I phographed this Dennis in the 1960s at its base station; the reason for the convertible top was because of a(maybe several) low bridges in the city. thet removable top was plastic or fibreglass, and at the time of my visit it had no rotating beacon.
Ian, Do you have access to the Dennis records archives, if so could you look up to see if there are any records relating to the Dennis F28 that I own?,
My query with the design of this appliance is with the missing officer's seat and door. These would have not compromised the low height capability. Andy, I don't think this point has been answered in the previous posts?
Paul, Can you confirm the registration number of the Dennis F28 that you own ?
Added by Ian Moore on 20 January 2008.
Absolutely fantastic! A real favorite. One abstract idea that is keeping me amused, is that the OIC sat exposed to the elements R2D2 style (as he did in the X wing), and the locker above the front wheel arch is where he kept his goggles and a large supply of tooth picks, for removing the flies and other insects from his teeth. The reasoning behind it, perhaps he just was not very popular.
Sorry if you took my post the wrong way but if you look at the other picture it tells you the ladder is in a loccker that runs down the side of the appliance and that's why there is no door or space on the passenger side of the appliance.
What should perhaps be added is that the 35' ladder was carried fully horizontally and internally, being accessed from the rear of the appliance.
Added by Ian Moore on 20 January 2008.
Ian The registration is 703LYA and is a Dennis F28 Water tender built for Somerset Fire Brigade in late 1960/early 1961 first registered in March 1961, Regards Paul
Hi Paul, Sorry, I've got no excuse, I'd simply forgotten to answer your query. From the database, 703 LYA is shown as chassis 151F28A2, was part of WPO 41556, and ios shown as delivered in June 1961. The fact that it was registered three months earlier probably has no significance other than that it avoided the vehicle having to be delivered on trade plates.
Added by Ian Moore on 26 January 2008.
Thanks Ian for your reply about my Dennis F28. The chassis number you quoted is correct and is still shown on the brass plate above the nearside door, Regards Paul
This is FXG300 a WrT new in 1956 to Middlesbrough Fire Brigade.It was specially built to cope with a number of very low headroom Railway Bridges in several industrial locations on Teesside, the ladder is carried inside the body, and the Machine currently exists in storage awaiting restoration. It is also one of the few (if not the only) Middlesbrough appliances to be built with unpainted aluminium areas, as opposed to being Red, this was done on the grounds of cost. The roof section was made of glass fibre, and was detatchable. It is seen at it's home base on Park Road South in Middlesbrough shortly after the formation of Teesside Fire Brigade around 1968 as evidenced by the Teesside crest on the bodyside. It was I believe withdrawn around 1969/70.
Pat....it was a four man drill to remove the roof.......the vehicle was delivered without the roof......that was added several years later. The power feed to the beacon terminated in a detchable plug and socket. The appliance also had a Francis rolling siren which is just in front of the bell....however the mirror obscures the siren. Just to confirm the o.i.c's position is immeadiatly behind the driver!
Re the low profile, according to the Firemen at Central Station when "on the run"it was for use on the Docks and Steelworks areas only, due to the very low railway bridges it was able to gain access anyware quickly while normal sized backup appliances took the long route around the Docks /Steelworks ect areas.
This unique appliance may be now available for private ownership. It would be nice if it could stay in the North East on home territory. Please contact me for further details.
I really hope someone takes it on and restores it. I have to say that in my with Teesside FB everyone hated tiding or driving this machine.....she was uncomfortable to say the least..... but as you say Barry, very unique
Unfortunately the Council Depot in Billingham on Teesside, where this and another vintage fire appliance were kept, has suffered a disastrous fire (Nov 08)It is not known at this moment in time, if they have survived the fire. Should I find out I will let you know.
Would hope if this vehicle is ok a home could be found ie Sheffield Fire Museum, National Fire Museums Trust, or an identical transport museum, like the devon fb F8 it is a "one off"do Teesside F&R not have anyone who would be interested in looking after it?
The Sheffield Fire Museum used to have another former Teesside Machine. This was the former Hartlepool ET a Dennis/Miles (LEF927). It left Cleveland Fire Brigade c1978/9, and passed to an amateur Rock Band, and then to the Sheffield Museum. Then it disapeared.does anyone have any further information on this one's eventual fate?
Hi I am in the process of writing about my 5 years in the Middlesbrough fire Brigade 1957 to 1962, we took great pride in riding the Dennis used for the low bridges. At the time it seemed comfortable and nice to drive, bearing in mind that we had only just stopped using the Leyland Briadwoods.Sadly it had the side ripped off by a bulldozer blade being carried on a low loader during a shout but was soon back on the run I am now 72 and have fond memories of the fleet of the then modern fleet.
Hi 32 years Middlesbrough, Teesside, Cleveland, the driver was Barney Reid (now in NZ) when side taken out by Bulldozer on Linthorpe Rd. 2 roofs were provided 1st.(Black) was demolished by low (Metz) bridge Much practised 4 man drill to remove was forgotten Prior to roof being fitted crew would invariably run / climb over back and drop into crew compartment, save time. Was "good fun" to drive but being a Water Tender you had to watch out for the water moving / weight on corners.
No actual photo's only the postcards which were issued as part of Fire Prevention, Fire Appliances, Fire boat, stations etc, presume you have a set of these , about 30 in all?
Best wishes,
Barry.
Added by Barry on 19 January 2008.