Appliances

2019

• 08/01 - NFS Overseas Contingent going to Normandy

  To remember the NFS Overseas Columns, we are planning to head for the Normandy Beaches for the D-Day 75th anniversary. A group of twelve of us, eight NFS firemen and four partners are taking the Dodge Mobile Dam, the Austin … Continue reading →

2018

• 11/07 - Air Raids at the Severn Valley Railway

  Two enemy bombers made a daring raid on Kidderminster Station on the Severn Valley Railway of the GWR. Luckily no-one was injured, but a fuel dump caught fire. A shed with a quantity of black market sausages and other goods … Continue reading →
• 07/06 - Air Raid on the Great Central Railway

  Over the weekend of  2nd and 3rd June, a lone enemy bomber attacked a train in a remote railway yard to target the consignment of explosives and tanker of petrol arriving by train. Railway workers, and the wife of the … Continue reading →
• 31/03 - Winter Maintenance – Replacing the cable on the TL

  A few weeks ago, we had the Turntable Ladder inspected according to LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations). These regulations cover any equipment used to lift a person into the air at work. Although we are not strictly ‘at … Continue reading →
• 14/01 - Commemorating the Auxiliary Fire Service – 50 years on

  The AFS was formed in 1949 and served until disbanded, along with the rest of the Civil Defence movement, on 1st April 1968. The NFS and AFS Vehicles Group are planning to commemorate this with two significant events this summer. … Continue reading →

2017

• 24/12 - Standard Gwynne ‘Chariot’ restoration

  We have been doing a lot of work on the Standard Gwynne ‘Chariot’ trailer. (Well, actually, paying others to do a lot of it…). It is rather a rare trailer, and so beautiful that it is worth spending some money … Continue reading →
• 17/07 - Photos from Black Country Living Museum

  ” ngg_triggers_display=”never” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]   We are now all safely back home, and back into the 21st Century, after a superb weekend. For us, it was a first time, as we are normally at Woodhall Spa this … Continue reading →
• 06/07 - Photos from the Severn Valley Railway

  We have been sent some magnificent photos from a professional photographer, Phil Lea, who was with us on the second weekend. In case you missed the previous post, we are very grateful to Mr Matthews for shooting this video. 
• 05/07 - Air Raid at Severn Valley Railway

  We are back from a superb couple of weekends at the Severn Valley Railway, where we ran an air raid n each of the 4 days, each day getting slightly more spectacular than the last. We are very grateful to … Continue reading →
• 30/05 - More photos from Lanc and Tank

  I was very kindly sent some lovely photos by Keith Foster of www.Flywheelphotography.net, which he has given permission to use here. Thank you, Keith.
• 29/05 - Lanc, Tank and Military Machines 2017

  We have had a lovely weekend at the Lanc, Tank and Military Machines event at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Museum. On Saturday we did a firefighting display using foam (washing up liquid), and on Monday, we did a joint display with … Continue reading →
• 28/05 - Air raid at Quorn Station, 3rd, 4th June 1942 (2017)

  The display will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday in Quorn Yard in the space between the Goods Shed and Marquee. Quorn and Woodhouse Station, Woodhouse Road, LE12 8AG. A lone German bomber attacks a train parked in the siding … Continue reading →

2016

• 31/12 - Foam testing

  John and David went down to the farm to try out the foam branches. Armed with a few bottles of Aldi’s finest washing up liquid (about 30p a bottle), we got out the Beresford, connected suction to the test tank, … Continue reading →
• 29/10 - Photos from Papplewick Pumping Station

  A small group took the K2 and Dennis pump, together with a Beresford Stork pump, and the Mobile Canteen. We informed the public about the dangers of the incendiary bomb, and then demonstrated the power of the pumps, running a … Continue reading →
• 20/05 - Air Raid at Quorn Station, GCR 4th-5th June 2016 – instructions for reenactors

