Fire Engines Photos

Another nice picture Chris, thankyou. AND red all over, just as it should be!

Added by John Stott on 02 March 2009.

Why did U.K. change siren from two-tone horn to the "American" sound?

Added by Patrick on 02 March 2009.

Great photo, Chris.

And, always interesting to see the other vehicles, in back-ground, on display at these shows.

For instance, the Short-Wheelbase(88) Land-Rover with Suction Hose coiled on its hood (bonnet) on the right.

Left back-ground: long way from home - an American (USA) ? Pierce? Pumper, Crew-Cab with Raised Roof, Roll-Up Doors (Shutters) - ladder and roof-top arrangement for a monitor ?

Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B



Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 02 March 2009.

This is a classic Dennis of the period. The drivers seat is offset with respect to the steering wheel with a 'chinese' pattern manual gearbox without synchromesh. As Chris Hall mentioned there is a superb picture of it turning out from the Pilgrim Street Fire station on this site (Picture Number 5546). My favourite rememberance of it in service was in the early '80's going down the busy Shields Road in the East of Newcastle at speed, weaving from side to side with all lights blazing and the two tones and bells loud enough to wake the dead. Just magnificent! I often sit in the cab, turn on the Storno radio and listen to LP (Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade control) hoping to hear the voice of Doreen, from a time when despatchers knew every appliance, their location, and the pre-determined turnout, without the need of a computer.

Added by Barry on 02 March 2009.

To John Stott, Thanks for the compliment, but it would be wonderful if this machine was back in it's original Newcastle livery. Go to the Dennis section and see a wonderful picture of it turning out of Pilgrim Street - in Maroon, just as it should be lol!

To Pat R.B, The Landrover belongs to an industrial brigade (Hoover I think) I do have a picture of it, which is waiting to be digitalised. The other Machine is a Peterbilt (I think) It belongs to Teesside Emergency Services. It is one of a pair. look out for my pictures of these two Peterbilts comming soon.

Added by Chris Hall Teesside UK. on 02 March 2009.

Chris:

I must agree regarding the livery. Not only was this ET one of only a handful ever built, the Newcastle and Gateshead livery was itself unique, as well as being exceptionally handsome.

Although I also do agree in general with John that all over red is great, this was not the original livery. I think far too many British appliances have suffered from having what look like recycled aluminium dustbins for bodywork, but in this one case maroon is actually correct, with a red roof, locker covers and mudguards - not to forget the silver coachlining!

Some countries - most notably Japan - still paint their fire trucks and vans all over red, and they do look wonderful, not least because they always seem to look as if they have just come off the factory production line!

Added by Rob Johnson on 01 December 2017.

Please add your comments about this picture using the form below.

Comments

Your Name

Your email address - this will be shown on the page and will allow the system to notify you of further comments added to this picture.