Fire Engines Photos

Are any of these 6x6 conversions operated by county fire services, or are they confined to airports and industrial brigades?

They look as if they may have a good amount of space for a tank and equipment, but they could be a bit underpowered if all that space is fully utilized.

Added by Rob Johnson on 16 August 2013.

Hi Rob, they were popular, usually based on a Range Rover. They were very fast to respond but were criticised in some circles for not carrying enough equipment. In Hertfordshire we had a Commando based in Watford, it earned its stripes on the motorway on more than one occasion.
I think you will find most are only four wheel drive, the rear axle being a weight carrier only. Some 6x6 do exist and I know of a few ex RAF Tacr 2 conversions.
I think it was Sussex who operated a few Jeep 6 wheelers into the eighties as well.
The one let down is their behaviour in traffic at speed, they all wallow like mad due to the weight. I used a Tacr 2 in the 77 national strike and had some very close calls with it. Once you adopt a sensible approach though they are fine. Would I see one as an RT in a county brigade again? Well you know fashions change and it wouldn't surprise me to see them reemerge one day soon!

Added by John Stott on 16 August 2013.

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