Fire Engines Photos

It looks like this was taken while preserved.
I would guess at Blandford fire engine show.

Added by Bristol Bob on 28 July 2011.

Could well be, Bob - as said in my caption, it's known to be an out of service shot.

Added by Ian Moore on 28 July 2011.

For 4X4 enthusiasts, the vehicle behind is an Austin Gypsy, which British Motor Corporation hoped would compete with the Land Rover. Not sure when they appeared, but they were certainly available by 1959, and I remember seeing one many years ago with an F suffix plate, which would have been registered in 1967. Unlike the Land Rover, the body was mild steel; they never really caught on, perhaps because Land Rover were well in front. You certainly don't see many around these days.

Added by RA Howell MCIBS on 03 November 2011.

This is similar, though not identical, to one which was owned and operated by the British Bata Shoe company, at their East Tilbury, Essex factory complex during the 1950's and 1960's. I think theirs may have been smaller; it didn't have a wheeled ladder, just extending ones mounted on the top of the tender, as was at least one hose reel. If memory serves me well, the side lockers were lift up flaps, rather than shutters.

Does anyone know if that vehicle still survives?

Added by RA Howell MCIBS on 03 November 2011.

This Alfred Miles Commer was owned by Allan Curtis from Reading. Sadly Allan passed away but I think the Commer remains in the Family.
I cut my teeth on these Commers Wiltshire Fire Brigade had a fleet of them when I joined the brgade in 1964. The two I remember fondly are JHR 171 and UWV 560 the latter being a Pump Escape.Does any one know if either have made it into preservation? I own a1943 Austin 60ft T.L. GXN 205.

Added by Chris Wannell on 29 November 2011.

UWV 560 is in preservation in East Yorkshire. A friend of mine owns it and is currently restoring it.

Added by Stewart Hodgson on 30 November 2011.

It was not owned by Allen Curtis , it was owned by Brian Curtis who was my late father.

Added by on 22 August 2020.

Added by Petros on 14 August 2022.

and training vehicle - see also




Added by Petros on 18 December 2022.

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.