Fire Engines Photos

It looks far nicer with the red roof! Can anyone give an explanation of the half cab (using BUS terminology) design?

Best wishes,

Barry.

Added by Barry on 19 January 2008.

Barry,

If you read the text on picture 5469 it give you the answer..

Andy

Added by Andy on 19 January 2008.

I phographed this Dennis in the 1960s at its base station; the reason for the convertible top was because of a(maybe several) low bridges in the city. thet removable top was plastic or fibreglass, and at the time of my visit it had no rotating beacon.

Added by Bob Grant on 20 January 2008.

Ian,
Do you have access to the Dennis records archives, if so could you look up to see if there are any records relating to the Dennis F28 that I own?,

Regards
Paul

Added by Paul Pickford on 20 January 2008.

My query with the design of this appliance is with the missing officer's seat and door. These would have not compromised the low height capability. Andy, I don't think this point has been answered in the previous posts?

Added by Barry on 20 January 2008.

Great picture Ian, thanks for putting it on this site. Its great to see this appliance when it was on the run.

Added by Paul Warnock on 20 January 2008.

Paul,
Can you confirm the registration number of the Dennis F28 that you own ?


Added by Ian Moore on 20 January 2008.

Absolutely fantastic! A real favorite. One abstract idea that is keeping me amused, is that the OIC sat exposed to the elements R2D2 style (as he did in the X wing), and the locker above the front wheel arch is where he kept his goggles and a large supply of tooth picks, for removing the flies and other insects from his teeth. The reasoning behind it, perhaps he just was not very popular.

Added by John Draysey on 20 January 2008.

Barry,

Sorry if you took my post the wrong way but if you look at the other picture it tells you the ladder is in a loccker that runs down the side of the appliance and that's why there is no door or space on the passenger side of the appliance.

Then again maybe I read it wrong!

Andy

Added by Andy on 20 January 2008.

What should perhaps be added is that the 35' ladder was carried fully horizontally and internally, being accessed from the rear of the appliance.

Added by Ian Moore on 20 January 2008.

Ian
The registration is 703LYA and is a Dennis F28 Water tender built for Somerset Fire Brigade in late 1960/early 1961 first registered in March 1961,
Regards
Paul

Added by Paul Pickford on 20 January 2008.

what was the height difference between this engine and an ordinary engine?

Added by Pete on 21 January 2008.

Hi Paul,
Sorry, I've got no excuse, I'd simply forgotten to answer your query.
From the database, 703 LYA is shown as chassis 151F28A2, was part of WPO 41556, and ios shown as delivered in June 1961. The fact that it was registered three months earlier probably has no significance other than that it avoided the vehicle having to be delivered on trade plates.


Added by Ian Moore on 26 January 2008.

Thanks Ian for your reply about my Dennis F28. The chassis number you quoted is correct and is still shown on the brass plate above the nearside door,
Regards
Paul

Added by Paul Pickford on 27 January 2008.

This is FXG300 a WrT new in 1956 to Middlesbrough Fire Brigade.It was specially built to cope with a number of very low headroom Railway Bridges in several industrial locations on Teesside, the ladder is carried inside the body, and the Machine currently exists in storage awaiting restoration.
It is also one of the few (if not the only) Middlesbrough appliances to be built with unpainted aluminium areas, as opposed to being Red, this was done on the grounds of cost.
The roof section was made of glass fibre, and was detatchable.
It is seen at it's home base on Park Road South in Middlesbrough shortly after the formation of Teesside Fire Brigade around 1968 as evidenced by the Teesside crest on the bodyside. It was I believe withdrawn around 1969/70.

Added by Chris Hall, Teesside. on 27 March 2008.

Ian:

Another great pic of a very unique machine in service.

Must have made quite a sight on a call. The machine stopped before a low bridge, with the crew gathered around and busily prying the roof off.....

Thanks again,
Pat_R-B

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 13 September 2008.

Pat....it was a four man drill to remove the roof.......the vehicle was delivered without the roof......that was added several years later. The power feed to the beacon terminated in a detchable plug and socket. The appliance also had a Francis rolling siren which is just in front of the bell....however the mirror obscures the siren. Just to confirm the o.i.c's position is immeadiatly behind the driver!

Added by Barrie Green on 13 September 2008.

