Fire Engines Photos

This was one of 6 Dennis F8's purchased by the West Sussex Fire Brigade during the 1950's,and was one of those that recieved in its later life the re-liveried colour of Coventry Yellow that was introduced for West Sussex appliances from around 1969.This appliance registered-VPX 782 sadly never made it into preservation but two others did,also another with the registration UPX 174 which in later years became the brigades converted Foam Tender when finally sold ended up in Malta and used in the Docks and is still beleaved to be around today.

Added by Pete Matten on 27 January 2010.

Thanks Liam - a lovely picture -I've waited a long time to see a colour picture of this in Yellow. Do you know what date the picture was taken - I'm assuming about 1970. Thanks, Jon Godden

Added by Jon Godden on 28 January 2010.

Jon,when Crawley recieved in 1971 the Dennis F44 WrL in May of 1971,this old Dennis F8(retained)and the Bedford/HCB(2nd pump)would have had the livery changed to Coventry Yellow.Bob Carver though should be able to give you exact dates.

Added by Pete Matten on 28 January 2010.

Nice catch, Liam; 'quiet understatement' scheme for an emergency vehicle - but I do like it and the Dennis wears it well.

Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 29 January 2010.

Hi Folks,
We are looking at a 1956 Dennis F.8 Pump delivered to the Brigade in that year and the first with a Hydrovac Braking Assisted system.
This appliance spent the entirity of its life at Crawley as second and third pump. it was repainted to Coventry Fire Brigade Yellow, during the August of 1971, this was done to match the immaculate Dennis F.44 WrL MPO 54J which had arrived on the station. it was taken out of service in very early 1976, the rear pump was removed for reconditioning to fit to the new "R" series being delivered. it was purchased at Auction by a Chiddingfold Motor Trader whom used it for towing rally/racing cars at Thruxton Race track at Andover. It has recently been discovered at Graffham near Midhurst as a barn find. watch this space for further details.

Added by ROBERT CARVER on 19 February 2010.

Robert, wow that's fantastic news! I for one can't wait to see those pictures, if only a West Sussex Coventry yellow F44 could be found to!

Added by John D on 19 February 2010.

that would be great as it could go along side our dennis d MPO 55J and there be two yellow perils together , out of intrest littlehampton fire station open day is 10th july this year and it might be the last chance to see MPO 55J ( picture 4237 ) as its going into storage and need alot of work on it underneath as its sat in the back station for the last 2 years but hopefully the old girl will be running again next summer fingers crossed

Added by Calvin Fox on 19 February 2010.

Hello Calvin,
As always very nice to hear from you. You would be aware of Dennis F.44 WrL MPO 54J, this was purchased by me during the winter of 1986. I had it at John Bairds Farm, I did a massive amount of bodywork to it (Joinery) this was done by a time served tradesman at great expense! It was re-skinned (alloy) and tons of other work was done to make it complete. Sadly at the moment its laying derelict and in a hell of a state, I have attempted to buy it back but the current owners don't want to know and have ambitions for it.
In view of my current situation and circumstances it would be unlikely if I will ever own an appliance again, you will know yourself its all so very time consuming and requires discipline to find and put time aside, if you want to know anything regarding the Brigade (Historical) you know where I am.

Added by BOB CARVER on 22 February 2010.

thanks Bob will you be interested in popping in on the open day ! as my photo collection will be on show

Added by Calvin Fox on 23 February 2010.

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