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Fire Engine Photos
1958 Austin FE/Surrey Fire Brigade Foam & Salvage
A very somewhat unusual appliance is this 1958 Austin FE foam and salvage tender of the Surrey Fire Brigade.It is the sole survivor of three salvage tenders built in the Brigades own workshops at Reigate using an Austin FE chassis.New in 1958,the appliance(reg-79 GPK)formed a dual role as a foam carrier and salvage tender and was stationed at Epsom Fire Station. Its salvage equipment included a small pump for pumping out flooded cellars and basements.The appliance remained at the station in Epsom until 1975,then it was then sold to a film company at Shepperton Studios for transporting equipment for location work before finally being put to rest in a breakers yard in Chertsey in Surrey. When finally found in a field in 1988,it actually had a tree growing up through its middle,and after being purchased it was over the next few years to have a complete restoration,with new wood throughout the lockers,and complete rebuild of the bodywork by its present owner.This photo I took in 1991,shows the appliances fully restored,and a fitting tribute to the presevationist.
A very somewhat unusual appliance is this 1958 Austin FE foam and salvage tender of the Surrey Fire Brigade.It is the sole survivor of three salvage tenders built in the Brigades own workshops at Reigate using an Austin FE chassis.New in 1958,the appliance(reg-79 GPK)formed a dual role as a foam carrier and salvage tender and was stationed at Epsom Fire Station. Its salvage equipment included a small pump for pumping out flooded cellars and basements.The appliance remained at the station in Epsom until 1975,then it was then sold to a film company at Shepperton Studios for transporting equipment for location work before finally being put to rest in a breakers yard in Chertsey in Surrey. When finally found in a field in 1988,it actually had a tree growing up through its middle,and after being purchased it was over the next few years to have a complete restoration,with new wood throughout the lockers,and complete rebuild of the bodywork by its present owner.This photo I took in 1991,shows the appliances fully restored,and a fitting tribute to the presevationist.
Jason, the 3 pictures of Surrey (picture 8477- picture 8492- picture 8560 ) appliances I took back in
1991 at the 'Brigade Aid'Chobham Fire and Rescue Service Spectacular.These appliance and others were all owned by the same person.Contact me and I will
let you have an address and maybe a contact which might help. Also you could try Surrey F.B.workshops in Reigate as a start.It would be nice to get that
finishing touch to that TL of yours, she's looking good.Pete.
Added by Pete Matten on 14 June 2008.
1991 at the 'Brigade Aid'Chobham Fire and Rescue Service Spectacular.These appliance and others were all owned by the same person.Contact me and I will
let you have an address and maybe a contact which might help. Also you could try Surrey F.B.workshops in Reigate as a start.It would be nice to get that
finishing touch to that TL of yours, she's looking good.Pete.
Added by Pete Matten on 14 June 2008.
thanks Pete you can email me on [email protected] is it Eddie Mitten that owns them?
i have a smile on my face when i drive her the noise and power and of course the flame spitting on over run i just need a petrol tanker in reserve!
Added by Jason on 15 June 2008.
i have a smile on my face when i drive her the noise and power and of course the flame spitting on over run i just need a petrol tanker in reserve!
Added by Jason on 15 June 2008.
Sorry John, I've just noticed your comment in reference to the bodywork of this FOT/Salvage Tender.It was carried out by SFB Workshops.Pete.
Added by Pete Matten on 22 November 2010.
Added by Pete Matten on 22 November 2010.
79GPK for searching. Flickr said in 2013 "Left abandoned and falling in to disrepair, it was saved and subject to total restoration by its current owner."
Added by Petros on 14 December 2023.
Added by Petros on 14 December 2023.
Austin
its great to see these Surrey machines turning up
maybe we could re-unite our machines?
Added by Jason on 13 June 2008.