Fire Engines Photos

Great shot, Jacques - for me, I've finally realized that the British Ladders have this levelling device, with hand-wheels at their bases, as shown here....

Previously thought that it was part of a locking device, for stowing on the Pump...learn something new every day !
BTW; are those "Tormentor Poles" eg legs that swing out, to help raise the ladder ?


Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B


Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 05 February 2010.

Hi Pat. This ladder is a Lacon 13.5 m (45ft) ladder and sometimes called a 135. Its a very popular ladder carried on most water ladders in the UK. It requires 4 people to put it up and take down, the poles or props are used to raise and lower the ladder and also give some stability when the head of the ladder is into the building when being climbed. The round beam on the heel of the ladder is called a jack beam the 2 screw devices are used to plumb the ladder on uneven ground. The jack beam also is used to secure the ladder when on the appliance. The props when not in us are secured in clips on the side of the ladder, which you can just make out at the third round up on this picture. Hope this helps. Paul.

Added by Paul Warnock on 05 February 2010.

Yep Pat....you are correct....they are known as 'handling poles'
The heel levellers is known as the 'Jack Beam'

Added by Barrie Green on 05 February 2010.

Cor Blimey-I missed that photo shoot again,or maybe I did'nt?.Thats firefighter Cook footing the ladder and Firefighters Stepney and Bevis on the branch.Now could that be me operating the pump on that old Dennis F44,or could that be me on the ladder?.
Jacques,thanks for this photograph and bringing back to me some very good memories.Pete.

Added by Pete Matten on 05 February 2010.

Thanks, Paul, Barrie & Pete, for helpful info.

North America - they are called 'Pole Ladders' or 'Bangor Ladders'. The Fire Standard, "NFPA 1931", requires all extension ladders over 40 feet (12.2 metres) to be equipped with these 'Stay Poles' or 'Tormentor Poles'...50 feet (15.2 metres) is average length, apparently, today.

I gather, from this 'Site, that there are other local names for it..."Gut-Buster" being one of the more polite terms.....

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 06 February 2010.

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