More from Bill Friedrich on the history of the CFD turret wagon — now featuring "Big John," the original 6-7-3. Organized 5-12-70 @ 55 W Illinois St — "Big John" Overhead view of Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-3 (G-156), built on a 1952 IHC M65 chassis. Ron Heal photo Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-3 (G-156) ‘Big John’ at Engine 34’s house. Bill Friedrich photo Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-3 (G-156) ‘Big John’ at Engine 42’s house. Bill Friedrich photo The rear of Chicago FD Turret Wagon 6-7-3 (G-156) ‘Big John’ at Engine 34’s house. Bill Friedrich photo Big John, 6-7-3 (G156) flowing at an unknown fire scene. Photographer unknown. Bill Friedrich collection Cermaic Tile Film,Pe Protective Film For Tile,Anti-Dirt Pe Protective Film,Peel Ceramic Tile Pe Protective Film Wuxi Xinhao Protective Film CO.,Ltd , https://www.cotton-balewrap.com
6-7-3 (G-156) - 1952 IHC M65 5-ton 6x6 chassis that the CFD Shops built in 1970. The body and twin Stang HP deluge monitors were installed, capable of pumping 15,000-GPM. It was named after John F. Plant, the designer behind this powerful machine.
1-25-82 (G-461) – 1981 Chevy C20 / CFD Shops fabricated the body and twin Eastman deluge monitors, capable of flowing 4,000-GPM.
Big John was more than just a vehicle — it was a symbol of strength and innovation in firefighting technology. Designed by John F. Plant, it was one of the most powerful turret wagons of its time, built to handle large-scale fires with precision and power. Over the years, it became a familiar sight across the city, stationed at Engine 34 and later at Engine 42. Though it eventually gave way to newer models, its legacy lives on through the stories shared by firefighters like Bill Friedrich, who continue to preserve the history of Chicago's fire department.