Fire Engines Photos

I remember this lovely machine when new in 1954.It was first based at the Chelmsford Avenue headquarters of the Grimsby Fire Brigade. It was subsequently transferred to the new Peakes Lane HQ in 1964 and remained there when absorbed into Humberside until retirement in 1990.

Added by Royce J Treacher on 31 January 2009.

Hi Royce,

This appliance was moved back from Grimsby to headquarters in Hessle by the brigade, because the 'space was needed at Grimsby'it has now stood outside for over a year I am no longer in the brigade and I dread to think what is happening to it now ! the trouble is no one in the brigade cares !!

Added by Rick Loudon on 31 January 2009.

Humberside Fire and Rescue have decided they cannot care for a 'heritage appliance' and after leaving this beautiful TL to stand out in the open for at least 3 of the last 5 years have decided to enter it for sale in an auction run by Thimbleby and Shoreland on the 10th October in Spalding Lincolnshire.

In new 'brigade speak'I quote from a letter by the Chief Fire Officer - 'The issue you show concern about has had considerable debate at Corporate Management Level and the decision taken to dispose of the vehicle'

They didn't even consider asking if anyone in the brigade wanted to buy it first !

If anyone requires any info on the vehicle please contact me by email

Added by Rick Loudon on 01 September 2009.

I saw this beautiful TL a number of times when it was pride of place in the small museum off the entrance foyer at Humberside Brigade headquarters. It is hard to imagine how this could happen.

The same sentiments also apply to what has happened to ARD the Dennis Light Six.

Added by Barry on 01 September 2009.

Rick, dont you just love the corporate speak? How to sell and forget your brigades history in one stroke of the pen. Whatever is Moreton turning out nowadays.

Added by John Stott on 02 September 2009.

Looking at the advert for the auction there also appears to be the beautiful BFR 700 Leyland (ex Blackpool Fire Brigade)included in the auction (accompanying description states Leyland TM3 pump escape - am assuming that this is the same machine and there is just an error in the description of the body type).

Reference Thimbleby & Shoreland they are holding a further auction in Godalming, Surrey on 9th September at a farm that used to be home to an ex Surrey Dennis F44 (a sister machine to picture #4308) & a Karrier fire appliance, there have been a number of auctions at this site of which I understand the appliances were included however they would often re-appear (it is assumed as they were unsold). Whilst they haven't been visible for years, I shall try to get there on the day on the off chance they re-surface.

Added by John D on 02 September 2009.

John Stott, - 'Corporate Speak' is the new way forward but I have just been advised that Humberside Fire and Rescue are members of the Fire Heritage Network ! and this is what they do with their heritage !

John D, yes it is the correct appliance BFR 700 with the wrong description, a local friend of mine had this appliance a few years and I have driven it on the rally field !

Added by Rick Loudon on 02 September 2009.

Anyone know how this got on at the auction on 10th October? (Fingers crossed it has gone to a good preservationist home)

Added by John D on 12 October 2009.

It is joining it's sister 'Whizzy' the Belfast Dennis Metz.

Added by Barry on 12 October 2009.

Nice 1! Any news on the other fire appliances in the sale? especially the Leyland?

Added by John D on 12 October 2009.

The Leyland sold for £8000 - buyer unknown and the AEC tanker ex Milford Haven in tatty condition £1900 and the Bedford Miles ex Hawker Siddely Aviation and latterly British Aerospace at Brough in East Yorkshire £2400 (I think) again buyers unknown - pics to follow

Added by Rick Loudon on 13 October 2009.

Well I can assure its going to a VERY good home. No one cares about heritage anymore, its so sad, but look at the state of most brigades now, are you surprised.

Added by Darren on 05 August 2010.

I believe she's in the capable hands of Dr Barry Hutchinson as we speak.

Added by Andrew Middleton on 06 August 2010.

I took several pictures of this machine at different angles in the 80's for "Highway Models".
They were going to make a diecast scale model but Humberside refused permission because they did'nt want Grimsby Borough Livery to be on it.

Added by Chris Ellis on 05 October 2010.

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