost]

Yes Rosenbauer is working on the Squads and the Snorkels and they are developing their own version of a 55 foot Snorkel here is a link and I hope that it works.
    http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/2016/04/chicago-orders-new-squads-more-2/

 

[Bulldog]

Yes Rosenbauer is working on the Squads and the Snorkels and they are developing their own version of a 55 foot Snorkel here is a link and I hope that it works.
    http://chicagoareafire.com/blog/2016/04/chicago-orders-new-squads-more-2/

I know Chicago really needs to replace the squads but it seems to me like they are kind of going out on the limb getting 3 identical new ones that are of an unproven design!  Even getting the 1st one of the new design is scary at times but buying 3 at once is really asking for trouble IMO.  I'm really surprised they didn't change the order to Smeal and get a proven design.