  The display will be at 1:10pm on Saturday and Sunday in Quorn Yard in the space between the Goods Shed and Marquee. Quorn and Woodhouse Station, Woodhouse Road, LE12 8AG. The detail of the scenario is here. Please look at the … Continue reading →
• 11/03 - Newark Advertiser photos

  In preparation for the Commemorative re-enactment of the Newark Air Raid, the Newark Advertiser came down to our storage facility to take some publicity photos. As it happens, a building had just been demolished, so we had the perfect backdrop. … Continue reading →
• 05/02 - Plans for a significant air raid at Quorn GCR, 3rd-5th June 2016

  The display will be at 1:10pm on Saturday and Sunday in Quorn Yard in the space between the Goods Shed and Marquee. Quorn and Woodhouse Station, Woodhouse Road, LE12 8AG. The storyline is this: A number of wagons have been delivered … Continue reading →

2015

• 15/12 - Remembering the Sheffield Blitz 75th Anniversary 12 December 2015

  Last Sunday, Fran and I, Michael and Richard took the Turntable Ladder and a car-full of exhibits to the event at Sheffield Cathedral. We set off really well, with the vehicle going like a train, averaging 30+mph, until we were … Continue reading →
• 17/11 - K4 Winter Maintenance

  Over the last few weeks, two key components of the K4 TL have received professional maintenance. Firstly, the petrol tank has always been a problem. The original filler spout entered the tank via a horizontal pipe, making for very slow … Continue reading →
• 03/11 - NFS in training at Papplewick

  Over the weekend of 10th / 11th October 1945, a small contingent of the NFS went to Papplewick Pumping Station for a small training exercise, and gained some useful experience with pump and hose drill. Whilst there, we found ourselves … Continue reading →
• 21/09 - UXB On the Home Front at Rufford Abbey 26-27 Sept 2015

  ARP wardens and Police are keeping the crowds back from the UXB in the middle of the Long Meadow. One ARP warden in the raid was sure she saw three bombs fall, but only heard two explosions, and after a … Continue reading →
• 21/09 - Air Raid On the Home Front at Rufford Abbey 26-27 Sept 2015

  People are going about their business – police arresting spivs, civilians coming and going. There is a special event on in Rufford Abbey that a lot of people are present at. The air raid siren sounds, and people look round … Continue reading →
• 01/07 - Newark Emergency Services Heritage Show 4-5 July

  We are down to do a Wartime NFS display at 12:00 and a Cold War AFS display at 15:30 on Saturday, but on Sunday the times are AFS at 10:00 and NFS immediately following at 10:40. We also hope to … Continue reading →
• 08/05 - Danger UXB

  Just started watching the DVDs of the 1970s TV series, “Danger UXB”, and saw a fire engine. Got very excited when I saw what it was, and even more so when I saw the registration. You can see Episode 2 here (it’s … Continue reading →
• 19/04 - K4 misfire – carburetor overhaul

  The K4 TL has suffered from a misfire – which was rather more pronounced at the end of last season in that it seemed to struggle to extend the ladder. We checked the ignition – there is a great spark … Continue reading →
• 16/03 - Training session on Fordson Escape and Turntable Ladder

  A group of 9 of us met to train on the Wheeled Escape and the Turntable Ladder. We wanted to get to be as competent and safe with the Escape as we are with the TL, and to practice rescue … Continue reading →
• 15/03 - The Pump Escape in service in the 1950s

  Following on from the photo from Bruce Hoad showing GGN802 at Uckfield Fire Station in East Sussex, we were delighted to hear from Guy Bowes  who is an archivist for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and sent us these … Continue reading →

2014

• 03/11 - Photos of the ‘Salute to the Forties’ at Chatham Historic Dockyard 2014

  Although a long way, we decided to join our friends the ‘Heroes with Grimy Faces‘ and take the mobile canteen, which was very well received. During the weekend, the Picture Post came and did a photo shoot of the inside … Continue reading →
• 25/10 - Papplewick 2014 photos

