Fire Engines Photos

Just as in other European capital cities like London, Berlin and Amsterdam, among many others, the 30 metre ladder is by far the most common turntable, as it combines a very useful reach with a reasonably maneuverable chassis at an affordable price.

Added by Rob Johnson on 03 April 2025.

It’s interesting how the TL has staged a resurgence. Because they seemed to fall out of favour with many brigades, instead turning to ALPs to provide the height capabilities required in most large towns and cities.

Added by Yelp Bullhorn on 06 April 2025.

Yes, very true. I think a lot of this has to do with two relatively new features of TLs. First, the cage, which provides the crew with the same controls, safety and versatility as a platform. Second, the increasing use of articulated top ladder sections, which also enable the crew to reach further in horizontal and reverse slope modes, much like an aerial platform. On top of these changes, I think another reason is that most of these ladders are less cumbersome, less expensive and easier to operate than most platforms.

Added by Rob Johnson on 07 April 2025.

Just for info: Paris being a bit on the "saving" mode, TL's have not articulated top sections:
BSPP Paris current inventory 2025
- TTL30 with Basket 35
- TTL30 no Basket 22
- TL24 Half automatic 2
- ALP 32m 6 & 42m 1

Added by JACQUES PETER on 10 April 2025.

London switched to the more expensive articulated ladders with their most recent purchases, but - speaking of financial constraints - LFB only runs thirteen front line turntable ladders, as we have mentioned a few times on this site. When the consolidated brigade was first established, it had twenty eight! In the same period, the number of front line pumps has been reduced from 212 to 146.

The articulated ladder has proven to be very common in Germany, which is of course home to both Magirus and Metz ( now owned by Rosenbauer ) and - although many German fire services have adopted platforms - ladders are by far more popular.

Added by Rob Johnson on 11 April 2025.

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