Fire Engines Photos

Martin,
Not being pedantic, but it's actually not ex-Auxiliary Fire Service, it's ex-Army Fire Service, given away by the length of the locker aft of the back wheels. It was registered 73 BR 48. It is now preserved, is incorrectly painted up as a green goddess, and is registered XAS 523.

Added by Ian Moore on 09 January 2012.

Hi Ian, Its always too easy to assume these are ex AFS so thanks for that info..its not being pedantic, its being accurate. Thanks, Martin

Added by Martin Routledge on 09 January 2012.

sorry Martin, I need you to explain more for me. I always knew (and used) 2 types of AFS self propelled emergency pump. One was the 'Training' version for use by AFS firemen attached to regular stations. This type had double back wheels (the only powered wheels) and the hosereel sited behind the rear wheels. The other type was the 4x4 version easily recognised by the single tyres all round and the hosereel moving to amidships. This second type was stored for use in mobile columns in the event of a nuclear attack. Reading your information it would appear there was a third type used by the Army Fire Service. Could you clarify the differences between the AFS 4x4 and the Army Fire Service 4x4? (actually I have no memory of the military using these green machines until the first national strike. Sorry if this sounds picky but I have suddenly found I need to guidance.

Added by Colin Foster on 11 January 2012.

Colin there were three types of green goddess emergency pumps.the third type was the military version.Both the Army and RAF had this model. they were 4x4 model but with an additional locker at the rear, the small locker were the full boar outlet was on a normal goddess, it had one on the nearside as well. there were about 140 of this model.They had them all over he world.

Added by Dave Price on 12 January 2012.

Army Fire service had 2 in Malta in the 60s Red though.

Added by Bobe on 12 January 2012.

There were originally two 4x4 Goddesses provding fire cover at Sunderland Airport, these being: SYH 378 & OCU 975R (pictured). The 1st one was later scrapped, the 2nd was purchased from the council by a group who worked at the NE Aircraft Museum (but not by the museum itself) and resided there for many years. I was a member of the museum from 1982-2004 and we once took it to RAF Finningley in Yorkshire for the annual airshow (still in its Sunderland Airport colours at that time). It was later painted gloss dark green & one member of the group eventually purchased the appliance outright and later sold it to the current owner who re-registered it as XAS 523.

Added by G-Tomm on 13 January 2012.

What a shame it has not survived as the preserved Sunderland Airport appliance...but at least now I know..thank you.

Added by Martin Routledge on 17 January 2012.

I have seen this appliance recently and have to say that it looks far better now than it did when Sunderland Airport had it. I suppose they had to modify it for aiport purposes but in my opinion it was an abortion of an appliance back then. It also looked rather daft with a 76/77 R plate on it.

Added by George Henderson on 29 July 2012.

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