Fire Engines Photos

In the early nineteen fiftees Cornwall County Council had serious financial difficulties. In doing so much of the fire fighting appliances were dated non servicable leaving several villages and towns with poor fire cover. The Home Office stepped in and supplied new fire appliances most of these were Austin Loadstar Type A water tenders
built at the Home Office Workshops at Swindon in Wiltshire the later deliveries were the Escape versions and these saw the longest service. In 1978 Newquay had one as a second pump it was immaculate a Dodge K Series HCB running as the first with the 464 Ladder. The Brigade during the early period was also supported by L.W.B/S.W.B Home Office built Austin Gypsy Hose Reel Tenders.
It was very amusing to see Helston running a 1952 Austin Loadstar A Type Water tender (converted to type B) with a 464 triple extension ladder on it!
instead of the conventional ajax.

Added by BOB CARVER on 27 August 2013.

Thanks for the info Bob. I knew nothing about this vehicle except what was on the information sheet stuck to the driver's window at the Rally.

Steve.

Added by Stephen on 27 August 2013.

NCV 429 is also on this site. (picture 22314)

Added by Peter Williams on 27 August 2013.

The Austin does stand out in the crowd a bit I must say. there are a few jobs left to do , all in good time chaps. Maybe next time ya take a photo Stephen I might not be half asleep ha ha

Added by Mr T Marriott on 09 December 2013.

spelling Lodestar?

Added by Petros on 12 February 2023.

Definitely Loadstar, 1949 to 1955 I believe.

Added by CrsigW on 14 February 2023.

This unit’s twenty seven year service life may not actually be the record for a British pump escape appliance, but if its not it must be pretty close!

Added by Rob Johnson on 14 February 2023.

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