Fire Engines Photos

Beautiful big bedford, these are real fire engines, looked great, sounded even better!

Added by John Johnstone on 10 March 2008.

Very smart looking TK. They were great to drive and operate, we had two brand new when I joined but one was a always a bit better than the other, a bit quicker and the brakes seemed to be better too, but a pleasure to drive. North Yorkshire's didn't have the full length doors. Who built the bodywork on this appliance ?.

Added by Paul Warnock on 10 March 2008.

Paul, just been looking through afew old fire engine rally programms
and it states from the 1991 Duxford Fire Engine Show & Flying Display
that this was a 1966 Bedford TK/HCB Angus.I will try and give as much
info on an appliance that I can, but its not always easy when I was a
West Sussex fireman, not East Sussex.These are some of the pictures I
took though over the years of East Sussex that I remember and Like.

Added by Pete Matten on 10 March 2008.

Thanks very much Pete for the information, much appreciated.

Added by Paul Warnock on 11 March 2008.

This pump came to Rye around 1980.It replaced a Dennis jag which had crashed on route to a call to Dungeness power station in Kent.It became the 2nd away behind a Ford WTL.This came from Eastbourn in 1978 with Ryes Bedford TK E or F Reg going to Hailsham.The Ford was the only pump that would fit the rear bay at Rye with a 13.5m ladder.The old TK was then replaced by a new Bedford TKG CSV HCB Angus in 1981.This became the 1st away as WT with a 10.5m ladder(small bays) with the Ford reverting back as the 2nd away with th 13.m ladder.

Added by Shaun R. on 28 March 2008.

Shaun, thanks for the added information on this 1966 Bedford TK/HCB Angus,
its still around today and still looking as good as in days gone by.
Would you have an old picture of the 1981 Bedford TKG CSV Angus you mension
and add to the site for us to see?, I don't have a good picture to post.

Added by Pete Matten on 29 March 2008.

Pete, I will put a picture of the CSV and I will dig out some of the Dennis after the crash and I will also put some pics of other pumps at Rye.

Added by Shaun R. on 30 March 2008.

Thanks for posting this, my Dad and a close family friend were the ones to initial purchase this appliance direct from service, I have spent many a happy summers weekend taking her to vintage shows, brings back very happy memories.

Added by Greg B on 15 July 2008.

Thanks Greg.I think I photographed this appliance at Buckingham Park at
Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex during the early 1990's.I do believe that
this old 1966 Bedford TK/Hcb Angus is actually still around today.

Added by Pete Matten on 16 July 2008.

Thanks Pete, would like to see her again, as i said very fond memories.

Added by Greg B on 17 July 2008.

Hello: A bit of information about the following would be welcome.
I own two Bedford TK fire engines.
Number 1 is Registration No: 998 NUO
1st Registered: 10/06/1963 by Devon Fire Service, Exeter.
Purchased in the UK and driven back to west coast of Ireland where it now resides.
Current Mileage: 10, 206
Number two is reg number OIM 111
Apparently Galway's very first Fire Engine (I am told).

Any history would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Wyn Rees


Added by Wyn Rees on 07 December 2008.

Hi, JPM336D was stationed at B15 Wadhurst for a time towards the mid 1980's. It arrived to replace another Bedford (KCD999F?) which was a different design maybe a converted pump escape. At the time JPM336D was all red, not with silver lockers as it is now. The callsign was Whisky15, and was the second away after a Dennis D series pump (NNJ282M) I do have a number of pictures which will need to be scanned an uploaded if I can find them.

Added by Mike G on 30 September 2009.

I've now uploaded a picture of JPM336D while stationed at Wadhurst, picture #19655 I do have a number of other pictures too, of the interior, equipment etc. These are all approx 25 years old, so will need to be scanned before uploading. Will add them as time allows and try to link them to this thread.

Mike.

Added by Mike G on 01 October 2009.

I am converted! I never used to be a big fan of the Bedford TK, as (forgive me) they used to seem quite a common site. But now I can really appreciate them especially these early split screen examples. No argument this is a cracking looking machine! A few years ago, I used to know of an ex East Sussex TK (I think similar to this one, i.e split screen) tucked away in a barn with another different appliance, the owner was quite private and kept them purely for his own enjoyment, didn't even rally them. They needed a little bit of work, but nothing major. I must go and look them up again now!

Added by John D on 02 October 2009.

John, I liked your post, its never too late to join the "Bedford Temple"!

Added by John Stott on 03 October 2009.

There's nothing wrong with Bedfords,Dennis,or even a good old Dodge,they'll be running for many more years yet.As for the Merc's,Scania's,etc,I wonder how many of those will be doing the shows and rallies in years to come.There's a few on the circuit now already,but nothing compares to that era from the 1950's and 60's or before when these classics roared down the road.

Added by Pete Matten on 03 October 2009.

'The term nostalgia describes a longing for the past, often in idealized form.'
'In common, less clinical usage, nostalgia includes a general interest in past eras and their personalities and events, especially the "good old days" of a few generations back recast in an idyllic light.'

I like classics (fire engines / trucks, planes, ships, trains, cars and even camper vans), not because they are 'better' but because they make me 'feel good' and they show an era past (sometimes unknown)... of which most folk only remember the good stuff :)

Added by Marcel Gommers on 03 October 2009.

