Fire Engines Photos

Oh Rodger, you've started something now, I'll just sit quietly on the sideline and watch what unfolds with extreme interest, , , , !?

Added by Pavel on 21 April 2008.

a wonderful machine love to know when it went out to the states
a lucky fellow!

Added by Jason on 21 April 2008.

This little engine is obviously a long way from home, out there in the American Mid-West, and in a country that is big on its own manufacturers.

It has had North American auto-parts lights added; those 2 orangey head-lights in front of wind-shield - maybe "Wig-Wag" operation. There is a new ignition coil mounted on the firewall. The 4-inch rigid suction also looks new. The driver's seating looks to be cobbled-up.

The ".... Fire Brigade" looks to be original, on running-board.

Appears to be some mechanism, behind driver, with part of a ball valve below the search-light - the pump?

Simple to operate - all hand-power aerial and out-riggers.

The 1940 date, with WW-2 going on in Britain, and USA not in war yet: USA Fire Depts were looking at Turn-Table Ladders, then.

My guess is whenever it crossed the Atlantic; it was in service at one time with a small-town Fire Department. The pump and aerial would have been an asset for them - wonder where they stowed the hose?

Now, really intrigued as to the "Good Gen" from the Dennis Fire Engine cognoscente, er, experts.....

Regards,

Added by Pat_R-B on 24 April 2008.

please don't let this amazing piece of fire engine sit to rot. it would be a great parade truck

Added by Fire Boy on 24 April 2008.

Pat, If you read the discussion which follows picture 2182 you can discover the history of this machine.

Best wishes from England, home of

100 YEARS OF DENNIS, 1908-2008

Added by Barry on 24 April 2008.

''For those interested, I recently acquired GGK946, a 1940 Dennis Merryweather TL, from a collector in the USA.
This oldtimer was assigned to Euston during World War II. I am looking for maintenance and operating manuels. Can you assist?
I presently own a 1927 Magirus turntable, formerly in service at Gary, Indiana. Last year, I traveled to Minneapolis, Minn., for the national antique fire apparatus muster (rally). Before departing for Minneapolis, I was advised another rear mounted turntable, probably a Magirus, was in Wisconsin. I made arrangements to see on it the way to Minneapolis and discovered it was a 1940 Dennis with a 100 foot aerial ladder. WOW, what a surprise. The owner had purchased it from his father's estate when his dad passed on several years ago. His dad owned about 70 oldtimers when he died. After returning to Indiana, I called the owner and ask if it was for sale. He said yes and we agreed on a price. I now have the vehicle title and am waiting for the winter weather to break so I can have it transported to Indiana.

The motor, a Meadows 6EX, had been disassembled over recent years and the owner apparently lost interest in putting it back together. He had, however, assembled a number of new parts for the project. Dr. Barry Hutchinson, an avid Dennis collector in the UK, emailed me six-page Meadows repair manual. I sure there is a much larger manual on this motor. Also, I would appreciate seeing a operators manual, even if it was sent by email. The operating manual for my Magirus was in German. My friends and I finally figured how to operate it, but it took a few days. Other than the condition of the Meadows motor, the remainder of the apparatus appears to be in good shape considering it is 68 years old. Once it is up and running again, I plan to parade it and take to musters. I have a number of photos and will be glad to send more.

Added by Rodger on 24 April 2008.

Rodger, pure and simply, roll out the photos, we can't get enough. And, incidently, the information you have afforded in your last comment is nothing short of brilliant! Mate, this site is about encouraging, informing, and digesting and you have shot straight to top of the class in that Dept! Yes!!

Added by Pav - West Coast, Australia on 25 April 2008.

This appliance is listed as being in service with London Fire Brigade from 1940 - 1965 at Euston then a reserve appliance for a short time, it was london Fire Brigade TL32 with Merryweather ladder no. 39 it is listed as being preserved in Wisconsin USA. it is hand powered jacks but an engine driven ladder via a power take off (PTO) through the gearbox, the pump is original mounted behind the drivers seat which is also original, The vehicle was an NFS order - National Fire Service then transfered to the LFB post war, its livery would have been all grey originally then red after the war, I would have expected a slightly 'more ornate' livery than the 'London Fire Brigade ' on the lockers - which would have held some hose along with a rear locker for the ladder length/s, finally the orange flashers would probably have been fitted post war by the LFB before blue lights were 'invented'

Added by Rick Loudon on 25 April 2008.

I neglected the mention, the previous owners' father purchased the Dennis Merryweather from the London Fire Brigade, probably in the 1970s and had it shipped to the United States. Will advise on the date when I get further information. Also, the Euston Fire Station site has photos of this Dennis when it was in service. All be safe....

Added by Rodger on 27 April 2008.

If you hadn't noticed, more photos have been added to the site. Rodger

Added by Rodger on 24 May 2008.

Fellow Dennis Collectors:

I am in need of a head gasket set for the Meadows EX 6 motor in the Dennnis Merryweather TL - GGK946. Please search your parts shelves and ask your friends.
Thank you and BE SAFE, Rodger

Added by Rodger on 01 September 2008.

Euston fire station has a photograph, taken in February 1952, of King George VI's funeral procession passing the fire station. GGK 946 is clearly visible in the photo.

Added by Bill Edwards on 06 February 2012.

Looking at Ian Moore's picture 31347 it looks like Rick is correct about the amber flashing lights being LFB original....The London Fire Brigade legend seems to be in the correct location but the wording should be gold over red

Added by Barrie Green on 07 February 2012.

Would anyone have a copy of the photo they can post on this site of the King George VI's funeral procession with GGK 946 in the background?. Also, a mechanic is currently getting GGK 946 in running order.

Added by Rodger on 30 April 2012.

I would suggest contacting the Station Manager at Euston Fire Station; he may be able to scan it for you.

Added by Bill Edwards on 15 June 2012.

Bill A photographer for the Indianapolis Star stopped the Euston Station during the Summer Olympics and photo copied the picture. A great photo.Thanks for the offer. Rodger

Added by Rodger Birchfield on 01 October 2012.

I'd be grateful if Barry could read my recent post on picture 5900 (Crowborough Dennis Light 6) and offer any guidance.

Editor : If you click on the blue name you can sent a e-mail direct to Barry. Much easier.

Added by Bruce Hoad on 15 July 2013.

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