Fire Engines Photos

Paul, I bet the driver of this beast had to think carefully when
approaching low bridges, that tank is way above the cab.Another
brilliant picture of typical classic 1980's Bedford water tanker.

Added by Pete Matten on 06 March 2008.

Hi Pate thanks, I only drove one once on relief duty at a large job, as mentioned they went empty to the job and then found the nearest water supply. You then drove back to the job at reduced speed.

Added by Paul Warnock on 08 March 2008.

I thought Bedfords always traveled at a reduced speed, having had the dis pleasure of driving military Mk's and fuel bowsers.
Regards, Andrew.

Added by Andrew Wright on 09 March 2008.

Can you really blame the Bedford for it's poor handling, I'm certain that the fault must lie in the design of the tanker not the chassis.

Either way, i still have no doubt that it was far more reliable than the Volvo's that are in the brigade now!

Added by John Johnstone on 09 March 2008.

What a unique system.i wonder what will happen in case there are no hydrant or water supply alternatives.

Added by Bomba Boy on 09 March 2008.

"Pumper-and-Tanker" Rural Fire Department Tales:
Our Tankers are always kept full in the station. Getting to the fire-scene at speed was no problem - but more than one Tanker Driver wound up, capsized, in the ditch; fire out, returning to the station, at reduced speed, with a half-full Tanker.
???????!
What gives?!
Apparently, "Free Surface Effect" - also known to ships with "slack" tanks.
A full tank, behaves like a solid mass - Centre of Gravity remains fixed.
Partly full, the water sloshes all over the place, shifting the C of G about,
and giving capsizing momentum....... another bewildered soul in the ditch, wondering how he's going to explain this to the Chief.
Looking at the height of this Bedford's tank above the pavement; I would have personally checked that it was pressed up absolutely full before moving it off. Just worrying about my future widow's husband's well-being.
Brave men, indeed, that moved this water.
Regards,


Added by Pat_R-B on 05 April 2008.

The tanks on these appliance's were baffled both from side to side and front to back to reduce water from sloshing about inside. The main problem was the hight from the road, this caused them to lean over when cornering even with a full tank. The replacement vehicles are a lot better, they are purpose built tankers. (See photo 7265)

Added by Paul Warnock on 05 April 2008.

Dear mr. Paul Warnock, can you please contact me ASAP? I have a e-mail I want to forward to you.

Added by Marcel Sloover on 29 March 2012.

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