The TSF carried a crew of five or six and had an 800 LPM PP. It did not have a water tank, nor did it usually carry any ladders - and of course there was not much space for other equipment once the necessary hoses had been loaded. They were mainly used by small village volunteer fire companies, so that virtually every community could get a basic first responder unit to any location relatively quickly. Larger full size pumpers, water tenders and a ladder truck would respond from other larger nearby larger villages and towns, to complete the full first alarm assignment.
In practice, as we know, this little rig with its small crew were often able to deal with a lot of incidents on their own, before the other units were even on scene. Bear in mind Germany has over 23,000 volunteer fire companies - one for every 3,500 people. So it is not surprising to see this Transit was in service for forty years, as it most likely made very few runs.
In practice, as we know, this little rig with its small crew were often able to deal with a lot of incidents on their own, before the other units were even on scene. Bear in mind Germany has over 23,000 volunteer fire companies - one for every 3,500 people. So it is not surprising to see this Transit was in service for forty years, as it most likely made very few runs.
Added by Rob Johnson on 03 April 2024.