Hey everyone! I wanted to share some updates on the Engine 17 rig that played such a prominent role in the movie "Backdraft." If you're interested in the details, head over to the Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show Facebook page. You can reach out directly via private message or join the conversation in the comments section of the post.

Chicago Fire Department Engine 69 with the numbering for both Backdraft Engines 17 and 51. Photo by Tom McCarthy.

So, where did these rigs end up? Let's dive into their histories:

• 80-287/D-372 E126 – Rehabbed to E122 – Crashed in Blue Island in 1994.

• 80-288/D-373 E73 – Became E103 on 4/2/81 – (Not rehabbed) – Crushed at Cicero Iron in 1984.

• 80-289/D-374 E8 – Rehabbed to E17/51/69 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts on 8/28/96.

• 80-290/D-375 E106 – Rehabbed to E113 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts on 9/4/96.

• 80-291/D-376 E22 – Rehabbed to E46 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts on 9/9/96 (Crushed).

• 80-292/D-377 E113 – This one had quite the journey as a Shop’s spare at T61, O'Hare, E34, E19, E109, and E72 – Rehabbed to E14 – Sold to Erickson Trucks-n-Parts on 8/29/96.

• 80-293/D-378 E49 – Rehabbed to E34 – Sold to a private party – Ended up with the PA FD.

Engine 17 on 4-4-2004.

Now, let’s talk about the current state of Engine 17:

• The owner thinks around 75% of the rig is still intact, with about 20% of the parts needing to be sourced and another 5% requiring custom fabrication.

• It’s got a fully functional Cummins NTF 365 Turbo-Diesel engine (365 horsepower @ 2300 rpm).

• Missing the Allison HT70 6-speed overdrive transmission, which is a key component.

• Also missing $1,100 worth of copper radiator cores – originally from Mesabi Radiator of Minnesota.

• The Hale Q-2 2,000-GPM pump is non-functional but comes with a replacement PTO gear box, some pump valves, and pump gauges stripped from E14. These can be rebuilt by SPAN gauges in Wisconsin for $30 each, along with a new pump gasket set from Hale.

• It has a 500-gallon water tank and a 140-gallon foam tank added during the refurbishment.

• Equipped with a 50-gallon diesel tank.

• Measures 35 feet long with a 178” wheelbase.

• The original grille was stripped but replaced with a high-quality reproduction.

• Still has its original deck gun.

• Needs some diamond plate and steel work but comes with the refurb blueprints from E-ONE.

• Features original Imron paint, though it could be repainted to match the 68-69 Dodge red.

• Includes 500 feet of 5-inch LDH (Large Diameter Hose).

• Has functional lights, sirens, horns, and a period-correct Motorola radio.

Engine 17 photographed on 9-15-2012.

Overall, this rig has a lot of potential for restoration enthusiasts who love the classic look of fire engines from the '80s. It's fascinating to see how these vehicles have been preserved and repurposed over the years. If anyone has any questions or wants more info, feel free to reach out!