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Steyning Dennis Rapier
The last operational front Line Dennis Rapier in West Sussex, W686 AOR, seen in the drill yard at Steyning on May 16th 2015, during a car washing event for The Firefighters charity. This appliance which was new to Steyning in September 2000, is due to be replaced by Worthings M.A.N HX13 FOF later this year, although the M.A.N only just fits and will need "shrinking" slightly before it arrives as the marks on the stations rear entrance roof from a trial fit testify.
How many other Dennis Rapiers are still running as front line appliances in this country? - are there any in Humberside or Kent, or is this the last one? The Steyning crew will be sad to see this lovely machine go. Thanks for the usual friendly welcome & washing the car!
The last operational front Line Dennis Rapier in West Sussex, W686 AOR, seen in the drill yard at Steyning on May 16th 2015, during a car washing event for The Firefighters charity. This appliance which was new to Steyning in September 2000, is due to be replaced by Worthings M.A.N HX13 FOF later this year, although the M.A.N only just fits and will need "shrinking" slightly before it arrives as the marks on the stations rear entrance roof from a trial fit testify.
How many other Dennis Rapiers are still running as front line appliances in this country? - are there any in Humberside or Kent, or is this the last one? The Steyning crew will be sad to see this lovely machine go. Thanks for the usual friendly welcome & washing the car!
W686 AOR is still on the run at Steyning, as there have been a few problems with Worthings new 15 plate Scania, so they are still running MAN HX13 FOF as first appliance (51P1) which is due to replace this Rapier. If it is still on the run at Steyning on September 5th it will have been there for 15 years.. quite impressive.
Added by Jon Godden on 28 August 2015.
Added by Jon Godden on 28 August 2015.
And neither the scania if it gets fixed or the man will last as long give as reliable service, be appreciated by their drivers and crew more or look as good as this does in 15 years -if its still around.
Added by Big A on 02 September 2015.
Added by Big A on 02 September 2015.
Its sure to mark 15yrs at Steyning, its just had a service, being temporarily replaced by the only Rapier reserve left V741 FCR
Added by M.West on 03 September 2015.
Added by M.West on 03 September 2015.
Its sure to mark 15yrs at Steyning, its just had a service, being temporarily replaced by the only Rapier reserve left V741 FCR
I had it down as going OTR 4/9/2000, i went there
when D555 DOR was replaced by F23 OCR Storrington
WRL(2)so that they remained on OTR, whilst the
equipment was transferred onto W686 AOR at
workshops, W686 AOR went OTR that afternoon.
Reserves not being kitted out
Added by M.West on 03 September 2015.
I had it down as going OTR 4/9/2000, i went there
when D555 DOR was replaced by F23 OCR Storrington
WRL(2)so that they remained on OTR, whilst the
equipment was transferred onto W686 AOR at
workshops, W686 AOR went OTR that afternoon.
Reserves not being kitted out
Added by M.West on 03 September 2015.
Thanks Martyn, I am sure you are correct - and I was only a day out! It has certainly made 15 years then. Steyning has a good record for keeping it's appliances for a long time ..no one has answered my initial question if it is the last front line (non reserve) Rapier in the country though. Glad Findon's old V741 FCR is still getting some use. Thanks, Jon
Added by Jon Godden on 04 September 2015.
Added by Jon Godden on 04 September 2015.
I think you may find that Humberside still may have a few front line, Brough springs to mind, restricted access I have heard, the fire station is inside the BAE site.
Added by M.west on 10 September 2015.
Added by M.west on 10 September 2015.
W686 AOR made it into 2016 as Steynings appliance, it's planned replacement MAN TGM 15.290/JDC HX13 FOF was replaced at Worthing on Dec 9th 2015, and was at Chichester Workshops on jan 3rd 2016, (still with Worthing station name on the side) pending re-allocation.
Added by Jon Godden on 05 January 2016.
Added by Jon Godden on 05 January 2016.
Off the run 1/2/2016, with a creditable 27, 000 miles on the clock, on 3/2/2016 back otr at Selsey
as temporary reserve, with the only Reserve Rapier
V741 FCR otr at Henfield, no other reserves available for restricted access stations.
Added by M.west on 03 February 2016.
as temporary reserve, with the only Reserve Rapier
V741 FCR otr at Henfield, no other reserves available for restricted access stations.
Added by M.west on 03 February 2016.
Thanks Martyn - I happened to be passing Steyning on Sunday morning (Jan 31st) in the pouring rain, so said goodbye to W686 AOR - HX13 FOF still had it's "Worthing" name on the side whilst it was waiting to replace the Rapier, so hadn't expected it to go on the run the next day.I assume this was removed later in the day then? - Much easier with proper station plates, rather than "stickers". Glad to see the two remaining Rapiers are still making themselves useful. Talking of restricted access, what is the long term plan reserve appliances to cover at "small" stations such as Turners Hill running the "small" MANs?
Added by Jon Godden on 04 February 2016.
Added by Jon Godden on 04 February 2016.
Jon, the plan was to use the ex Crawley baby MAN as a reserve for Turners Hill, Wittering & Selsey having put a 13.5m ladder on it although maybe this isn't the case now. Everything seems to move slowly these days.
Added by Stuart Purves on 16 February 2016.
Added by Stuart Purves on 16 February 2016.
Dennis
Added by Alan Ramsay on 10 June 2015.