Bedford Domestic S type Fire engine Malta

Fire Engine Photos

No: 17064 Contributor: Malcolm Mifsud Year: 2009 Manufacturer: Bedford Country: Malta

Bedford Domestic S type Fire engine Malta

1960's Bedford Domestic S type with Miles Body after 15 years of standing in the open. The construction of the body is very similar to an aircraft fuselage, I know I worked on aircraft before, its incredible. Will be restored to its former glory by the Malta Historic Vehicle Trust -maltahistotricvehicles.com
thanks james for the photo

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Picture added on 18 May 2009 at 18:10

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Nice to know its going to be restored Malcolm, was this the Bedford based at the RAF base?

Added by John Stott on 18 May 2009.

Hi John, yes, it was based at RAF Luqa, eventually passing to the then Malta Police Fire Brigade, who replaced its petrol engine with a Bedford diesel.

Added by Mario on 18 May 2009.

This bodywork will be in fair order as it is Alfred Miles bodywork - all aluminium including the framing, only the front panel is steel - as can be seen by the rust , but Malcolm, you have an advantage over us in the UK a more pleasant climate !

Added by Rick Loudon on 18 May 2009.

A common misconception is that things don't rust and corrode here because we have warmer weather. It is actually worse because of the sea air. Nowhere on Malta is more than about three miles away from the sea. Things rust spectacularly here, even indoors.

Added by Mario on 19 May 2009.

Thanks for the information Mario, that is one very rare appliance! Good luck with the work.

Added by John Stott on 19 May 2009.

Good to see out of that field guys.
Happy memories of driving that truck many times during my time at RAF Luqa

Added by Bob on 19 May 2009.

But the pleasant weather brings high humidity, mostly saltly, which eats up steel. Most british think that the warm weather of Malta preserves the steel on trucks but in reality it eats it up quicker than in the UK

Added by Malcolm Mifsud on 19 May 2009.

oops sorry - the two times I have enjoyed Maltas climate I have only thought of getting a tan how selfish of me

Rick

Added by Rick Loudon on 19 May 2009.

That is what most people usually come to Malta for. Thanks for your interest, keep an eye out for how things progress this end.

Added by Mario on 20 May 2009.

Hi Bob,yes we finally managed to rescue the old girl. Sponsorship for the rebuild is next on the agenda now.

Added by Mario on 20 May 2009.

Mario, if they get rusty then we should really have them back mate!

Added by John Stott on 20 May 2009.

;-)))) Nice try!

Added by Mario on 20 May 2009.

I visited Malta in late 1978 and this Bedford (exRAF) and a sister pump were on the run at that time. An ex.RAF Bedford "J" ambulance was also on the run then as a rescue tender, as far as I can recall. Will try to find the old photograph!

Added by Chris on 07 August 2009.

Better ask James where he got the photo from mate ;)

Here's a link to the video when it was rescued.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aS2Wy8qciLI

Added by Johann on 14 December 2009.

This is actually my photo, and I have another ton of them somewhere :P It was inspired by the Johann style of photography :) For sure it is fitted with a diesel but methinks not Bedford now..........

The link to my photos below:

www.maltatrucksandvans.picturebook.org.uk/p58235304.html

Added by James Schembri on 19 December 2009.

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