Harry P. Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 This is the 1/12 scale Christie fire truck, issued under various labels (Airfix, MPC, AMT). The model depicts an early attempt to "modernize" horse-drawn fire equipment as the days of "horseless carriages" were replacing horse-drawn vehicles. In this case, John Christie invented a front-wheel driven tractor that could be hooked up to older, horse-drawn steam pumpers, to allow local fire departments to upgrade to self-propelled rigs without buying a completely new vehicle. The old horse-drawn pumper's front axle was removed, and attached to a Christie tractor, resulting in the strange hybrid you see here. The days of these odd hybrids were numbered, though. As the years went by, more and more purpose-built self-propelled fire trucks were offered, and many fire departments simply retired their old horse-drawn steam pumpers altogether and bought new equipment. But the Christie tractor (among several other similar competitors) did allow fire departments around the turn of the 20th century to extend the lives of their old horse-drawn pumpers. But by the 1920s, these Christie-powered pumpers had pretty much disappeared. This particular model depicts a 1911 Christie tractor hooked up to an 1899 Ahrens-Fox steam pumper. The Christie's wheels were propelled by a transverse-mounted four-cylinder gasoline engine. The wheels were driven by a chain drive off the engine. The grille was just for show, as the radiator was in back, behind and below the driver. This is the MPC version of the model... you will see by my photos that I went for a much more "de-blinged" look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted December 30, 2013 Author Share Posted December 30, 2013 In case you're interested, the full WIP can be seen here. And here is the finished product. Comments, questions, and critiques are welcomed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1930fordpickup Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hgbben Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Utterly remarkable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belugawrx Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Wow that brass looks hand popped AWESOME!! you and your fellow members are why I keep building Thnx for the inspiration GREAT SITE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danno Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Purely stunning, Harry! A masterpiece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan 191 Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 That is really cool! So much to look at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doggie427 Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Great job Harry, especially on the metal finishes. I've never seen this kit actually built before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flat-top Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Awesome job Harry. Another fine museum quality model. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisR Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Great as always, Harry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PappyD340 Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Simply OUTSTANDING!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o-man Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Wow Harry, that's awesome!! But, its missing rear view mirrors Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris White Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Harry your build is outstanding. I am always trying to build to perfection (in my eyes) I would stop if I built that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apriliadan Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Very beautiful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peekay Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Absolutely flawless, totally convincing, like all your work. Looking forward to more in 2014. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slusher Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Impressive build and amazing detail Harry.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjordan2 Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 This belongs in the magazine with your Dennis fire truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbill Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 ...................beautiful................ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinky Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Very nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramfins59 Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Just gorgeous Harry. Another masterpiece from your workbench. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modelbuilder Mark Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 I had no idea those kist could turn out this good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pharoah Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 Very inspirational, Harry. You just raised the bar again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carrucha Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 Excellent build. I really admire your craftsmanship. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeeBee Posted December 31, 2013 Share Posted December 31, 2013 This is the MPC version of the model... you will see by my photos that I went for a much more "de-blinged" look. You may have de-blinged it, but to me looks a lot more realistic than the box art, another masterpiece Harry, love it ..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry P. Posted December 31, 2013 Author Share Posted December 31, 2013 Thanks for all the nice comments, guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.