This classic American-LaFrance pumper was one of two purchased by Portland, OR, in 1923, and shipped by train from Elmira, NY in December of that year. It was placed in service as Engine 22 in downtown Portland. It is now owned by Chapter President, Matt Simek of Newberg, Oregon.

As a city engine, it had no booster tank or reel, but a massive 1,000 GPM geared pump and large hose bed. It had a rudimentary electrical system, consisting of a large 6vdc battery that was used only to power the headlights and searchlight. There was no generator, so when the battery faded, it would have to be recharged at the station house. Nor did it have an electric starter, so it was hand-cranked each time.

In the early- to mid-1930s, the Portland mechanics reworked both sister engines to replace the ALF engine with Hall-Scott 177s.  Mine had been bored out for a displacement of 1100 cu.in., providing enormous torque not only to run the pump, but also to deal with Portland’s hills.  The mechanics also installed a three-speed “Brownie” in the drive line, a 12vdc electrical system, including a massive generator and electric starter, front wheel hydraulic brakes — it came from the factory with rear mechanical brakes only — and added an engine-operated vacuum boost system for all brakes, and some red warning lights.