Fire Engines Photos

Nice old Bedford E.T, not only does this look far nicer than any modern fire appliance, but i have no doubt, was operationally far more reliable too.
Bedford/Hcb-Angus, the best fire appliances in the world.

Added by John Johnstone on 08 February 2008.

Hi Pete.I think the Bedford TKs were a great appliance, we had 2 brand new TKs on the station when I joined the fire service back in 1977. They were very relialable merchines and went for ever. Do you have a picture of this ET when it was on the run at all Pete. Im a bit of a ET / RT man myself. Great photo.

Added by Paul Warnock on 08 February 2008.

Thanks for your comments, its always nice to have remarks past about the photos
one includes on a website, especially some pictues of the older appliances that many have'nt seen before.Paul, sorry mate I have only 2 pictures of GDF 420F, the
old ET from Hastings, this photo which I remember now was actually taken at the
East Sussex fire station in the drill yard of Bexhill Fire Station, and the other
photo(I've just found the old neg)which was taken at Hove.The Hove picture just
shows the side view of the appliance, again as the driver training vehicle up tight against the back doors of the station.This is the best photo I have.


Added by Pete Matten on 09 February 2008.

Thanks Pete, no probs still nice to this appliance. You never know somebody may well have a picture somewhere.

Added by Paul Warnock on 10 February 2008.

Paul, for a photo of this on the run, go to www.firebrigadesociety.co website.
Click onto Hotlinks...look for Roger Mardon fire service historian an author, go to galleries, gallery 3 E.S.F.B.Some very nice(copyright)pictures of a 1967
Bedford HCB Angus pump escape, the 1967 AEC Mercury/Merryweather TL origanally
from Hastings, and last the old ET/Salvage Tender from Hastings.

Added by Pete Matten on 03 March 2008.

Thanks for the info Pete, Ive just had a look. What a fantastic looking appliance, I really think the Bedford TK's were great engine/chassis's. I drove a TK water ladder soon after joining the fire service in 1977.

Added by Paul Warnock on 05 March 2008.

Suffolk operated one of these machines from the late 60's through to about 1983. It was painted white and had Rescue in big letters on the side. It was replaced by another Bedford Tk and this was used until the early ninties when the Volvo PRL's were introduced into service. Shame that the Bedfords have now been replaced by Volvo's. Suffolk operated Bedford TK machines from the late 60's right through to the mid 80's and served them well

Added by Dave Lewis on 21 June 2008.

Dave, don't be shy.If you've any pictures you can share with us from
Suffolk, past or present, send afew in mate for us all to see.Thanks.

Added by Pete Matten on 22 June 2008.

Pete, If only I had a photo. Unfortunately they are just distant memories now. Would be nice to see a photo of the old Suffolk machines. Maybe someone else can oblige? Cheers.

Added by Dave Lewis on 24 June 2008.

I have Suffolk photos in my section if anyone wants to look!!

Added by Peter Bromley on 16 November 2008.

Hey lads,a photograph now appears on the site of this Bedford while at Hastings.Look at (picture 19930) Shaun's old shot,its real good.Pete.

Added by Pete Matten on 10 October 2009.

This appliace when withdrawn was a BA support unit based at preston circus fire station (Brighton)

Added by John on 20 June 2011.

Just seen this picture. It had a pump fitted, and ran as a P/EST; as did the "H" reg Bedford TK at nearby Eastbourne CB.

Added by Andrew Hughes on 18 June 2015.

see also picture 38241

Added by Petros on 16 September 2019.

Two questions if I may?

Was this a walk through centre aisle design or a walk around version?

Was the rear seating rear facing, front facing or a bench on the right side?

Added by Rob Johnson on 21 September 2019.

Please can somebody explain the role of an EMERGENCY TENDER in comparison to a fire engine?

Ed: they do not carry or pump water. They carry rescue equipment for road accidents, building collapses, gas tight suits, extra breathing apparatus and also support crews at complex incidents involving hazardous chemicals etc. They are like mobile tool sheds. Some carry boats for water rescue. They will deal with any rescue that might not be fire related eg rope rescue from height, or subterranean incidents.

Added by Kelly on 13 February 2024.

Great explanation! Perhaps we should add that at some point in time the UK fire services changed the description of these units from an “emergency tender” to a “ rescue tender”. This more accurately reflects what they are intended to do, and is the same nomenclature that has been commonly used in North America since the first rescue squad was formed by FDNY after the Shirtwaist factory fire a hundred years ago.

Added by Rob Johnson on 13 February 2024.

Just to put the record straight on this particular appliance, It's not an emergency tender or rescue tender, although it's outward appearance does look like one. It was new to The County Borough of Hastings Fire Brigade and absorbed into East Sussex on 1st April 1974. I have seen various fleet lists that describe it as a Pump Emergency Tender. But it certainly does carry water, Hosereels and have pumping capability. In such a small Brigade as Hastings, It would be unusual to specifically require a dedicated full size Rescue tender.

Ed: PEST confirmed here



Added by on 23 February 2024.

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