Group,
I have found several O-11A Crash rescue trucks (two top turrets), but this is the only O-11B, I have been able to locate. Mcdill AFB has a fire truck museum and they contacted me trying to get this truck for their musuem. But could never come up with an offer.
The truck was sold surplus to a scrap dealer in Illinois, Then purchased by Mojave Airport (CA, by Edwards AFB), They rebuilt the truck and used it for several years. When they surplused it, it went to California City Airport. after sitting around for about 10 years not being used. They decided to sell it at auction. I went to the auction and thought about buying it, but put a limit of $100.
The auction started at $75.00, I bid $100, the other bidder bid $125. I stopped bidding and the mayor looked at me and asked if I was all through. I asked the mayor, if the City would hassle me if I bought it and he said no. I bid $150 and the other bidder dropped out.
I spent three days at the city yard trying to get the engine started. I finally got it started, but it had a blown head gasket. So I finally caved in and had it towed ($300). After that the truck sat until about 6 months ago, whrn the heads were removed to fix the head gasket. Then I learned the block is fire sloted. I have a cast iron welder, and plan on welding the block myself. Also while the heads are off, I plan on having them rebuilt.
The basic truck is complete, with the pump engine/Pump, and pressure discharge system are intact. I also have parts of the 1 1/2 inch reels in the side panels. But all the other stuff inside of the compartments is missing.
So far I have only located manuals for the O-10A. They are of some help, but are quite different form the O-11B.
Over the five years I have owned this truck, I have about $1000 in it (purchase, fix starter, and towing). One day hope th have it fixed and running, I just have lots of other projects that also need done ( 11 aircraft to rebuild, fuel truck, ect, ect......).
Laterrrrr
Avn-Tech
2 ea, BT-13 projects
2 ea, L-5 projects
2 ea, PT-19 projects
1 ea, Yak-52 (minor repairs to fly)
1 ea, F-5F, crash recovery
1 ea, Fouga (Static display)
1 ea, 1/2 sacale F4U (War Aircraft Replica)
1 ea, aircraft refueling truck, 4000 gal (1960's)
6 ea, P-40 Movie Replicas (non Flying, full scale)
1 ea, 1969 Firebird Conv project (my first car)
1 ea, 1938 Olds 4 dr (sucide doors, project)