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The tiny Crosley pickup truck and car were the ideal platforms for transformation into many types of promotional and amusement vehicles. Many of these specially constructed vehicles were custom, “one-off” units made to order for specific companies and amusement parks. I have observed many unique, small fire trucks (most were built as kiddie rides) that appear to be well constructed and were probably built to order and are one-of-a-kind. Another group of fire trucks have been built through the years by individuals, many of them to high standards of fit and finish. At least two companies manufactured amusement park fire trucks based on the Crosley truck in quantity, Overland Amusements in Lexington, MA and Fly & Harwood in Memphis, TN.
The Overland Amusements vehicles were hook and ladder fire trucks using the Crosley truck (with the bed removed) for the “tractor” and a specially fabricated trailer to carry the children. The ladders running the length of the trailer were hinged and folded into the kid’s laps for safety. Later Overland Amusements vehicles used a modified Nash Metropolitan for the tractor when Crosley production ended.
Fly & Harwood Co. in Memphis, TN was located on Madison Ave. and was in the used car and auto repair business. Advertisements in the late 1940s indicated that they manufactured and sold aluminum amusement and concession trailers. In 1949 and 1950 they manufactured a pumper style amusement park fire truck called the “Little Chief” based on the Crosley pickup. With the original truck bed removed, the Crosley’s frame was extended and an aluminum fire truck body was fabricated and installed. A new rear axle with faux dual wheels was installed rearward, extending the wheelbase and was chain driven from the original truck axle.
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| I am in the process of restoring an Overland Amusements hook & ladder truck and have a Fly & Harwood Little Chief next in line for refurbishing. I am seeking any information about Overland Amusements, Fly & Harwood or any other Crosley based amusement park fire trucks. I am also trying to locate any vintage photos, advertisements, postcards or literature of any kind relating to these wonderful little trucks.
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