Fire Engines Photos

Thanks John, its nice to know that this ones still around.She's though looking a little tired now compared with the photograph(picture 12312)and others I took of her many years ago.

Added by Pete Matten on 07 December 2010.

Has it just been bought by someone for restoration or is it in need of a new owner?

Added by Andy Bain on 08 December 2010.

It is owned by John Huckle of Wilstead near Bedford a director of Buckdales Recovery. He acquired it from The Olde Watermill Shopping Village at Barton le Clay some 2 to 3 rears ago. It was neglected there, just left standing outside. Not sure what Mr Huckle intends to do with it, if I find out I will post a further message

Added by John Wakefield on 09 December 2010.

I have recently spoken to John Huckle & he is in the process of gradually restoring it, some work had already been done when this photo was taken. The engine is siezed so that needs to be rebuilt before it can be driven under its own power. John eventually hopes to have it running & attending rallies. It was acquired in a very poor state along with a Bedford & Commer appliances having been left out in the open & heavily vandalised by local yobs.

Added by John Wakefield on 17 January 2011.

Photos of the Bedford (described as a 1958 TD4 registration LCS 149) and the Commer (described as 1960 and ex Dunlop works, registration 6466 VP) can be found on the 'flickr' site.

Added by Chris Wood on 18 January 2011.

Despite the shabby looks lot has alreadsy been done. The whole floor has been replaced with suitable aged timber. All brass and bronze have been removed and cleaned. The glass has all been renewed and the seats repaired and covered.When the weather improves I will start again. I have found someone to help with the engine. Anyone who is interested is welcome to contact me, or indeed to be involved. Worry not it will be done.

Added by John Huckle on 27 January 2011.

At last it is up and running.log book sorted. and it has ventured on the road for a short distance. with no dramas.just giving it a protective lick of paint.and it is away. anyone interested in seeing it is welcome

Added by John Huckle on 15 August 2011.

Hi John,
great to hear that your making progress saving this mighty beast.

(Ex Aberdeen / NFS)

Added by Peter McCombie on 15 August 2011.

What a great testament to the chaps who served on her at times of great stress and strains that this country endured during 1939-1945. Lest we forget the heroes that stayed on the home front at that time protecting our ancestors to whom today we may not be here. And a great testament to those who took time, dedication and patience restoring this marvellous example of our history for the future to explore our illustrious past. The word hero is bounded about only too freely these days referring to footballers, pop stars et al, but to endure what these men and women went through and sacrificed doesn't equate to 90 minutes spitting, swearing and mob rule on the pitch.

Added by Andrew Middleton on 15 August 2011.

Its good to hear that work continues on saving this lovely old appliance and hopefully we'll be seeing her again on the fire show circuit again soon.

Added by Pete Matten on 16 August 2011.

Good morning all, John I am so pleased to hear the old girl is coming back to life again. I remember many years ago when John Broom bought the vehicle in Scotland and drove it down to Surrey, quite a feat in itself.
It still had its cab over the driving position then. John Broom did a fantastic restoration (mid 1980s) only to see it suffer out in the elements in later years. Does it still have the original 4 cylinder OHC petrol engine fitted? I know it did back in the 80s, a fair number were converted to diesel engine during Brigade service.
Keep up the fantastic work

Added by Mike Hebard on 17 August 2011.

Hi Mike I can confirm that the 4 cyl. engine is still in place and running well.i am sure it is not as good as when John Broom had itbut at least it will now survive. I will see if it is possible to be invited to the steam fair at old warden in September.if that happens maybe we can meet up.Credit must go to my sons Martin Alan and Ben for their patience and to Edward Cunnew who did so much to revive the beast.At last its time for the brass and pretty bits.

Added by John Huckle on 23 August 2011.

Nice thread... and nice to see this old girl again. Where did this one serve? I don't know if you've seen the pathe news clip of one of this batch in a film about the day in the life of a fireman filmed at Dockhead, London, and has some cracking footage of a shout (albeit fake) on one of the same type as yours. Any chance of a picture of the engine please John... Mike

Added by Mike Cotton on 24 August 2011.

Mike, I've put three pictures of this old Leyland on the site sometime ago.Look at(picture 7411) for the appliances full history with a nice thread of comments.....Pete.

Added by Pete Matten on 24 August 2011.

If all goes well the Leyland will at Twinwoods end of season show this Sunday Sept 4th. It is a great venue and the organisers deserve some support.there are always a good selection of vehicles.

Added by John Huckle on 31 August 2011.

Well it finally had its first outing.appropriate perhaps to see it at the WW2 airfield.We met a few people who recognised it from many years ago. the weather was atrocious but we managed to drive it around the venue and then park it and extend the ladder for a photo shoot.

Added by John Huckle on 04 September 2011.

Hi All, can anyone put me in touch with the owner of this vehicle please? Thanks, Mike

Added by Mike Cotton on 26 December 2015.

HI MIKE. I STILL OWN THE LEYLAND IF YOU ARE STILL INTERESTED I AM AND STILL IN BEDFORD

Added by JOHN HUCKLE on 18 February 2016.

Hi john
I’m interested in the leyland
Regards
Simon
07860707417
Ed: might be better to contact him offline. His name is a hyperlink above.

Added by Simon Maynard on 06 October 2021.

So pleased people spend the time and money to restore and preserve these wonderful relics of such an important part of our history!

There were only ever thirty of these built, and I imagine very few survive.

Added by Rob Johnson on 07 October 2021.

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