Fire Engines Photos

Dave, I am not really into the modern day appliances, but I really do like yours. Please may I ask is the appliance still Weidensfeld Livery (Dayglow) or have you refurbished it in conventional red livery, Last year there was one I, believe identical at Odiham Hants 2009 the gent choose to repaint conventional red with white roof etc. As a point of interest this paint is a very complicated drawn out process of application and very very expensive to apply the municipal company dyno-rod now has adopted this livery for their fleet of vans the colours have been revised with grey roofs (the first part to fade due to its exposure to direct sunlight. and the downside is that it is impossible to touch in leaving all accident damage and routine maintenance to spraying complete panels and areas. The first brigade to adopt this livery was The Birmingham Fire & Ambulance Service in the the West Midlands, the colour was then carried on into the newly formed West Midlands Fire Service whom operated at one time approx- Twenty Six brand new Dennis R.133 Pump Ladders in the livery as well as repainting many elder appliances. Many Brigades adopted this colour to supersede the older Coventry Yellow as an acceptable alternative for the Home Office but the overwelming cost of maintaining it ruled out its long life and adoption. If you are in the situation of repainting and like most in the preservation movement are governed by cost there are many alternatives that will nearly match the livery (vamillion) which are cost affective and would not change this lovely appliances style and originality very different/striking and I, would hope readers will agree the colour makes the appliance although the appliance at Odiham was very professionally done brillantly presented and a credit to the owner. If this is not one of the same appliance? Please what are you plans for the future is it your hobby/works or site appliance.
Lastly I am looking at the bodywork? this is borderline for HCB possibly Carmichael but very much Emergency One. During 1988 The Hotel Metropole, at Brighton, East Sussex, hosted a Fire Convention and had one on show in one of the centre stands and believe me it looked like something out of next week! you will be aware that Lancashire still operate this colour although much of the engine has been updated with 3M High Visibility tape

Added by BOB CARVER on 21 December 2010.

this bodywork is by Mountain Range, the company founded by Ron Mountain.You can see the badge on picture 18767.

Added by Peter Williams on 21 December 2010.

Peter, Yes you are right I, had overlooked this
I have never looked at their work close but does look very good and a nice style that blends in well with the cab, some variations by coach builders looked aweful and did not compliment the vehicle thats why I liked HCB many products during the fifties looked as if it was all one manufacturer. Please are Mountain Range still going.

Added by BOB CARVER on 22 December 2010.

hi bob this appliance is still orangeish these pictures were only taken in about july this year im currently looking at trying to get it repainted in this orange as I think it really stands out and this is as far as im aware the only orange fire engine (not a limo) in the north east when u mentioned vamillion cleveland fire brigade had this colour for a few years when it was known as cleveland county

Added by Dave Todd.. on 22 December 2010.

Dave,
I have seen several shades of vamillion marketed and I.C.I do one that is not fluorescent but not far from it with the naked eye the problem with this dayglow livery is the cost of doing an appliance like this professionally would I, estimate be in region of £3, 500 to 4000 unless you had the ability to do it yourself whatever! don't change the colour its wicked!

Added by BOB CARVER on 23 December 2010.

Hi Dave,
I have got the one referred to that is painted red with a white roof. The reason Buckinghamshire F&RS went back to red was due to the cost. They were having their appliances repainted every 6 years due to fading and remember that they are kept under cover 99% of the time.
Due to the extensive restoration that my truck needed I had to have repainted, I carried out extensive research into the day-glo colour. The painting involves a two stage process, first you paint the vehicle in a white base coat the its painted in the top day-glo colour which is similar to a coloured lacquer. When then top colour is mixed the date is printed on the tin and the guarantee (not to fade)runs six months from that date. The previous cost mentioned of £3500-£4000 are an under estimate, to have mine painted it cost me £3000 and I was quote nearly double that to have painted day-glo. I agree with those who say the colour is fantastic and it does stand out a mile but unfortunately most do appriciate the work and the costs involved. I am not trying to put you off, just passing on the information I aquired during the restoraion of my truck. If I can help you with anything with regards to your Leyland please don't hesitate to contac me.

Added by Clive Curtis on 24 December 2010.

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