Vehicles of the U.S. Forest Service

Part 4 Modeling details 1920-56: colors, markings and emergency warning devices.

By Aaron Woods

 

Parts 2 & 3 discussed the basics of USFS markings. Here I will provide more detail needed to model vehicles from the early “dark green” period.    

 

1920-1940

It is not clear exactly when the USFS adopted the dark green paint and agency shield on their vehicles. It appears to have started in the late teens, and was definately in use by the mid 1920s. The markings consisted of a large 12-14″ agency shield and a 3 or 4 digit vehicle inventory ID number on the door. Both were gold, and were frequently stencilled or hand painted leading to some variation in size and style.

 

 

 

In addition to the door markings, fire vehicles frequently had a license plate like plaque applied to the front identifying it as a firefighting vehicle. A second plaque was occasionally added to the back.

 

 

Emergency warning devices during this period were very simple. Generally just one or two red cowl or roof mounted lights and a mechanical siren. Not all fire vehicles were equipped with warning devices. This was particularly true in remote areas where the fire plate and a horn was considered adequate. 

Since all Forest Service employees were expected to join in firefighting efforts, it is not uncommon to see non-firefighting vehicles equipped with warning lights and a siren. This was particularly common with vehicles attached to large work crews prior to WW2. 

 

1941-1956

In 1940-41 the door markings changed with the adoption of a flag themed shield, and white lettering. The use of the Fire plate continued, but seems to have been discontinued in the late 1940s. The only change to emergency warning devices was the occasional use of  rear facing red warning lights in the 1950s.  Additional spot / flood lights also start to appear in the late 1940s, to assist night operations.

 

 

Paint for 1920-1956

Paint for the dark green period seems to be well covered by Krylon Hunter Green or Rustolium Dark Hunter Green.

Rustolium Painter’s Touch series also has a Hunter Green but it is a slightly lighter shade of green. Although it is not my first choice, it does provide a viable option.