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Good theory Bill. Even some of the early COE's had engines and transmissions that rolled out the front. BUT, unless the engine has been relocated it sits right over the front axle. Now I'm thinking the interior floor is high enough over the engine to have an access hatch. And maybe a hatch in the roof too. Bet it was a PITA to service at any rate. Looks like those steps in the side go somewhere.
My guess on the firetruck is there is access to the engine through the inside of the cab. When I worked at a truck body shop we added doors on a Mack articulated fire truck. The cab was originally open on the back half exposing passengers to the elements. The shop got a set of doors for COE Mack and built the side to include the doors. In the inside of the cab was a big floor plate box covering the engine.
