We see them every day - Our favorite Fire Trucks rushing off to save the day or getting a meticulous wash at the firehouse. But where do they come from? And how are they made? Find the answers on a tour of Seagrave Fire Ap... more »paratus, the oldest continuously operating fire truck manufacturer in the US. Visit their factory as they build large fire trucks from the very beginning. See first hand how a handmade custom fire truck is designed and built. get close to the highly skilled men and women and the machinery they use to build those fire trucks you see every day. View different styles of trucks and engines, examine what different models do and what purpose they serve. Sit in the driver's seat or the back tillerman's cab and learn how they work from a driver's eye view. Using colorful 3D animated models and high definition live action, you'll see the steps and process it takes to build such Marvelous Machines and see them in action. So hop on in and come see how they build that... Fire Truck.« less
"This video was fascinating for both children and adults alike in our test group. Viewers are taken on a personal tour of Seagrave Fire Apparatus plant and learn exactly how fire trucks and rescue vehicles are assembled. This plant has been designing, constructing and assembling the toughest trucks for 125 years. They are the very best in the business and you get to see how they do it.
When a customer orders a vehicle, they use computerized 3-D technology, which enables them to see every item on the vehicle before production begins. Amazingly, there are 1800 to 2500 different parts on each vehicle. At Seagrave, many of these parts are still hand-crafted. For this reason, it takes 1500 to 3500 hours to build a single fire truck. No vehicle is allowed to leave the lot without extensive testing to prove its strength, stability and safety.
The plant tour is interspersed with interesting fire engine facts, such as the difference between fire trucks and fire engines. Fire engines, or pumpers, primarily pump water to extinguish fires, while fire trucks carry ladders, tools and specialized fire equipment. This video does a great job of explaining the components of a fire vehicle and exactly how those parts are assembled. It's put together in a fun, informative way, and would make a terrific gift. Did you know there are 125 different colors to choose for a fire vehicle - but 92 of these are variations of red? You would if you had watched this video."
Captivating video for all ages
T. Donihoo | Dallas, TX | 10/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My 3-year old daughter loves firetrucks and is constantly saying she wants to be a fireman. We viewed the "How'd They Build That" video together, and I was amazed at how it captivated her attention with its visually engaging "inside look" for nearly an hour. This is a quality video...well produced...that explains and illustrates the different styles and purposes of several fire fighting vehicles. My daughter especially loved the vehicles in action scenes, and before we had finished watching...my 16-year old son was equally enthralled with the stimulating presentation and fun facts the program delivers. I would recommend this video for a broad age range of viewers. I enjoyed it and learned from it as well. Very pleased!"
Fire Apparatus fun
George R. Sup | 04/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great video for both young and old. Show cases a commonly seen truck, but one alot of people know nothing about. Great profile,, of a company with a long history. Very enjoyable."
Fascinating DVDs!
M. Pogue | Los Angeles, CA | 04/22/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The How'd They Build That videos are great for kids of all ages. I have several different ones, which I obtained for my[...] nephew. His favorite was the fire truck and garbage truck videos. After seeing them, he wanted to (a) become a fireman and (2) drive a garbage truck. This kept my nephew's attention the whole way - highly recommended!"
Great DVD Very Impressed
James F. Weber | Potsdam, NY USA | 11/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Very impressed and learned a lot. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn how fire aparatus is manufactured"