The Lime Yellow Engine that serviced the Bronx
An avid Collector who reviewed the production model for FDNY Engine 85 had this to say: "I have to say that after seeing this model, Code 3 has hit this model perfectly. A few more models like these will be a great addition to my collection." - FDNYBuff
Engine 85 was one of the Lime Yellow rigs as part of a color change experiment by the FDNY. The decision to stay with the traditional red won in the end and the Lime Yellow rigs disappeared. However you can now add one to your collection with the latest release by Code 3 Collectibles.
Engine Company 85 was originally a fireboat, known as the JAMES DUANE, which entered service on December 7, 1908, at the foot of West 35th Street & North River, Manhattan. It was disbanded as an engine company and re-numbered as Marine Company 3 on June 1, 1959. On July 1, 1967, the new Engine 85 was organized in the well known quarters of Engine 82 and Ladder 31 at 1215 Intervale Avenue, Bronx. On June 8, 1971, Engine 85, together with Tactical Control Unit 712, moved into the new pre-fabricated firehouse at 1264 Boston Post Road, Bronx, which became known as "The Tin House" due to its construction. Engine 85 was disbanded on May 20, 1986. During their 19 years of service during the so-called "war years", they were one of the busiest companies in NYC.
Engine 85's last assigned apparatus was a 1981 Mack model CF611F 1000 gpm Pumper, with FDNY registration number MP8106. This was one of ten identical Mack Pumpers delivered that year, all painted lime yellow. Besides these ten, the only other FDNY lime yellow Pumper was just one of eighty American LaFrance Pumpers delivered in 1980. The lime yellow experiment was not a success in NYC and three of the ten Mack trucks (not Engine 85) were later re-painted red, with white above. After Engine 85 was disbanded, the Pumper was assigned to Engine 263 and later to the Fire Academy.
