Code 3 BACKDRAFT Chicago, IL 1972 Mack CF Rear Mount Ladder L-46 (12495)

This is Item #12454

Scale: 1/64
Release: October 2002
Edition Quantity: 15,012

Movie Memorabilia that a Fire Buff would Love!

When Ron Howard filmed BACKDRAFT, he made the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) one of the most recognized departments in the country. A Chicago Mack CF Rear Mounted Ladder is one of fire apparatus seen in the movie. Code 3 Collectibles brings you a detailed replica complete with an extendable ladder, a rotating ladder base, a removable ladder control cover and removable rear ladders. Collect with 12392 Chicago Ward LaFrance Pumper E-17 and 13107 Chicago Firehouse as a set!

Trivia on Making of the Movie The CFD loaned Universal Studios several pieces of apparatus for their new movie. It is very unusual for Hollywood to use actual authentic apparatus. Most movies using fire apparatus are filmed on the West Coast and use privately owned trucks painted to reflect the city they are meant to represent.

The most recognized engine from the movie would be Engine 17. Engine 17 started service with the Chicago Fire Department in July of 1970. This1970 Ward LaFrance Pumper was first assigned to Engine Co. 8. The pumper was later assigned to Engine 18. In 1987, it was refurbed with a Ranger cab and E-One body before it was given to Ron Howard's production group in July of 1990. Ron Howard used Engine 18 (portrayed as Engines 17 & 51 in the movie) until February of 1991. After the filming of the movie, the apparatus was given to Engine 69 were it remained in-service until 1995 when it was disposed of.

Three different ladder trucks were used as the famous Truck 46 in filming BACKDRAFT. A 1972 Mack CF with a 100' Pirsh Ladder was customized by Ron Howard by adding updated headlights, a siren, warning lights and customizing some bodywork. The Tiller was a 1976 International Harvester Tractor Drawn Ladder with a CFA Clintonville Trailer and 100' Seagrave Ladder. The American LaFrance 100' truck was assigned to Truck 36 before the movie and after the movie was a shop spare.

A 1978 American LaFrance Century Pumper was marked in the movie as Engine 67 & 25. The Engine was originally Engine 46 of the Chicago Fire Department and after filming was returned to the department as Engine 80. Engine 24 was also an American LaFrance Century Pumper. It was marked 24, 27 and 17 in the movie. It was Engine 34 of the CFD before filming and Engine 28 after.

Along with using authentic apparatus, Ron Howard also used Chicago's firehouses to retain the authenticity in his movie. The firehouses used in filming were Engine Co. 65 (which was Engine Companies 17 and 46 in the movie), Engine Co. 51 (Robert DeNiro's office) was filmed at Engine Co. 8, in China Town and training drills were filmed at Engine Co. 49.