Among the last Braidwood open body pumpers, a design which had dominated British fire pumper design for the preceding thirty years. Although fully enclosed pumpers appeared in some countries shortly after WWI, the first ones in the UK were delivered only in 1931, and this more modern design really did not become commonplace until the late thirties. This example illustrates how a late series Braidwood was adapted, with BA containers added on the running boards and foam cans on the body above the rear axle. The location of the foam branch seems to have made for a very uncomfortable perch for one crew member too!
One big advantage of contemporary enclosed pumpers was the full width body, which increased locker space by quite a bit, as well as providing much safer accommodation for the crew.
Of course the fact that a lot of fire brigades stuck to Braidwoods was tradition, not to mention that enclosed bodywork was more expensive.
One big advantage of contemporary enclosed pumpers was the full width body, which increased locker space by quite a bit, as well as providing much safer accommodation for the crew.
Of course the fact that a lot of fire brigades stuck to Braidwoods was tradition, not to mention that enclosed bodywork was more expensive.
Added by Rob Johnson on 14 August 2024.