Model Power #7968MP 1/48 Scale Diecast Aerial Ladder Truck

I managed to find several fire trucks for the train layout that are a) the right scale for my purposes and b) not lettered for any particular city or fire department.  As it turns out, they were all made by Model Power - a name recognized by O-gauge railroaders as a source for figures, but not known for fire trucks (or vehicles in general). The first one I managed to photograph and place on the layout is this 1/48 scale aerial ladder truck which represents - I believe - an apparatus made by American LaFrance in the 1970s. What led me to believe it was a '70s era vehicle was the two rectangular lights with rounded corners, just above the main running lights on the cab front. Earlier versions of this truck didn't appear to have this design feature.  

Apparently the trucks I bought were new old stock (NOS) with packaging that had seen better days. It appears as if Model Power discontinued these a long time ago so I was glad to be able to latch on to a few. The truck measures 7 1/2" (19.05cm) L x 1 3/4" (4.44cm) W x 2 1/4" (5.71cm) H and the ladder extends to 18" (45.72cm). Enjoy! Opa Fritz

"The Gary Fire Department operated two of these 1970 American LaFrance 900 series ladders. They had 100′ ladders and  200 gallon booster tanks. This one carried ALF serial # 2-1-2323 and was assigned to Truck Co. 2. These photos are pre and post rehab in 1982. It was rather unique because the cab roof was cut out to lower the overall height of the rig to accommodate the low door height of the apparatus bay. It was one of the few Gary apparatus that remained in it’s original assignment for the majority of its career."

wayne stuart photos

https://chicagoareafire.com/blog/tag/american-lafrance-ladder-chief/

Here it is in action my my O-gauge layout