Fire Engines Photos

This is an AEC Turntable Ladder fire appliances. Widely used LFB appliances used at that time.

Added by Bomba Boy on 30 August 2009.

I'm just wondering if this is 237FLM (A24)now preserved?

Added by Chris Hall Teesside. UK. on 30 August 2009.

Chris,the AEC/Merryweather your refering to was from 1963,and yes it was located at A24 Soho.The appliance went out of service in 1981 and yes went into preservation so if this photo was taken in 1983,it can't be that one.Only 2 of the 1963 AEC/Merryweather TL's were still operational after 1981,one being at Wandsworth-EX New Cross(OOS-1984)and the other at Brixton which served until 1981 then went as a reserve until going out of service in 1885.If the photo was taken in 1983,then it could be the reserve TL(241 FLM).
Actually in 1983,A24 Soho got a new Dodge RG13/Magirus TL which makes me think the picture shows the spare-the very last AEC/Merryweather TL to serve the London Fire Brigade.I do hope I have'nt bored you all and you've found this info of some interest,once I start researching something I do get abit carried away.
Jacques,you may have got a very historical photo here,thanks for sharing it with us-Pete.

Added by Pete Matten on 30 August 2009.

Hi Pete,
Not boring at all and happy to share.
I confirm this picture was taken in July 1983. I remember I felt at that time this engine looks quite outdated. It reminded me of some of the old rigs still used in Paris. In 1986 I have seen the Dodge and last year in 2008 the MB Econic.
When passing in London I often drop at Soho FS, because I know my way easily.

Added by Jacques PETER on 31 August 2009.

Don't apologise Peter, it's people like you who help bulk out the details on many of these photos. It is great to see research of academic quality on this site, and it's much appreciated.

Added by Chris Hall Teesside. UK. on 31 August 2009.

Pete, can I just second the comments Chris has made. You do us all a service in providing the histories you do. I struggle with my Bedford records alone, so never apologise!

Added by John Stott on 31 August 2009.

Its not that important but just thought I'd point out that apart from the 6 AEC/Merryweather TL's purchased in 1963,the LFB purchased another 6 in 1964,and again,another 6 in 1965.All these TL's had been withdrawn from active service by 1986.
I can find no information on any of the last 2 batches serving at Soho Fire Stn.
PS.What I meant so say above was this TL from the batch from 1963,could have been the last.It actually was'nt the last AEC/Merryweather to go out of service with the LFB,the last of this type went out of service in 1986.I hope that makes things a little clearer.

Added by Pete Matten on 31 August 2009.

Hi Guys. So having read all your great comments; does anyone know if this IS 241 FLM, and if so, it's whereabouts now? I have a particular interest in her, as I drove and operated it whilst at Brixton early 1970's. When I entered 241 FLM, all I see is the sorry state of what is supposed to be her in a yard somewhere in Norfolk. Very upsetting. Can anyone help? Thanks. Jim Taylor.

Added by JAMES TAYLOR on 13 November 2011.

This series of London TLs had the full forward-control four-door cab, unlike the earlier versions, all of which had a two-door cab with central sliding doors.

The same four-door cab configuration was provided on a batch of dual purpose Merryweather-AEC appliances supplied to London in the early 1960s, and a few of these also went to other brigades.

Shortly afterwards, London went back to Dennis.

Added by Rob Johnson on 11 April 2013.

If the apppliance has "A24" it meens it's from the Soho station? I was asking because I have a black and white picture somewhere of a PE I took some time between 6-66 and 9-68 and its has I think "A24" but maybe "A28" on it's side. Was there an "A28" or could that PE from Soho?

Added by Richard Sees on 12 April 2013.

Interesting point about the cabs Rob......Southport FB had a similar TL but with a two man cab......the only one built.

Added by Barrie Green on 12 April 2013.

JUL 57D and EYX 248C were still being used in late 1987 and early 1988 - I know that for a fact, as I photographed both machines in the yards Kingsland Road and Dowgate fire stations!

Added by Graham Brown on 12 April 2013.

Don't quote me but I also remember a D reg AEC TL outside Lord's cricket ground In spring 1988 , I recall the Driver telling me the TL's had been repowered with Perkins engines and other upgrades had been carried out in order to extend service life - my interest was activated due to the unusual sound of the motor and frankly the speed with which it picked up after turning onto St John's Wood Rd

Added by Gary bolton on 12 April 2013.

I guess London was one of the last UK fire brigades to run TLPs with three or even occasionally four crew members. But quite a lot of UK brigades still ordered new TLs with crew cabs well into the 1970s, despite the fact that crews were usually limited to two.

A similar evolution happened in most European countries at around the same time, but of course North America and Japan still typically run aerial ladders with three to six crew members.

When I first lived in New York in 1978, some of their Seagrave 100 foot aerials had an extra one-man cab half way down the rear body on the right side, as the standard cab could only seat seven, and the manning standard was no less than eight members! It looked really odd, and I wish I had a photo.....

Added by Rob Johnson on 12 April 2013.

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