Fire Engines Photos

Rowntrees had a fire station with a couple of pumps, an ambulance and even a TL (ex NFS 60ft....which is also restored) The industrial fire brigade also helped the city brigade attending large fires. No details of this lovely lady.

Added by Barrie Green on 30 October 2013.

It does look exactly like the Dinky Supertoys model fire engine I played with as a child. Mine is actually also still preserved, and probably has even lower mileage!

Added by Rob Johnson on 30 October 2013.

What regn. is VY? Is this an ex local authority machine bought in or with Rowntrees from new?
On a visit pre 1974 I got the impression Rowntrees were called before the local authority brigades York being close to the border of the 3 ridings, East, North and West.

Added by Neal Glover on 30 October 2013.

Brian,
are you in the York area or, further afield ?

Added by Rick Loudon on 30 October 2013.

I believe this is an early Carmichael body, going back to the very early 1950s when they were building both A type water tenders, which towed a trailer pump, and B types, which had a rear mounted PTO driven Dennis no 2 pump, rated at 500 GPM at 100 PSI.

The side locker configuration varied according to customer needs, as did the location of the hose reel or reels.

Added by Rob Johnson on 31 October 2013.

Neal, the VY and DN registration letters were issued to vehicles registered in the City of York before the local government shuffle in 1974.

Added by Paul Warnock on 31 October 2013.

Brian what a great find I didn't know this vehicle existed. Rowntree's factory had a 3 bay appliance room fire station on the Haxby Road side of the site to house their fire appliances and ambulance. Complete with an alarm collector station and control room. The fire station was converted a few years ago to a café. The Company had a huge complex and this and other appliances as Barrie has mentioned covered all fire alarms and onsite medical calls. The Rowtree's firemen had a row of houses across the road from the fire station in Hayleys Terrace and could be called out to fire calls via fire bells in their houses if not on duty. They also assisted York City fire brigade when they were busy or required assistance as the Riding brigades, North, West and East station were all some miles from the City. The company also had some trailer pumps and regularly took part in fire service drill competitions. I will make some enquires and see what I can find out.

Added by Paul Warnock on 31 October 2013.

Very enjoyable history fella's. It is nice to read and enjoy. Thanks

Added by Mike Williams on 01 November 2013.

This was new to the City Of York Fire Brigade and then passed to Rowntree's works Brigade.
It was sold in the late 1970's and passed through VF Specialist Vehicles of Batley, the owner was involved in the Yorkshire Fire Museum and was one of the first companies to supply ex Local Authority Appliances to Industrial Brigade and specialised in conversions on ex Military Series III or new Land Rovers in the 1980's. I think I have a newspaper cutting with it alongside the first Merryweather Hydraulic TL.

Added by Brett Clayton on 01 November 2013.

The ex NFS Austin tl that was at Rowntrees is in the science museums collection at Swindon.

Added by Dave Chown on 13 November 2013.

I'm not sure it is ....unless its gone there very recently ? I understood GXN 220 was in preservation in West Yorkshire...it is featured elsewhere on this site

Added by Rick Loudon on 14 November 2013.

Correct Rick....it was owned by a guy in North Yorks and sold at auction along with the ex Manchester FB Leyland Firemaster PE

Added by Barrie Green on 14 November 2013.

Answer to Rick Loudon. The fire engine is in my garage in Bradford.

Added by Brian Wheatcroft on 15 February 2014.

This engine is currently on ebay

Added by Allen on 09 March 2014.

i have a picture of what I believe to the first motorised appliance used by the Rowntree fire brigade in York which replaced the old Shand Mason steamer. The picture is taken outside the old fire station ((general office) Prior to the station move to Haxby road. It shows the appliance and a full crew - appliance has reg No (DN7) make and model unknown, I will try an upload a picture tomorrow.

Mick

Added by Mick Elliott on 29 June 2014.

Did the old girl sell on ebay?

Added by Brian King on 25 January 2015.

The firemen were also housed on Hambleton Terrace, next to the former Rowntree railway line which is now a cycle track. The street is right next to the factory.

Added by Frances Aggarwal on 31 July 2019.

rear view here




Added by Petros on 08 May 2022.

here is Rowntree TL at Wroughton

www.flickr.com/photos/radiosnail/8390080146/in/photolist-CfhwPF-BRmFFT-Cw9JF9-BRDDbQ-7qdrTZ-dMpmwf-6Los4a

Added by Petros on 27 August 2023.

on station here

www.flickr.com/photos/100386692@N04/21645859505/in/album-72157658439612560/

Added by Petros on 05 January 2024.

I own the 100ft Merryweather TL that was stationed at Rowntrees.

Added by Martin Maltas on 08 October 2025.

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