  We took a small crew and the Turntable Ladder, and the K2 and a pump. The TL was demonstrated, but without water, as it was a bit breezy on Saturday. On Sunday, the wind got up and we were not … Continue reading →
• 17/10 - Papplewick Pumping Station this weekend 17 Oct 14

  Just a short note to say that we are taking the K2 with a pump, the Mobile Canteen and the Turntable Ladder. Additionally, we may take the Pump Escape on Sunday if there is any prospect of doing some training … Continue reading →
• 14/10 - Photos of Air Raid at Rufford, Sept 2014

  We have just received a report from the ARP wardens as follows: At around 2:20pm we received word from our colleagues in Leicester that a doodlebug had passed overhead, and was approaching us. At 400mph, it would be with us … Continue reading →
• 26/09 - Rufford Abbey Air Raid timeline

  Important note for all participants: Briefing at 10:30 in the Turning Circle (Saturday) Start at 2:30 (Both Days) Siren is start of scenario. End of siren is cue for start of V1 approach sound. ARPs look to the sky, and … Continue reading →
• 01/09 - On the Home Front at Rufford Abbey, 27/28 September

  The NFS & AFS Vehicles Group are again staging a major air raid on the old abbey buildings, with sirens, V1 approaching, ARP clearing the street,  a single big explosion, civilians evacuated by ARP, the NFS tackling the fire, WVS assisting … Continue reading →
• 31/08 - Newstead Abbey Fire Event 31 August

  The East Midlands branch of the FSPG brought together a number of historic fire engines to make an impressive display as part of the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue open day at Newstead Abbey. It was very interesting to compare modern and … Continue reading →
• 08/08 - Retford War weekend, 9-10 August

  We are taking the Turntable Ladder, the K2 and a couple of pumps – the Large Dennis, and the Beresford Stork, as well as the Mobile Canteen. On Saturday, we will be doing pumping demonstrations and training, and hope to … Continue reading →
• 21/07 - Air Raid at Woodhall Spa

  Somehow the Germans got wind of an important visitor to Woodhall Spa over the weekend of 19th and 20th July 1940, and mounted a hit-and-run air raid on the Golf Hotel where the VIP was expected. A lone bomber passed … Continue reading →
• 05/06 - Derby Emergency Services Show cancelled 14-15 June

  Sadly, the Derby Emergency Services Show is cancelled, as the grounds at Elvaston Castle are already waterlogged, with a lot more rain forecast over the next week. That is a real shame, and completely gutting for all those who have … Continue reading →
• 17/05 - Pre-season preparations

  Had a productive day today with Michael. Almost completed painting the inside of the Mobile Canteen, and then we went on to testing pumps. We inflated one of the recently acquired 2,500-gallon dams, with the intention of pumping water into it … Continue reading →
• 11/05 - Display trailer nearly finished

  Michael and I had a very productive weekend at the farm. The Beresford trailer has been jetwashed, degreased and repainted, as the red paint was showing through where it had been chipped and scratched. The front locker of the London … Continue reading →
• 26/04 - Rufford Historical Bazaar

  We took the K2 and Coventry Climax pump, together with the brass helmets and a manual pump to try out firefighting from the First World War period. It was a superb multi-period event including everything from the Roman Soldiers to … Continue reading →
• 30/03 - Progress on the London Dennis No 2 pump

  We have been gradually stripping down the pump, recovering anything that is salvageable as spares, and preparing the engine for scrap. It is a real shame, as it looks like the engine was fully overhauled only a few working hours … Continue reading →
• 16/03 - Just collected a London Dennis No 2 Pump

  We have recently collected and started stripping down a London Dennis pump, bought as a source of spares for our other Dennis pumps. The pump looks to be in good condition, as is the tinware and chassis, but the engine … Continue reading →
• 04/03 - Winter maintenance on Beresford and new Dennis

  The starter motors of both Dennis pumps have been overhauled by Whyatt & Sons in Stapleford. A nice job at a fair price. As soon as the paint dries, we will try them out. Meanwhile, I did source a set … Continue reading →
• 20/02 - Chesterfield 1940s this weekend

  We are planning to take the Turntable Ladder to Chesterfield this Saturday – just for the one day. We should be outside the Museum from about 11am onwards, and weather permitting, we will do our customary inspection of the Museum roof.

