Allison V-12's in Fire Trucks

Sun Sep 11, 2005 11:38 pm

Wixers, Does anyone know what model fire trucks used Allisons V-12's? Where they the same as aircraft models? Could they be used for aircraft?
Thanks, Rob

Mon Sep 12, 2005 8:57 am

I never heard of Allison V12's in fire trucks. Seems like overkill! Lafrance used Lycoming V12 engines for may years, which were derived from the engine used by Auburn of the mid 1930's.

Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:52 pm

I have heard that before myself, although I believe they were being used only for the pump, and not main drive for the vehicle. I don't know if they were aircraft engines or if they were a variant such as the submarine engines.

Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:18 pm

Submarine engines were HUGE diesels and PT Boats were 2300 cu in Marine Packards.

Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:38 pm

Thanks. Also I know a guy who worked at a big UPS depot and he said years ago they had a turbo charged Allison V-12 generator mounted in an enclosed trailer. Heard of these? Thanks, Rob

Tue Sep 13, 2005 12:39 pm

Rob S wrote:Thanks. Also I know a guy who worked at a big UPS depot and he said years ago they had a turbo charged Allison V-12 generator mounted in an enclosed trailer. Heard of these? Thanks, Rob

Allison went on to make a complete line of transmissions and diesel engines. I don't think there were any V12 diesels, but perhaps he saw a big V8 or V6.