Fire Engines Photos

Built by Hall Metal Fabrication, Hall, ACT (Australia).
"Light Units" are a standard appliance for rural fire brigades in the ACT. They are based on a 75/ 78 series Toyota Landcruiser Chassis. Completely aluminium, the Tank and Tray are custom built to reduce weight. The 650lt baffled tank actually sits partially between the chassis rails to help reduce the height of the water and maintain stability on the road. This unit is specifically designed to accomodate a fire fighter "riding" on the back between the cab and the gear compatrment above the rear wheel (access over tank via step near right rear wheel). The "ride on" capability is great for running grass fires, keeping firefighters off the ground (avoids tripping etc) and allowing the knock down to be faster. Tray is designed to hold standard equipment including 25m, 25 mm rubber hose (hose reel), hydrant standpipe, 6m 38 mm draughting hose), 20lt foam container, drip torch, honda 5.5hp pump motor. This unit was introduced to the ACT Rural Fire Service in 1996/7, it was specifically designed and built by firefighters which shows in operation- it works very well.

Added by Fireyowie on 27 November 2008.

That's a good photo and narrative mate thanks. This machine just shows what can be achieved when design is left to firemen, ie something that works! Unlike some of the rubbish foisted on brigades by so called fire appliance makers.

Added by John Stott on 27 November 2008.

Looks like a great rig for chasing down running grass-fires - with that separate pump, must be able to "pump and roll" (can't remember the UK term)
eg to spray water whilst on the move, with the guy on back, on the padded water-tank.

Sure beats madly stretching hose chasing after the fire going over the hill...

Thanks for a great truck.

Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B


Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 28 November 2008.

Its called producing on the move Pat.

Added by John Stott on 30 November 2008.

ahh the days of chasing grass fires in hall 20 damn i miss them i was lucky enough to do some work at hall metal wit handy fulton during my time at hall brigade i served there for 10yrs and saw alot from the days of the bedford and acco through to the new trucks now a member of a brigade here in queensland and feel i have stepped back in time
pete moore
ex member and deputy captain hall bushfire brigade

Added by Pete Moore on 28 January 2009.

Thanks for that, John; there's a rear view of similar rig posted at picture 12145 - got to agree, they have turned out a handy little truck.

Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 26 March 2010.

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