2013

• 24/12 - The New Dennis No2 Trailer pump

  We have just acquired a new pump. New to us, and new (1944) relative to the old (1938) one. Although the old one has run well, and has had quite a lot of money spent on it, it still boils … Continue reading →
• 05/12 - Repairs to Dennis No2 Cylinder Head

  Over the last few years, a crack has appeared across the top of the cylinder head, and it wept a little water when it was running. Clearly not good, and eventually something needed to be done. A couple of weeks … Continue reading →
• 18/10 - Papplewick this weekend

  We are planning to take the K2 with the Beresford Stork trailer pump for the weekend, and the mobile canteen just for Saturday. We will have a fairly small crew, and will be portraying an NFS training session, with ladder … Continue reading →
• 11/10 - Fordson 7V ‘GGN802’ post-war history discovered

  I recently had a call from Bruce Hoad, a firefighter with East Sussex Fire and Rescue saying he had seen a photograph of our Pump Escape at Uckfield Fire Station in the 1950s.     A bit more research led … Continue reading →
• 09/10 - Photos from Kelham Island

  Here are some photos kindly sent by Smilyan Pavlov.
• 02/10 - Status of the equipment – planned winter work

  Vehicles Austin K2 ATV – Runs well, but would benefit from some cosmetics, such as a complete repaint (!), attention to LH front wing, rear trim strip. Austin K4 TL – Runs well, but fuel tank send unit is out … Continue reading →
• 02/10 - A new manual pump

  We recently purchased a cast iron two-man manual pump, which looked like a fairly simple restoration, and indeed it was. Just needs suction hose and delivery valve to complete.
• 30/09 - New Cab Floor for Katie

  John decided that Katie deserved a new cab floor, as the original was looking rather scruffy. It’ll only take a few hours… Two and a half weeks later, it is all finished. Mind you, it does look very nice. By … Continue reading →
• 11/09 - Photos of Rufford Abbey by Catriona Sutcliffe

  Catriona Sutcliffe and Norman Brown took these photos. Thank you both.
• 02/09 - Rufford Air Raid video

  You can watch the full air raid here (low res) or here (medium res). Ian Beck has posted another video here.
• 31/08 - Successful Air Raid at Rufford

  We had a successful air raid today. Everything worked out, after sorting a teething problem with the Turntable Ladder in the morning. We involved lots of other re-enactors, and the casualties looked great. More photos coming soon.
• 21/08 - Air Raid at Rufford Abbey 31 Aug-1 Sept

  It is now less than 2 weeks to go, and we are starting to make plans for the air raid. We are looking for people to take part – we all had such a good time both last year, and … Continue reading →
• 12/08 - Crich, and the NFRS 999 Day at Newstead Abbey

  Last weekend, we took the K2 and a pump to the Crich 1940s weekend simply as a static exhibit, as sadly we did not have the crew for a display. This was partly due to the clash with the Nottinghamshire … Continue reading →
• 06/08 - Woodhall Spa – our best event yet!