Re the low profile, according to the Firemen at Central Station when "on the run"it was for use on the Docks and Steelworks areas only, due to the very low railway bridges it was able to gain access anyware quickly while normal sized backup appliances took the long route around the Docks /Steelworks ect areas.

Added by Peter Ashpool on 27 September 2008.

This unique appliance may be now available for private ownership. It would be nice if it could stay in the North East on home territory. Please contact me for further details.

Added by Barry on 06 November 2008.

Leyland Merryweather Turntable Ladder [Aerial Ladder] with same seating arrangement, and no roof; in picture 12167.

Again, Pat_R-B

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 07 November 2008.

I really hope someone takes it on and restores it. I have to say that in my with Teesside FB everyone hated tiding or driving this machine.....she was uncomfortable to say the least..... but as you say Barry, very unique

Added by Barrie Green on 08 November 2008.

Unfortunately the Council Depot in Billingham on Teesside, where this and another vintage fire appliance were kept, has suffered a disastrous fire (Nov 08)It is not known at this moment in time, if they have survived the fire.
Should I find out I will let you know.

Added by Chris Hall Teesside UK. on 08 November 2008.

I am going to try and get down to this depot on Tuesday and ask at the gates whether they know if they're still there!

Added by James Stoker on 24 November 2008.

Would hope if this vehicle is ok a home could be found ie Sheffield Fire Museum, National Fire Museums Trust, or an identical transport museum, like the devon fb F8 it is a "one off"do Teesside F&R not have anyone who would be interested in looking after it?

Added by Peter Ashpool on 25 November 2008.

Right, went down to the place where this is meant to be stored about an hour ago...

None of the people their had any idea about a fire engine stored on the site...

The security person on the site had no idea either... It would be nice if this and the other applience are still about!

Added by James Stoker on 25 November 2008.

The Sheffield Fire Museum used to have another former Teesside Machine. This was the former Hartlepool ET a Dennis/Miles (LEF927).
It left Cleveland Fire Brigade c1978/9, and passed to an amateur Rock Band, and then to the Sheffield Museum. Then it disapeared.does anyone have any further information on this one's eventual fate?

Added by Chris Hall Teesside UK. on 25 November 2008.

This machine used to be stored in a garage at the rear of Preston Park Museum but not on public display

Added by Barrie Green on 26 November 2008.

Right... I haven't ever seen there at all...

I hope its still about somewhere...

Anyone got any idea's where it is now, or is it still at Preston Park

Added by James Stoker on 27 November 2008.

This is is Stockton's Museum stores, it will not be available for public view...

It is along with another few fire appliances...

Added by James Stoker on 19 December 2008.

Is it still there James ?

Added by Barrie Green on 20 December 2008.

Apparently so! A recent email to the head of Stockton BC Museums Service has confirmed this! The other two appliances there are;

A Leyland Cub semi limousine of the 1930s originally new to the Borough of Thornaby

An Austin K2 Heavy Pump Unit from the National Fire Service - this was used locally but mainly in Middlesbrough

These two are in the same store as the Dennis but it is hoped to get them all on display locally in the not too distant future.

The Dennis S12 is definitely there... It is in the 'heavy' store where H&S prohibits visitors... I will bring more news when I can!

Yours

James Stoker

Merry Christmas!

Added by James Stoker on 20 December 2008.

Glad to hear it's still about - hope they get it to show standard.

Best wishes
Pete

Added by Pete Gardner on 13 February 2009.

Fantastic......the best news ever. I remember the H Unit....it was restored a few years ago

Added by Barrie Green on 13 February 2009.

Hi I am in the process of writing about my 5 years in the Middlesbrough fire Brigade 1957 to 1962, we took great pride in riding the Dennis used for the low bridges. At the time it seemed comfortable and nice to drive, bearing in mind that we had only just stopped using the Leyland Briadwoods.Sadly it had the side ripped off by a bulldozer blade being carried on a low loader during a shout but was soon back on the run
I am now 72 and have fond memories of the fleet of the then modern fleet.

Added by John Goupillot on 05 August 2009.

hello John,if you go to picture 16772 and picture 16775 you will see how this pump is today regards ian mc

Added by Ian Mc on 05 August 2009.

It is now displayed in a Lorry Museum next to Locomotion, the railway museum at Shildon, County Durham

Added by Barrie Green on 05 August 2009.

to ian Mc thank you for sharing this with us

Added by Pete Ashpool on 05 August 2009.

