Fire Engines Photos

Hi Guys I actually used both the Thornys whilst serving at Heathrow Airport (1974 - 2006). Fantasic machines.

Added by Chucklebus on 04 February 2010.

You will know all about the 'Vactrol' then Chucklebus lol

Added by Barrie Green on 05 February 2010.

I know these types of appliances well, VXN 867 is a Thornycroft\Sun Water(Foam)Tender. It carried 950 gals water and 50gals protein foam concentrate delivered by 2x 10X FMB's. Although capable of working as a foam tender in its own right these appliances usually worked in tandem with the monitor appliances,additional water supplies for example.
SXT 107,although similar in equipment and small gear carried had a 20X FMB monitor and carried 800 gals of water and 100 gals of protein foam concentrate. Both appliances date from 1957/58.
Once the Vactrol foam proportioning had been set the water and foam was introduced to the plumbing by manual operated levers in front of the drivers steering wheel, the linkage was complex and needed to be worked daily to prevent sticking.
These were the days of canvas delivery hose and no pumping on the run.

Added by Roger Parncutt on 08 February 2010.

Marvelous System, as long as you could pat your head and rub your tummy at the same time. On the good side, if it went wrong at least you could fix on the fireground.

Added by Chucklebus on 08 February 2010.

You aint wrong there Chucklebus......somewhere up in the loft..I have my students notes from Stansted..when I had to meticulously draw the workings of the Vactrol.....it never did me any good really as we had 'round the pump' foam proportioning systems on our machines at Teesside Airport lol

Added by Barrie Green on 09 February 2010.

With regard to protein foam concentrate, did any one try and feed their tomatoes with the stuff, or pour a small amount into high level w/c cistern and await results when flushed ?

Added by Roger Parncutt on 09 February 2010.

These appliances were not unlike the RAF Dual purpose trucks DP I + DPII through the 50's to 80's

Added by Bob Ewing on 09 February 2010.

In the north east...leak growing is the big thing and foam compound (as it was then called) was considered to be the ultimate fertilizer. The dregs of finished foam drums were worth pints of beer in working mens club prior to the leak showing season.

Added by Barrie Green on 09 February 2010.

The w/c cistern was more fun though,especially if it was someone elses station! Beware of standby crews!!!!

Added by Gary Simpson on 09 February 2010.

Hi Barrie, to reduce the confusion - you are thinking of the onion-like vegetable 'Leek' as used in cooking....

A 'growing leak' in our Fire Services, and in my old ships, would generate a lot of heart-ache and anxiety.....

Latin name is "alium ampeloprasum porrum'.. but, no smarts here; I lifted that from The Web !

Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 10 February 2010.

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