This Bedford name is depending to its color.If it is colored Green it is known as 'Green Goddess' while if is colored red it is known as 'Red Goddess'.I believe there are also Yellow Goddess in service.RAF fire services used to own several Red Goddess which is used for regular firefighting.In a recent 'War and Peace' show this Bedford was sold for only £2500.
Added by Bomba Boy on 04 December 2006.
Bomba Boy, the Yellow Goddess was the name ased to these appliances over here in Northern Ireland, they were painted yellow to make them more "acceptable" in certain areas of N.I while they were being crewed by MOD personnel during the fire strikes in the UK. They also had mesh fitted over the windows & lights to try to provide some protection from stones etc being thrown at them on the streets of N.Ireland.
A great looking machine. I too own one and would love to get it repainted to look as good as this. what is the exact colour and where was it done.Also thinking of starting a Green Goddess register so if you own one let me know @ talbot829@yahoo.co.uk
Well Robin, as you now know there are quite a few of us own GGs. Mine has been touched up in several different shades of green and that is how I will keep her "in her working clothes".
Robin, if you dont already have it I can recommend "The Green Machine" by Barry Holliss & John Thompson ( Enthusiasts Publications ) Its a goldmine for GG men!
The RAf fire service did not use Yellow goddess, We had HCB Angus TK domestic trucks for domestic use.The forces used the Yellow trucks In N.I. During Fire strikes.
hi im about to take ownership of a red goddess it was owned by the dundee municipality in south africa. It needs some attention but im up for the challenge.
Best of luck Ziyaad. These are fantastic vehicles and great fun to own and drive. Did you know that there is a yahoo group dedicated to Bedford RL it's called rsoles (no, not a joke). There is much information shared here.
Red Goddess fire appliances were used in many rural part time (retained fire stations) in the West coast of Scotland and maybe elsewhere. Specifically what is now Argyll and Bute for one, cannot clarify at this moment where they came from originally but can ask my dad as he was the local village Station Officer back in the 70's.
John Thanks for the reply, my comments are only based on the fact that many of the stations near to our village all had the same type of fire appliances. I cannot comment to what extent they were used elsewhere or outwith Argyll. I can source photos of the machines used, just wonder what happened to them in the end? Cheers
Thanks Sandy, they were used a lot within the Northern Area Fire Service, a good stock were held in Scotland but my records dont include what happened to them after disposal, pity as its the one machine that I am really interested in as my dad was AFS. John.
There is a DVD available which lists all the Green Goddess and, where known, there present location/owner. It's called @Duty Done' and is available from Ted Angus. Unfortunatly the DVD does not include his details but an email to the RSOLES yahoo group will provide the necessary.
Added by Bomba Boy on 04 December 2006.