Fire Engines Photos

I do hope these had the Perkins six cylinder engine. Although less powerful than the Jaguar 4.2 litre petrol alternative, it was both reliable and durable. On the other hand, the Jaguar was terribly problematic. When we were building light tracked APVs for NATO in Belgium, with the same engine, users reported that around 25% of the units were out of service with engine problems!

Added by Rob Johnson on 28 March 2024.

Rob the 4.2 XK engine was used in the Scorpion AFV it seems to have managed reasonably well. But obviously highly stressed in these applications. Iron block and ally head is always questionable both the XK and BMW designs being problematic because of the different temperature expansion rates v combustion chamber design.

The Rolls Royce B60/80 series seemed to be far better choices than the Jaguar XK for heavy petrol applications.

Added by Geoff on 30 March 2024.

Geoff: The Scorpion was the APV we were building, and its Jag engine was indeed very problematic. The RR B60, as used in the Dennis F7 preceding the D series was indeed much better, but also of course much more expensive! I believe Dennis MAY have installed the B 60 in some later D series because of the problems with the Jag engine, but of course by then diesels were becoming more and more popular.

Added by Rob Johnson on 30 March 2024.

Rob I was familiar with the RR B80 series used in Thornycroft Nubian and our Pursuer RIV and seemed to be a well liked power unit.
While in our market sector at least the Detroit two strokes were the default diesel choice including the modernistic Pacesetter domestic appliance design and the Bedford TM commercial chassis builds for refinery tenders.

Ed: Geoff do I gather you worked for Chubb in West London?

Added by Geoff on 30 March 2024.

Ed yes Chubb Fire Vehicles Division Victoria Road Feltham.Was formerly Pyrene before I started.

Ed: for a rare Pyrene bodied pumping appliance, (and a very early Ford D series) see




Added by Geoff on 31 March 2024.

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