Fire Engines Photos

Dave, many thanks for sharing this photo. In reponse to the comments posted by Rick and Royce, I have to agree that this is not the Grimsby F24. Does anyone know how or why it was registered at Grimsby?

Added by Mike Burnett on 04 November 2010.

Can anyone please tell me what that small black hose-reel looking thing is above the actual hose reel? I have seen them on many older appliances and still have no idea.
Thanks

Added by David Jones on 04 November 2010.

Dave, you'll also see them on todays modern appliances, its an electrical cable lead.Can be used as an extension lead for lighting up fire ground with lighting equipment, cutting gear, etc.

Added by Pete Matten on 05 November 2010.

Dave the reel above the hose reel is a cable reel, just to the left of it is the searchlight that it feeds. the searchlight is detachable so could be taken inside a building getting its power via the cable.

Added by Dave Price on 05 November 2010.

The small black drum houses the cable for the search light next to it. This in turn could be removed from the appliance and mounted on a tripod for lighting up the fire ground or incident. I believe this was called a 'Francis' light but I may be mistaken about this

Added by Mike Burnett on 05 November 2010.

David - This is the extension reel for the main searchlight.

Added by Royce Treacher on 05 November 2010.

Re Mike's query, this WAS intended as the (then new) Grimsby PE, but it was returned with numerous faults (mainly revolving around the braking I understand), at it eventualy entered service with Cape Hill Brewery where it had an elevating platform (not HP type) fitted. In due course Grimsby received MEE 247, which so far as manufactuers supply was concerned, was delivered as the replacement for what had been an unacceptable KJV 644.

Added by Ian Moore on 05 November 2010.

it is 300 feet of lighting cable for the francis search light when placed on the Tri-Pod

Added by Bobe on 05 November 2010.

Hello Dave, it is the searchlight cable reel, the searchlight can be removed and mounted on stand and used some distance from the appliance.

Added by Bristol Bob on 05 November 2010.

That is the floodlight cable. In Brunei most of the latest appliances are still equipped with it. So I think its not only available on old appliances. Usually the floodlight can be removed from the bodywork and pulled to the incident site and mounted on a tripod to illuminate the scene.

Added by Bomba Boy on 05 November 2010.

David Jones. The black reel you are asking about is the search light cable extension reel. It was connected to the search light and could be taken from the appliance to Illuminate something at an Incident. A tripod was also carried to support the search light. Hope this helps. Paul.

Added by Paul warnock on 05 November 2010.

Ian, many thanks for the information regarding this appliance. It has answered a question that I have not been able to get an answer to for 30 years.

Added by Mike Burnett on 06 November 2010.

This vehicle was the Dennis works demonstrator for the f24 series it has chrome plated spring hanger bolts and steering linkage bolts also has a white steering wheel it had been well restored and now lives in Keighley west yorks
owened by a friend Mr Hanson


Added by Jason Lester on 06 November 2010.

Mike,

Glad to have been of some help in solving a 30 year puzzle !

Added by Ian Moore on 06 November 2010.

Ian, Jason - As the machine that replaced KJV644 at Grimsby (i.e.MEE247) was completely panelled in aluminium alloy when delivered and is of longer wheelbase, is there any record of KJV644 initally having alloy panelling? I ask this as I am curious to know why, having returned KJV644 to Dennis, Grimsby apparently changed their spec. when obtaining the replacement.

Added by Royce Treacher on 07 November 2010.

They didn't change the spec so far as I am aware, but don't forget that KJV was the demonstrator (chaasis no. 101/F24, so originally purchasing it as such, Grimsby were most probably quite prepared to overlok the fact that it wasn't aluminium panelled. So far as the wheelbase is concerned, the F24 came with either a 10'9" or 12'3" one.

Added by Ian Moore on 07 November 2010.

Ian. I am intrigued about your reference to the fittment on an elevating platform (not HP type). Not sure I can think of what this looked like. Have visions of a Tram line repair vehicle - or am I going off at a tangent?

Added by John D on 08 November 2010.

John,
Give me a while - I know I have a shot of it, but for some reason it's not made it to the computer.

Added by Ian Moore on 08 November 2010.

John D, the platform resembled the sort you might have seen on the back of a BT or electricity board Land Rover. Page 68 of the February 2003 edition of 'Heritage Commercials' has a photo if you have one lying around!

Added by Chris Wood on 09 November 2010.

Thanks Chris, I shall have to hold out for Ian's picture when he finds it. Sounds very unusual!

Added by John D on 10 November 2010.

Ok I think I have nearly grasped the history of the configuration of this one. One last thing when did it become a PE, was this due to a superb restoration with the intention of originality?

Added by John D on 11 November 2010.

We own the ex cape Hill Brewery 1937 Leyland Cub and are currently trying to get her back on the road after sitting in our shed for many years, I notice from this picture it has the cape Hill Deers leap sign on it, Does anyone know where these were acquired as I need 4!

Added by Martin Wannell on 16 April 2012.

Hi very nice to see the pump escape, I worked with this at Cape Hill.

Added by Maurice Stephen Coley on 16 August 2012.

Hi all, does anyone know what happend to Cape Hills other engines turntable ladder and the major pump also a old Thames foam tender and the Dennis tow pump and Coventry climax pump? Many thanks.

Added by Maurice Stephen Coley on 17 August 2012.

Cape Hills Leyland TL, GLW 422 (ex Wolverhampton FB)is preserved, As to the Dennis F24 KJV 644.- Ex Cape Hill CO Vernon Fisher claims it to was on loan/trial to Grimsby and they did not actually purchase it.
Dennis Bros' took it back due to braking issues.
Dennis Bros' subsequently took it to the 1961 BFSA Camp at Margate. Cape Hill FB saw it and purchased it

Added by Paul Sturman on 01 October 2014.

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