Quite a few of the pre 1974 County Borough brigades had 999 on registrations Darlington being just one.....of course the local authorities operated the vehicle tax and registrations so it was easy for the fire brigade to arrange for the 999s to be allocated, likewise many bus companies 'arranged' for the registration numbers to link with the bus fleet numbers. Not all pumps carry a 135 ladder, North Wales FB have taken these ladders from retained appliances on some stations....it does look like there is something 'missing'
I think all the Isle Of Man fire appliances have 999 in their reg. The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has started a programme to replace to the main 135 ladder on the Rescue Pumps & second pumps at two pump stations with a 9 metre ladder.
Brad = The appliance carries a 3 section 10.5m ladder that is only just visible and is very neatly stowed. The appliance is based in a small mining village hence why no 13.5m which coincidentally we have have only just started converting to after being one of only 3 Brigades in the country that i'm aware of to have used 15m ladders on all front line pumping appliances.
Bryan = Not all of our registrations have 999 in them however most of them have. It is more of a historical thing than for a particular reason. They have been handed down over the years from retired appliances. Hope this helps you guys. L/FF Justin McMullin - Isle of Man Fire & Rescue Service - www.iomfire.co.uk
Added by Justin McMullin on 28 April 2009.
Bryan here is a few examples (old appliances found in the historical photos part of Justin's website) WMN999, originally carried on an ERF pump, currently on a Mercedes pump at Castletown, 999WMN, found on a Dennis F2?, currently on the third pump at Douglas Volvo FL6 999CMN, found on a Dennis F? WrE, currently on a Volvo FL6 allocated to Peel NMN999, new Volvo FLL pump seen on the news page, plate was carried by the old HP.
Justin, can you add any pics of the new ALP, Peel MAN, the new CMN999E at Port Erin and any of the new pumps?
Added by Jake Reever on 29 April 2009.
Justin, I very nearly purchased an ex IoM Ford A type Transit Rescue Tender which I intended to restore to its original condition, the 'legals' having to re-register a fire appliance defeated me!!!
Ive raised the issue of the missing 13.5m ladder on the forum and it seems all brigades across the uk are phasing these ladders out. as mentioned by barrie, north wales have already taken some 13.5m ladders of the run,supposedly to do with safety. apparently brigades are favouring a 10m ladder.
Brad you have been misinformed. The vehicle only carries a 3 section 10.5m ladder as for the small town that the vehicle mainly covers it is sufficient. Also we couldn't physically fit anything bigger on the small wheel based MAN chassis. As for 13.5m ladders being phased out i have no idea where you got that info from as we have just started a conversion program from 15m ladders to 13.5m ladders.
Brad, over here the NIFRS are bringing in the 9 metre ladders as they are easier to handle & it will allow the stations with to standard pumps to have a WrL & WrT - I've heard the WrT will be used for the 'run of the mill' jobs eg car fires rubbish etc but I would say there is a cost issue aswell as Health & Safety, handling etc & as for the Rescue pumps getting a 9 metre ladder I was told the intial intention was for them not to carry with a 13.5 metre ladder as they would be stationed at 2 pump stations with a standard WrL.
Justin I remember being told about 10 years ago when I was down 'annoying' the Sunday morning crew during TT week that the 'main' ladders on some IOM appliances were 15 metre, Can't remember if there was a reason though. Are these MAN pumps replacements for the Mercedes 917 4x4 pumps - would you have any pictures of the Unimogs IOMFS had ?
Added by Alex on 20 March 2008.