Hosts Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur talk with apparatus industry veteran Dick Young about his observations. Dick talks about time with Cayasler, Buffalo Fire Appliance and Young Fire Equipment companies and the evolution of apparatus in those years. From open cabs and Crusader cabs to snorkels and composite bodies.
This month on The Apparatus Architects, Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur talk with Captain Tom Parks of the Cherry Hill, NJ, Fire Department. Captain Parks heads the department's Motor Maintenance Division which oversees a fleet of more than 50 vehicles.
Tom and Mike talk with Captain Parks about a number of subjects including fleet maintenance, auxiliary braking systems and apparatus specifications.
Captain Parks examines the finer points of a preventative maintenance program using the slogan "Without us, they walk!"
The Apparatus Architects focus on the new apparatus and innovations found at FDIC in April.
The main focus of the show included several "Green" fire apparatus. From new ARFF vehicles to pumper and ladder truck innovations, Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur talk about the details of a wide-variety of new and updated rigs found at the show.
The Apparatus Architects look at a number of topics this month and their guest, a Los Angeles Fire Department Captain, talks about the LAFD's operations and apparatus assignments.
Apparatus Architects Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur report from the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) Apparatus Symposium. They look at several of the topics, based on this year's theme of "Getting back to basics - safely."
Apparatus Architects Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur held a roundtable discussion with several wildland firefighting vehicle manufacturers at the Firehouse World last month in San Diego.
Panelists include: Jeff Ramey from Boise Mobile Equipment (BME), Rich Demski and Mike Switzer from Pierce, Doug Feldman from Rosenbauer America and Wayne Kindred from West-Mark Fire Apparatus.
Tom Shand and Mike Wilbur offer a retrospective look at 2009 and offer their wish list for the apparatus industry in 2010.
The Apparatus Architects look at the five major factors that impacted the industry in 2009. The economy, the large number of apparatus accidents and the government regulations of engines are just some of the events they discuss.
The Apparatus Architects look at 2009 as the year winds down and the apparatus industry stabilizes.
They review ideas for last minute biding to secure 2007 EPA engines for new vehicles and a variety of multiple unit contracts for large city departments.
The Apparatus Architects explore a number of ways to reduce the costs of new vehicles this month. From a quick and simple "bullet list" to a true evaluation based on need versus cost, Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur share several factors that can help make your next rig more affordable and highly functional.
Shand and Wilbur also answer several listener questions, including proper positioning of ladder trucks, the differences between single- and two-stage fire pumps and wheel chocks.
Apparatus Architects Tom Shand and Michael Wilbur explore a variety of ideas for apparatus design the turned into "thing we do to screw up fire trucks." The Architects look at several examples, including equipping the bumper with a variety of gear, but no reinforcement; poorly placed utility boxes and choosing a dangerous color for aerial ladders.
Shand and Wilbur look at the current events, including news and industry related and offer their outlook for 2010 as this year's trade shows and conference come to a close.
