Fire Engines Photos

Is this a fairly recent picture John? If so, nice to see they're still using them. I love the old Bedfords, especially the TK's probably the best appliances of their time

Added by Dave Lewis on 22 January 2009.

Hi Dave, the pic was taken around the year 2000, sadly the whole fleet is now Volvo but not lasting as long as the far better Bedford product!

These were quite ugly, i prefer the tk cab with Hcb-Angus body work, but at least this is a Bedford!

Added by John Johnstone on 22 January 2009.

Thanks for the info. I agree with your comments. Thanks again.

Added by Dave Lewis on 23 January 2009.

Ay John this is a gem you kept hidden! Too true about the Bedford marque though, made me wonder though that with a recession underway, how many of the newer machines will last. The old fashioned ways just might make a comeback, with a custom chassis and engine and good maintanance, we might see some twenty year old machies again! Now, where did we put all the Bedfords and Dennises?

Added by John Stott on 23 January 2009.

Hi John, It's a shame that Bedford stopped making commercial vehicles really, simple to work on, reliable, and a very good reputation in the fire brigade.

I know for sure that they far outlasted any Volvo machine in front line service and as a spare, the Volvo seems to be prone to chassis rust, but on the BSedford appliance, it was the body work that failed before anything else.

Sadly, i can't seen the old fashoined ways comming back, a crying shame indeed, all the new appliances seem to have major electrical faults, some, no doubt being given the engine management system that control the engine etc, but we can only hope someone has the sense to say enough, we want a purpose built appliance, reliable, rugged and designed by fire fighters and drivers, not someone sat in an office with limited knowledge of the vehicle they have just bought.... i think i have more chance of knitting fog sadly.....

Added by John Johnstone on 24 January 2009.

I cant argue with those views John, I totally agree. I like some of the Australian machines for that, machines built to do a job that last, not the product of some daft lorry manufacturer who baffles fleet managers with rubbish claims!
As for the fog, don't forget, knit one, pearl one!

Added by John Stott on 25 January 2009.

Thanks John, i have to admit i'm verk keen on the Varley machines, look impressive and looking at the spec the power seems very good too.

Come back Bedford, we forgive you!

Added by John Johnstone on 25 January 2009.

Hello,although I guess reliability and the looks are an aspect what about crew safety in case of a crash? How did the TK models with the wooden frame cope with that?



Added by Matthias Stockebrand on 20 September 2009.

Hi Matthias, they were driven well and there were not many accidents! However some RTAs I attended involving commercial TKs were, as all accidents, dependant on speed and all the other varying factors. Generally they stood up well to a trashing, much better than a Ford Cargo would.

Added by John Stott on 20 September 2009.

Matthias as long as it's a Bedford i'm not worried what it looks like, i personally think the TK models with the wood frame were the best looking Bedford but offered limited crash protection.

A mate of mine ran a number of Fodens for year and i asked about the strength of a glass fibre cab his reply ? you don't buy them to crash them !

Added by John Johnstone on 20 September 2009.

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