  Back from an absolutely phenomenal weekend at Woodhall Spa. We did an air raid both days early in the afternoon. On Saturday, the sirens sounded, and the bombers came overhead. Bombs fell on the hotel and the ARP wardens were … Continue reading →
• 01/08 - Woodhall Spa this weekend 3-4 Aug

  This is going to be our biggest event yet. It will be the first and possibly only event with all three WW2 appliances out. It will be the maiden trip for our new NFS mobile canteen. A major event at … Continue reading →
• 01/08 - Kelham Island photos from Alice Spooner
• 25/07 - More photos from Kelham Island

  From Ian Thomason
• 24/07 - Kelham Island 1940s Weekend photos

  Photos from Mick Hill.
• 24/07 - Lowdham Floods 23 July 2013

  Following extreme rain on 23rd July, Lowdham suffered a number of flooded houses. Possibly more than an inch of rain fell in half an hour over wide areas of Nottinghamshire. Lowdham, Thurgarton and Southwell were badly affected. It was different … Continue reading →
• 07/07 - Recent Events

  A few weeks ago, we went to Castle Bytham Midsummer Fair, which had a 1940s theme. It was a nice day, despite the light rain, although we were short of crew. In the end, Michael and I did a training … Continue reading →
• 07/07 - Workshop News – Fordson Repaired

  On the way to Derby Fire Show, the Fordson broke down. A catastrophic loss of power, and mechanical noises from deep within the engine that made me fear the worst. I was seriously looking at a full engine rebuild sooner … Continue reading →
• 07/07 - Derby Fire Show

  A substantial NFS and AFS contingent made its way to Derby Fire Show on the weekend of 15/16 June. Unfortunately the Fordson broke down whilst in a convoy from Lowdham to Derby. However, in the AFS contingent we had 5 … Continue reading →
• 10/06 - Air raids on Quorn station – disaster averted

  The National Fire Service successfully responded to the Air Raids over Quorn Station on the Great Central main line over the weekend, putting out fires in the railway goods yard caused by a stick of HE bombs dropped by a … Continue reading →
• 29/05 - K4 to visit Sheffield Fire and Police Museum, 1-2 June

  The Fire and Police Museum (firepolicemuseum.org.uk) are having a 1940s event this coming weekend, and have asked for a wartime appliance to be in attendance, to augment their K2 and TP. So I am taking the K4 Turntable Ladder up … Continue reading →
• 12/05 - Mobile Canteen Rebuild

  The stripdown is now complete, and there is hardly a scrap of original wood left, apart from the inside of the wheel arches. The chassis is painted, and bolted back together. The missing wheel-bolt replaced on the RH brake drum. … Continue reading →
• 10/05 - The Princess Royal unveils the Memorial to Nottinghamshire Firefighters

  The memorial is to all firemen, ARP wardens, Civil Defence, Fire Watchers and more recent Firefighters from Nottinghamshire who died in the line of duty. Obviously most died during WW2, but there were a few since. I had been invited … Continue reading →
• 26/04 - History of our K4 Turntable Ladder, GXN215

  I recently received a letter and two photos from Pete Matten, a firefighter in West Sussex. Pete writes: Worthing Fire Station showing the 1st pump, a 1942 Austin K4/Home Office escape carrying unit (ECU) and the 1944 Austin K4/Merryweather 60ft … Continue reading →
• 13/04 - Fordson has a new windscreen

  I had some steel channel made, and then silver-soldered the corners to make a frame. A piano hinge was soldered along the top, and a new laminated windscreen was made, and fitted today. The original opening restrainers are fitted onto … Continue reading →
• 11/04 - The Princess Royal to unveil the new Notts Firefighters Memorial

  Rather excited about meeting the Princess Royal in a few weeks time. I have been invited to represent the wartime National Fire Service on the guard of honour, and to provide a wartime Turntable Ladder as one of the three … Continue reading →
• 07/04 - Mobile canteen progress

  It seems that my initial assessment that the floor at least was sound, turns out to have been, ahem, wildly optimistic. If you think in terms of rust held together by dry rot and woodworm, you will not be far … Continue reading →
• 25/03 - NFS Mobile Canteen

