Fire Engines Photos

Interesting looking monitor! Does anyone know its type and purpose? Even the big locker attached to the turret is unusual. Finally a question for Ian who submitted this photograph - "When did MerryWeather TLs become aerial appliances?"

When he was a boy they were definitely TLs.

Added by Barry on 15 January 2008.

Fao Ian, Thank you very much for posting this photo, My mission in life is to find this Appliance and hopefully own it one day (if she is still around!).
Bonus is the wife loves this beast!!

Added by Chris Whitton on 15 January 2008.

Barry,

I didn't caption it as an aerial appliance, and it's still a TL so far as I'm concerned.
As regards the ladder itself, don't forget that it was the one from the Leyland TD7, GLW 420.

Added by Ian Moore on 15 January 2008.

, Barry,
the monitor consisted of an "A" type "Streamform" branch with a 30mm nozzle and 70mm pipe on the underside with a male instantaneous coupling, it could be moved side to side horizontally and up and down verticaly within limitations, it was operated manually or by ground control lines.
The "locker"is the two-way hands free telephone to communicate with the operator.
this appliance was designated T.L.P.as it had its own independent 2250litre pump
powered by a B.M.C.diesel engine. I used to drive and operate this appliance whilst it was in service with Berkshire & Reading Fire Brigade.

Added by alan jones on 15 January 2008.

Fao alan j can I ask when you served with b&r fire brigade, reason being my dad was stationed at caversham rd.

Added by Chris Whitton on 15 January 2008.

Alan, thank you for such an informative reply. I was surprised that it had a separate full time 'telephone' system to the head of the ladder. I would expect that this is in addition to the standard system which is part of the operators console and was perhaps connected through the standard external telephone socket.

I do think that this site is very good. Where else could a black and white photograph lead to a picture of the machine in preservation and then the very TL operator can write in and tell us all the exact details.

Ian, I am pleased you know a TL when you see one! So it is Marcel who needs educating....

Best wishes,

Barry.

Added by Barry on 15 January 2008.

Ian, very nice picture of the AEC/Merryweather Turntable Ladder, looks like it was taken at Odiham?.My photo shows the other side showing pump like Alan mensioned, it was a TLP.Fao Chris, if you want a shot of the other side of the appliance then I will send, just let me know-OK........

Added by Pete Matten on 15 January 2008.

Help... coincidently the transport museum (MOTAT) I am involved with has been offered an AEC Merryweather Marquis Mk3 pump very similar to the front cover of Simon Rowleys book of British Fire Engines of the 50s & 60s. I have to write a Business Case in order to get approval to add it to the collection . Can anyone in the UK enlighten me as to how rare these appliances are. And for you Pavel.......this is an ex North Shore appliance, no doubt you will remember them

Added by John Walker on 16 January 2008.

Chris,
I served with Berkshire from 1962-94, I have worked with your dad A
lan, give him my regards.alan.j
pete,
This photo was taken at the "englefield park"rally in 1972 when P R X was still on the run, the guy in the o.i.c. seat is known to me.
It was replaced by a 25metre Orbitor/Dodge hydraulic platform.
regards alan.j.

Added by alan jones on 16 January 2008.

Chris,
I served in Berkshire from 1962-94 two postings being at Caversham Rd, I have worked with your dad Alan please give him my regards
Alan.j.
Ian,
I beleive this photo was taken at "englefield park" rally in 1972, the guy in the o.i.c. seat is known to me. PRX 62 was still "on the run"
regards Alan.j.

Added by alan jones on 16 January 2008.

John, I remember Devonport had one or two AEC pumps, they were quite unique as on our side of the Bridge no such appliance existed to my knowledge. There must be an interesting story to their purchase. I believe EX 9217 went to Fiji and EX 9218 to Palmerston North. Wellington may have had some on their front line back in the sixties too? Yes, you have to pull out all stops to get this one! Good luck.

Added by Pavel - Western Australia on 11 February 2008.

Hi Pavel, I sorry to say I got defeated on my bid to add EX9218 to the Motat Collection. I'm talking to some other museums to make sure it gets preserved. Wellingtons fleet in the 60's was almost exclusively Dennis (very sensible people) But there's battles and there's wars and with Aucklands Mack Aerialscope not too far off retirement it might be a battle it was best to lose

Added by John Walker on 14 February 2008.

Pete Matten/Ian Moore,
Would either of you have any knowledge or record of this appliance history since it went out service in 1972. I would appreciate any info you may have.

alan jones

Added by Alan Jones.ex Berkshirea on 26 March 2010.

Sorry Alan,at this time without doing a little more research,I can't add anymore than whats been already added hear.Maybe Ian can help us out on this one?.Pete.

Added by Pete Matten on 26 March 2010.

This is a message for Chris Witton, I am pleased to report that PRX62 still exists and I was looking at the vehicle yesterday! I can also report it is for sale, the good new deteriorates slightly as the vehicle has stood for some time and will need full renovation but as far as I can tell it is complete. Please contact me for details.

Added by Neil james on 14 May 2014.

This vehicle faetures in a 1975 film called The Firefighters ( on utube)
See also on flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/seacoaler/16528397509/

Added by Craigw on 05 March 2015.

This appliance is now on Ebay at £3, 000 and looks in need of a lot of TLC.
Any takers?

Added by Richard Aston on 03 January 2016.

Have just seen the series of photos on e bay, appalling sights. Memories of driving and operating this magnificent machine made the sight of its condition even worse! Looking at what is left so many items missing are irreplacable without the rest of work to be done. Today, one sad man has come to the end of his quest to find PRX 62 , although she remains defiant with her brake STOP flags in warning position, it's only failing!!!

Added by Alan Jones,ex BERKSHIRE on 07 January 2016.

Alan, PRX 62 is alive it does require work l have also seen the photos to be sincere l have seen a lot worse. Its crying its eyes out in a scrap yard. Yes a lot is missing but it is repairable. The owner wants three thousand for it, can't comment about if he will move on it but if its not found a home very shortly it will be cut up. I love them a real fire engine! I have just saved one and remember this one from the fire engine rallies at Mortimer it will need work but he can be saved

Added by BOB CARVER on 10 April 2019.

Seen this fire engine today at Coney Green, West London - it’s still there, needs a lot of work.

Added by Laura on 23 January 2022.

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