memory master said:
"R" model Macks were great trucks no matter what they were used for, i.e. fire, oil or gas, dump, semi-tractors, etc. It was a shame when Mack went down the tubes so to speak.
"Memory Master", I sure agree with you on that. You just couldn't kill those mack trucks, whether they were the "R" model or the "CFs".
For example, after serving during the very busy FDNY War Years, with some patching up work, many served another decade in some very busy places.
Providence, R.I., during their own set of busy "War Years", put TWO Mack CF Tower Ladders in service that had seen very heavy fire duty within the FDNY. Those Two former FDNY Tower Ladders then served as Providence Ladders 1 and 2. The busiest Ladder Companies in the city. They sure saw their share of action in that city as well. I know because I was spending time chasing fire trucks in that place too (besides the FDNY).
Another former FDNY Mack CF Tower Ladder served in the very busy City of Chelsea, Mass for many years during a very busy time for that city as well.
In Norwich, Ct where I live, A Mack CF Pumper that had served in those very busy FDNY years became a front line piece for a local volunteer fire department. Then after serving there, it became a Reserve Pumper for a career department within that city as well.
I also would like to mention, "thank you to those who commented regarding those GREAT Mack "R" Models that served within the FDNY. What these guys say, "we need to carve in stone". The history and their knowledge of the FDNY is amazing. When the question was asked of the Mack "R" Models, I could only think of two that I had remembered. Then when the story is told, it all fits together.
Thanks to ALL.