Fire Engines Photos

Dennis was a technology leader a hundred years ago! Centrifugal pump - introduced in 1908 - hose reel system, and the ability to carry heavy wood escape ladders of 50, 55, 60 and even 70 feet extension, plus a half dozen hefty crew members and a decent hose load.

Although there were quite a few other pump-escapes being placed in service before WWI, a lot of brigades (including London) were still buying separate pumps and "escape vans". These had hose reel systems, but the pumps did not.

Added by Rob Johnson on 22 February 2018.

The centrifugal pump used by Dennis Bros' from that time, 1908, up until the 1920's, was a three stage Gwynne with reciprocating primer. Eventually Dennis Bros' used the Italian designed Tamini two stage unit, built under licence at first.

Added by Paul Sturman on 23 February 2018.

West Ham FB switched to Tamini July 1923, I have the council minute if anybody wants it!

Added by Petros on 08 March 2018.

Paul:

Interesting...

The centrifugal or turbine pump was so much lighter and more compact that the reciprocating piston type, but Merryweather still sold a piston pump appliance as late a 1954 - and Ahrens-Fox in America went on building them even longer!

Added by Rob Johnson on 08 March 2018.

The Tamini looked a lot like the famous Dennis No 2 pump, and was commonly fitted as a front mount pump to Italian appliances built in the 1920s and 1930s.

Added by Rob Johnson on 13 March 2018.

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