There wont be many John with so many brigades preferring to scrap vehicles rather than allow them to be converted to limos !!!!!!

Added by Barrie Green on 03 October 2009.

Marcel, much of the nostalgia for older fire engines, with respect, comes from people who have used them. We respect them because they were reliable and trustworthy and basically bombproof. Many of us have experience of "newer" designs and base our comments on those experiences, compared to older makes. Please don't confuse our nostalgia for anything other than experience, often based on pretty horrific scenarios.

Added by John Stott on 04 October 2009.

I should not worry to much about fire engines becoming limos barry as the fire limo game is in decline.
One thing i will say is the fire limo have also saved a lot fire engines from going on the scrap heap.

Added by Michael Jones on 04 October 2009.

I wouldn't be too hard on the fire limo game Gents. At least it ensures the vehicles survival for a while, until someone can get round to preserving it properly.
A similar parallel exists for old buses. How many of those have become playbuses, or mobile fish n chip bars? At least they survive until such time as they can saved. A far worse fate is for any vehicle to be used by banger racers. Some of those types deliberately go out of their way to wreck Historic vehicles!

Added by Chris Hall Teesside. UK. on 04 October 2009.

I've added a couple more pictures of JPM336D showing the equipment carried, while on the run at Wadhurst. picture #19716 & picture #19715

Added by Mike G on 05 October 2009.

And maybe Marcel needs to realise that on here we can all have our say instead of listening to how great the newer fire engines are when they aren't, so maybe before you mock others for being nostalgic you should try listen to them and maybe things will become more clear .

Added by John Johnstone on 05 October 2009.

John, you can have your say. As can I...
You might have noticed that your regular editor is on hols (State side) and will be back with a new batch of pics, US trucks this time.
And so I am 'covering' the daily business for him... and I have my own opinions and am used to vent them (once or twice....)

As I said, I like old / classic machines. So don't get me wrong on that. But I think history is always tainted and I anticipate that in 40 years time folk then will say the same about today's equipment. It is just how the human mind works.... I am sure that the Ahrens-Fox (picture #191) had the same support / fan base when newer engines were introduced and I am sure people were complaining on the 'modern' engines then too.

But enjoy your classics, and in two weeks you'll have your regular editor back.

Added by Marcel Gommers on 05 October 2009.

wasn't knocking you Marcel or your abilities for covering nor what you say, you are right we are all permitted to have our say and we do.

I was saying that some of the older machines were far more impressive in terms of handling / reliabilty etc and for me personally the current trend of using a " stock hgv " simply doesn't work and this is being proven time and again .

Keep up the good work you are doing and i hope i never offended or upset you in anyway as that was never my intention, take care mate, John .

Added by John Johnstone on 05 October 2009.

I'm sorry that I may it seem's have offended people by passing comments on what I think of todays fire appliances compared with what I think of those from the paste.Having spent thirty years in the fire service driving Bedford/Dennis fire appliances,and just viewing the comments passed on this site on the later more modern appliances now in use,ie- MAN/Scania/Volvo/Mercedes,etc,etc,I have gathered this is not just my opinion,but that of many people.I will not though be to critical and apologize if I have offended,I'm sure though time will tell,Pete.

Added by Pete Matten on 05 October 2009.

Pete, you dont offend anyone, it seems to me that there are many of us with strong opinions based on experience. Its experience that matters, because thats how lessons are learned. The lorry brigade will learn in time and I dont want to sound arrogant. Time and time again we hear of these wonder machines breaking down or not being on the run for technical problems. The proof of the pudding is in the eating, so if we are nostalgic, fine, thats nostalgia based on experience.

Added by John Stott on 05 October 2009.

I take all your experience on board, though it seem to be the same people talking all the time.
But for me there are two different things here:
- The old kit was great (Bedford, Dennis)
- The new kit is not good

I don't have a problem with the stories on the classics (though for the 'outsider' it does get boring sometimes). I do have a problem on the comments on the new kit being less than the old kit. I for one simply do not believe that it is that simple. I take it modern appliances have problems, but older kit isn't synonym for better. Are we sure we want to cover the country with Green Goddesses? And does all this apply to all modern gear? Or are there modern appliances out there that do a great job (perhaps better than the gear they replaced)?

And from the outside it looks like it only affects specific gear in specific countries.
Where are the comments on 'bad' modern US or Australian appliances?

Bottom line, and after that I'll rest my case... promised, Id like this site to be upbeat and positive. To showcase the (old and current) industry to the outside world (including the 12 year old lads who dream of becoming a firefighter).... but I might be to optimistic :)

Anyway thanks for the discussion, I'll better publish some of the new pics now...

Added by Marcel Gommers on 05 October 2009.

Marcel, this is my last comment on this. Some modern machines are brilliant, in Britain they are made by Dennis, Sabres and Rapiers to name two. Australia has Varleys. From the EU, Unimog and Steyr stand out. The point is in the engineering, quality costs, people wont spend money on quality. Fin.

Added by John Stott on 05 October 2009.

MPM 795F Ex East Sussex is now on ebay item number 150381849641, says ex Crowborough. This may be the one I thought was still around, but didn't get chance to investigate. Looks like it comes with loads of kit, fairly complete and would make a great restoration.

Added by John D on 19 October 2009.

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