Hi 32 years Middlesbrough, Teesside, Cleveland, the driver was Barney Reid (now in NZ) when side taken out by Bulldozer on Linthorpe Rd. 2 roofs were provided 1st.(Black) was demolished by low (Metz) bridge Much practised 4 man drill to remove was forgotten Prior to roof being fitted crew would invariably run / climb over back and drop into crew compartment, save time. Was "good fun" to drive but being a Water Tender you had to watch out for the water moving / weight on corners.

Added by Alan Swales on 26 February 2010.

hi alan, have you any photos of middlesbrough. and grsngetown machines,regards ian

Added by Ian Mc on 27 February 2010.

No actual photo's only the postcards which were issued as part of Fire Prevention, Fire Appliances, Fire boat, stations etc, presume you have a set of these , about 30 in all?

Added by Alan Swales on 08 March 2010.

thanks alan, not many pics about of early teesside area regards ian

Added by Ian Mc on 09 March 2010.

Has anybody got pictures of Middlesbrough Fire Brigade appliances?? ie; original fireboat, escape ....

Added by Mike Dalton on 23 November 2011.

How can I contact Ian Moore to request permission to use one of his photographs?

Added by Jim Bell on 04 July 2012.

Note from the editor:
To contact contributors personally just click on the blue name, and sent a e-mail outside the group.

Added by Marcel Sloover on 10 July 2012.

With the closure of the Lorry Museum at ShildonThe cut down Dennis (and the K2 unit)has now been transfered to the North East Land Sea and Air Museum and will be moving to the Washington Site this comming weekend with the help of the TA REME recovery unit at Newton Acyliff. One of the Romney buildings on the site came from the Seal Sands works where it was used as a fire station so it might have an authentic home one day. The museum is the new name for the North East Aircraft Museum, it has merged with the Military Vehicle Museum ans shortly a Tram museum to encompass all forms of transport.

Added by John Stelling on 30 October 2012.

What about the Heavey unit and the Leyland, where have these gone .

Added by Gordon Smith on 30 October 2012.

Hi Gordon, the Thornaby Leyland cub is been returned to Preston park museum. I was speaking to the curator this afternoon (nov 20 )

Added by Ian Mc on 20 November 2012.

My Dad was a fire fighter based on the Middlesbrough Fire Boat in the fifties and early sixties and we lived in the house just behind this appliance on the forecourt on Park Road South until he retired in 1964ish. When this appliance was in service it was known as the Comet. The other Dennis in service at the time had the wheeled escape ladder mounted topside.

Added by Colin Burns on 09 November 2013.

Colin, the Comet was another appliance.....it was a Leyland Comet with a Windover body scrapped in about 1970ish

Added by Barrie Green on 09 November 2013.

Hi Colin, thank you for your input but you are a little off with the "Comet". The Comet was a Leyland Comet limousine fire engine registered BXG600 that operated during the same time as this Dennis and the one with the wheeled escape "BDC333".

Added by Ronald Henderson on 09 November 2013.

Barrie Green and Ronald Henderson, I stand corrected about the Comet and just found a photo of it coincidentally parked in the station yard at the rear of Alf Leyland's back garden wall. Thank you both....

Added by Colin Burns on 09 November 2013.

Barry, it's missing the door and oic seat as the ladder was stored within the bodywork

Added by Martin on 25 November 2014.

The Austin K2 heavy, previously mentioned is currently owned by North East Land Sea and Air Museum Sunderland where it is currently being restored.

Added by Ian Rutter on 14 December 2014.

Nice to Know that This Wagon has found another home, Hopefully it's going to be Permanent and not Playing Moving Around The North East.. Or Could it Be That Ronnie's Getting it Closer to Home to get it Parked outside his Mansion...

Added by Dave Todd on 30 December 2014.

Got it in one Dave

Added by Ronald Henderson on 30 December 2014.

What else you moving up there to do the next line of Die-cast's... Would really like a Replica of My Wagons I've had over the Years!!! Take Care..

Added by Dave Todd on 30 December 2014.

Yes the roof was removed when entering the dock area, because of the low bridge and the ladder was position in the left rear locker on its side.

Added by James D Newcombe Ex Firemam M,bro on 09 June 2015.

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