It would be nice to see an expansion of the vehicle system and allow for more customization.
Current System:
Type 1 Fire Engine
Type 2 Fire Engine
ect...
Suggested System
The first change that would have to be made is to correct the terminology used in the apparatus. Type 1 and Type 2 fire engines refer to a definition based on the US Forestry Service and their capabilities in wildfire, not as specific to your typical fire service. I would suggest following NFPA 1901, the standard on fire apparatus for determining the minimum specifications of a truck. So using this updated definition set you then would purchase your apparatus. It would automatically have to meet the minimum requirements as set by NFPA 1901.
The apparatus types would become the following:
Pumper (Minimums: 300 gal tank, 1 straight 1 extension 1 attic ladder, 250 gpm pump.)
Initial Attack Apparatus (Minimums: 150 gpm pump, 200 gal tank, 1 12ft ext ladder.)
Mobile Water Supply (Minimums: 1000 gal tank, 250 gpm pump,
Aerial Apparatus (Pump: Optional, Tank: Optional, Ladders: 1 attic, 2 straight, 2 extension)
Quint Apparatus (Minimums: 300 gal tank, 1 straight 1 extension 1 attic ladder, 250 gpm pump. Aerial length and config)
Special Fire Apparatus (Minimum: Chassis design)
Once you select your apparatus for its base price (providing minimum ability to the apparatus) you can choose to change options on it. The options would be able to either boost the apparatus ability to complete a call quicker, or debuff the chance of needing other apparatus on a call.
Example: Pumper is required to have 1x extension ladder, however via optionals could choose to have 1x 35ft extension ladder and 1x 24ft extension ladder, thus it debuffs the chance to need an aerial apparatus on scene of a roof fire.
Customization Options would include the following:
Chassis: SUV, Truck, Commercial Cab, Cab Over, Ambulance, Sedan, Coupe (changes cab selection available)
Cab: 2 - 6 person cab design. (Effects speed of call, debuffs chance to need second apparatus)
Pump Capacity: How many GPM a pump is able to put out. (effect speed of call)
Tank Capacity: How much water the tank holds (debuffs chance to need water tender on "wilderness calls")
Aerial Ladder Config: Platform, Straight Stick, Snorkel (Platform serves as all purpose ladder truck, straight stick serves for roof fire, however chance to need platform, snorkel not capable of rescue)
Equipment:
-Ladders: Additional capibility and reach (reduced chance to need aerial)
-Preconnects/Hose Size: How much water is able to be extinguished by crews. (reduced call time)
-Special Equipment: Gas meters, Hazmat Suits, Foam, Thermal Imaging Cameras, RIT Equipment, ALS/BLS Medical Equipment, Extrication Equipment, Command, MCI, Rescue Equipment. (determines if a unit is able to handle specialized calls.)
This is just a small sampling of what could be done with this. Each option would add price to the apparatus with the return of a more multipurpose apparatus that can handle larger calls but at a higher price. The reason speciual apparatus does not have a minimum is that it could be used to create anything from a heavy rescue squad to a command car. This system could also expand into the police, ambulance, and even flight units.
The last thing I would add is the ability to upload an image for the apparatus, unlike what is currently existing this would not show on the map, however if anyone in the alliance clicked on the apparatus page they would then be shown a unit with the details of its capabilities.
I am sorry if I am confusing anyone with this suggestion, and understand that it is a barebones look at what I imagine the real verison could be. If you have any questions please ask and I will try to explain myself better.
Thank you!