Fire Engines Photos

hi would love to see regular photos as you go though the restoration of this lovely machine good luck

Added by Calvin Fox on 19 October 2008.

I bet this appliance could tell some tales if it could talk, having seen service when there was a large amount of major fires in West Yorkshire. Dozens of very large cotton and weaving mills burnt down. Best wishes with the restoration Mark and look forward to having a look round the beast.

Added by Paul Warnock on 20 October 2008.

What a great find. As a fellow Ford D400 series appliance owner in Australia, see pic 11419, I look forward to seeing your progress. What was it used for, communications or rescue?

Added by Jonathan Barr on 20 October 2008.

firewestyorkshire.com has a section on West Yorks control units - bet there's some info there!

Added by Rob on 20 October 2008.

Thats a grand find Mark, good luck with it, I remember it well because of the number of "white helmets" it could hold, I think the record was nine!!

Added by John Stott on 20 October 2008.

Thanks for your comments guys. John (Stott), I have tried to send you an e mail, but it gets sent back undeliverable. I would love to gleen any info you have on this unit - could you e mail me please - Thanks Mark

Added by Mark Griffiths on 21 October 2008.

What happend to North Yorks old command units and prime movers Paul? and do you know the bhp rating for the new Volvo appliances?

Nice machine this, be great to see her restored!

Added by John Johnstone on 22 October 2008.

Hi Mark & Stewart, I don't think we have spoken before, I am also a 'Fire' enthusiast, I am kicking myself, I had the chance to purchase a Dennis RS about 11 years ago for 3, 000 but I spent it on Flying Aeroplanes instead, Now I have done a complete 360' and is back into Fire engines.

I am free on certain days, If you ever need any help with The 2 Dennis's or the Ford Control unit. I live 1 minute from Batley Station.

While I am here, has anyone got any old photos of the Textile Mill Fires?

I went to many as a child, The biggest was the Bonded Warehouse on Preston St, Thornton Road 30 + pumps, It took them 4 days to fully extinguish it, Thornton rd was closed, I can't find any photos anywhere?? sadly I didn't take 1 photo, What would it have cost nothing.!!

I am contemplating writing a book or a publication titled 'Bradford's Burning.

I do have a collection of WY Cromwell Helmets, & a few Black Helmets (Non WY) sadly, The rarest is the Black Helmets - from the Bradford, Leeds, Dewsbury, Huddersfield Brigades You will not find these, It's hard enough finding the 1980's Cromwells, It took me 18 years to find 6.

I have just read Chris Smith's - Huddersfield Brigade book, It is good, But the photos are quite small in contrast to the pages.

I did some work at Birkenshaw Workshops, Years ago on a 'Lovely' Dark Red Dennis TL from Huddersfield 'C' Reg does anyone remember it on the run in 1991 ? I helped change the head gasket on it.

It would be 'Lovely' to be one day reunited with it, I might even save up and buy it if it's cheap.Lol

When you look back and remember what WY had on the run - KKY999G Bfd Orbitor sold at Rothwell Auctions for 6, 000!!! And the Shelvoke at Odsal too, Alongside the old Dennis escape - N1 NUM I think it was?? where have they all gone??

If anyone has any old photos, Originals or copies, I will gladly pay a good price for them.

I Wish You All The Very Best With The CU.
Mark Elliott.

Added by Mark Elliott on 19 November 2008.

Hi Mark E, you might want to look out for a Fire Brigade Society publication entitled 'Fire Appliances of West Yorkshire since 1974'. It includes photos of the Bedford HP you mention and NKU 1M, a Dennis F108 PE which I believe is the machine you also refer to. The latter is described as being the last appliance delivered new to Bradford City Fire Brigade seeing service until 1987.
There are also photos of this CU in both white and red liveries.

Added by Chris Wood on 19 November 2008.

Hi Mark,
Thanks for your comments and offer of help, we may take you up on that! As Chris says, that is a good book, and does appear on ebay from time to time.

Added by Stewart Kaye on 26 November 2008.

Hi Mark

I know its a while off. But have a large Bucket Type Blue Light of a Hanlon Ambulance and some alternating Relays for blue light and head lamp flash.

There yours if you can make use of them.

Any other help i can give just ask.





Added by Dave Tatt on 30 December 2008.

Thought that this appliance was long gone. Even though I had seen it on the roadside being used by travellers. I took my HGV test in this very appliance when it was in the WYFS driving school fleet, then in it's white livery. Great to see it has survived.

Added by Wayne Ogden on 14 July 2010.

bit of digging round and now in service, in white and glorious 3D (well not quite) see picture 23253

Added by Adey Allison on 14 July 2010.

Thanks for that link Adey.

My friend (Stewart kaye) bought the unit about 18 months ago, from Samantha (The "New age traveller"). her parents owned a haulage company, and her and her partner and kids spent a few years living in the Ford, travelling to various festivals etc.

We have the intention of restoring it (eventually) back to as it was in service, either as a control unit, or perhaps a mobile museum.

Added by Mark on 15 July 2010.

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