  We have just bought a potential NFS Mobile Canteen, and are starting its restoration and conversion. See it’s own page for pictures as the work progresses: NFS Mobile Canteen. Sent the wire wheels away today for a rebuild with new … Continue reading →
• 16/03 - Fordson Barton Pump and Robertson Rescue Stretcher tested

  Over the last few days, John and I have been doing a lot of work at the Farm. The big push to get the Barton Pump running before John returns to sea on Monday. We stripped down, cleaned, greased, repacked, … Continue reading →
• 04/03 - Chesterfield at the Winding Wheel, 2013

  The plan was quite complicated, but essentially involved getting the TL to Chesterfield Fire Station (where we had permission to store it overnight) on the Friday evening, before going to the dance. Then collecting the TL on Saturday, and returning … Continue reading →
• 10/01 - K4 breaks down on way to Alf Porkett’s funeral

  Everything was prepared – a test run last weekend, adequate petrol, black ribbon, tunics, choice of cap or helmet, belts and axes, boots cleaned, wet legs sorted – all ready. I set off this morning for Wilford Hill Crematorium, and … Continue reading →
• 06/01 - Fordson Barton Pump restoration

  The front-mounted Barton Pump has been stripped down, in most places, to bare metal, and repainted. The difference between thick loads of paint, and a fresh coat is incredible. It really does look brand new. I have started to re-assemble … Continue reading →

2012

• 27/12 - Fordson workshop news

  The Fordson is having some major surgery to sort out a number of major problems: overheating, flat battery, poor starting, and then recommissioning the Barton pump. Progress so far: The radiator has been flushed, and an electric fan fitted The … Continue reading →
• 27/12 - Replacing the Goddess back axle

  Some of you will remember that the Goddess has been out-of-commission since the Welland Steam Rally, following an unsuccessful ‘tractor pull’, dragging a 17-ton sled with all four wheels spinning. This ended in the diff being trashed, and the vehicle … Continue reading →
• 23/12 - Make pumps two – Lowdham floods again

  Its been a busy week on the pumping side of things. With all this wet weather, Lowdham has flooded a couple of times recently. Last week, John and I did some commissioning on the Beresford pump that we have had … Continue reading →
• 16/12 - Barton American Fire Company Brochure for front-mounted pump

  As we are restoring the Barton front-mounted pump on the Fordson, with the aim of making it work in time for next season, a period brochure of the pump from the Barton American Fire Company is going to be rather … Continue reading →
• 03/11 - Supporting the British Legion, and the AFS in Leicester

  Today I took the K2 and Dennis pump to the Paviors Rugby Club at Burnt Stump to support the local branch of the British Legion. Not a large crowd, but worthwhile to raise the profile. Meanwhile, a couple of interesting … Continue reading →
• 05/10 - The Winter Work on the Fordson has begun

  For some time now, we have wanted to get the pump working on the Fordson, but there have always been other priorities. Additionally, we have had starting problems (6V starter and 6V dynamo on a 12V system), and overheating problems … Continue reading →
• 02/10 - The AFS at Welland Steam Rally 2012

  So the dust has settled, and all the big toys are back to bed. We were a much smaller group than in previous years, although perhaps more focussed on the AFS, with no red or grey fire engines this year. … Continue reading →
• 14/09 - More photos and a video of the Air Raid at Rufford Abbey

  Mick Hill has just sent in a selection of his photos, and James walker has edited his video. Mick’s full set of photos is available here, with a special set on the 25 pounder here. James’ video is here. It … Continue reading →
• 12/09 - Welland Display, 21-23 Sept

  With the new dates being in school holidays, and John having already gone back to sea, it will be a slightly smaller AFS display than usual. Or to be precise, more focussed on AFS, without any red or grey appliances. … Continue reading →
• 03/09 - The Air Raid on Rufford Abbey, 1-2 September 2012

  The Scenario The ARP wardens were relaxing in their posts when the alert came in. The air raid sirens sounded – five in all around the site, and already the crowd had gathered. You could hear the approaching drone of … Continue reading →
• 02/09 - Rauceby War Weekend

  Here are some photos from our friend Tim Rogers from the Rauceby War Weekend over the Bank Holiday Weekend (25-27 August 2012).
• 25/08 - More photos from the recent family wedding

  At last we have the professional photos from Catherine and Brian’s wedding. They were taken by Hannah and Ben Appleby, whose website is hbaphotography.com Hannah and Ben have kindly given permission for me to use the photos on this website. If … Continue reading →
• 20/08 - RAF Cranwell Fly-in Day

  The NFS turned out with three vehicles to RAF Cranwell for their Flying Club Fly-in Day in aid to the Air Ambulance. We were privileged to be invited to arrive on the Saturday afternoon, so we could see one of … Continue reading →
• 19/08 - New photos of Crich

  Our friendly photographer, Tim Rogers, has just sent in these photos.
• 16/08 - The NFS saves the pub in Crich from an Air Raid

  The air raid at Crich Tramway Museum last Saturday: The NFS turn out to an air raid at Crich A wonderful video by James and Karina.
• 14/08 - Sunday at Crich

  Well, what d’you know? The Germans bombed the same pub again the very next day at the same time! Luckily for the pub, the National Fire Service was on full alert at their base just a few hundred yards up the road, … Continue reading →
• 11/08 - Crich 1940s today

  We had an early start today to get all the vehicles to Crich Tramway Museum in time to get the water supply prepared before the museum opened to the public at 10am. The main event was a scenario just after … Continue reading →
• 01/08 - K4 cab side now has new logo

  This excellent sign-writing was recently done by our good friend Alison Milton, of www.alisonandhughshandmadethings.co.uk ‘8’ refers to Fire Force 8, which was Nottinghamshire. ‘D’ is for the City Centre District. TL1 means that it is Turntable Ladder No 1 in the … Continue reading →
• 29/07 - NFS display at Crich Tramway Museum 1940s weekend

  John Sutcliffe and David Needham have just been to Crich to discuss with Doug our display at the 1940s weekend  (11th/12th August).  We have been working on a display involving the T/L, K2 and trailer pump.  The scenario will involve … Continue reading →
• 26/07 - The K4 turntable ladder as a wedding car

  Last weekend was my step-daughter Catherine’s wedding to Brian, and the K4 came along. Various guests/bridesmaids had a ride, and at the reception we put the ladder up. The groom’s father asked to go up, so up he went, all … Continue reading →
• 08/07 - More photos of Lowdham Floods by Roger Fell
• 08/07 - More Staveley Photos
• 07/07 - NFS at Staveley Armed Forces Weekend

  Today the K2 and Trailer Pump featured in the Staveley Armed Forces and Veterans Association parade through the town down to Poolbrook Park where we were able to do a pumping display drawing water from the lake. I was assisted … Continue reading →
• 06/07 - Lowdham floods again – make pumps one

  The very heavy rain this morning just to the north of Lowdham all came down the Cocker Beck, reached the top of some of the bridges, and spilled over. At one point Station road was 7 to 8 inches deep, … Continue reading →
• 02/07 - Clumber photos by Mick Hill
• 27/06 - Lovely photos of Clumber by Mick Hill

  Mick Hill has taken some lovely photos, and this time, I managed to encourage him to take some action shots to complement the lovely static shots of past events. NFS at Clumber I think these are some of the best … Continue reading →
• 26/06 - Nice photos of Rufford last year

  I have just found these:  Incendiary lands and ARP injured. (5 photos) ARP warden injured, and firemen arrive. (20 photos) These are photos of our arena scenario, where we had smoke from an ‘incendiary bomb’, which subsequently exploded, injuring an … Continue reading →
• 25/06 - Clumber last weekend, Burton next weekend

  We took the Turntable Ladder, and the K2 and Dennis trailer pump. The TL went on Friday evening, via Hannah’s school Prom. The displays on Saturday consisted of a pumping session by the lake, and TL drill. On Sunday, we … Continue reading →
• 18/06 - Wartime Clumber this weekend

  We are taking the K4 TL and the K2 and Dennis pump to Clumber Park for the ‘Wartime Clumber’ event organised for the National Trust by Eventplan. We plan to do displays at Noon, 2pm and 4pm. The first will … Continue reading →
• 10/06 - 1940s at the Great Central Railway – a weekend of contrasts

  We took the K4 TL and the K2 and Dennis trailer pump to Quorn Station. The previous week, the weather had been horrendous, but on Friday evening, I took the dam to Quorn and set a hose pipe filling it. … Continue reading →
• 21/05 - Operation Bridgett – building an AFS pipe bridge

  Rob Leese, who organised the event writes: Operation Bridgett achieved its 2 objectives of passing water across a reproduction aluminium pipe bridge, and to serve as a trial run for the Derby show. There were one or two challenges (euphemism … Continue reading →
• 24/04 - Welland entries

  This year, we are again restricted to a limited space, so I will be looking for a good diversity of entries. As ever, I do need a lot of manpower to put on a good display, so if you would … Continue reading →
• 24/04 - Operation Bridgett at Mercia Marina, Sunday 20th May

  Our next outing is an AFS display to try out our new 6″ pipe bridge with water. The location will be Mercia Marina, Willington, just off the A38/A50 junction a few miles South of Derby. The objectives are: to demonstrate … Continue reading →
• 09/04 - Crich Tramway Museum in the wet

  On the Saturday, we had another look at the brakes, and took the master cylinder off. And, yes, a tiny vent hole was completely blocked, which caused the brakes to bind. Now truly sorted, even though it took all evening … Continue reading →
• 01/04 - New uniforms acquired at Sheffield today

  Had a lovely time at the Sheffield Fire and Police Museum memorabilia sale today. The NFS re-enacting group in the South East (Heroes with Grimy Faces) had some surplus tunics, including three in large, with trousers. I also picked up … Continue reading →
• 26/03 - 1940s weekend at Crich Tramways Museum

  We are planning to take the K4 Turntable Ladder to Crich Tramway Museum 1940s weekend on Easter Sunday afternoon and all day Monday. At 31 miles, although not the furthest trip it has undertaken (that honour is taken by the Rauceby … Continue reading →
• 25/03 - Austin K2 Maintenance – most rust problems repaired

  Had a busy few days at the farm. We have had the mobile welder in to sort the rot, and have then been round filling, sanding and painting. We are very nearly ready to start re-assembly. Just need to get … Continue reading →
• 11/03 - Austin K2 maintenance – rust in the windows frames and wings

  For some time now, we have been aware of rust round the window frames on the K2. They had been sealed shut by the previous owner, but rusty blisters have been appearing. We decided to bite the bullet, and get … Continue reading →
• 01/03 - Chesterfield 1940s event at the Winding Wheel

  We took the K4 TL to Chesterfield last weekend and parked outside the Museum on the Saturday morning. This followed an intense couple of weeks getting the vehicle ready, which included fitting the crew cab and electronic ignition, and a … Continue reading →
• 27/02 - Instructions for the Beresford Stork Light Trailer Pump
• 12/02 - Crew Cab fitted to Austin K4

  Having spent weeks preparing he crew cab for the K4, today, we hoisted it onto the body. The fly in the ointment was that the engine wouldn’t start. Despite fitting electronic ignition, that had a small issue that I think … Continue reading →
• 26/01 - Woodwork almost complete on K4 crew cab

  The woodwork is almost complete on replacing the rotten bits, thanks to help from Hugh Milton of www.alisonandhughshandmadethings.co.uk I have started to paint it grey (so far, just the bare metal that needs protecting underneath the new wood, but its a … Continue reading →
• 20/01 - K4 colours, Nottingham Station codes and history of GXN202

  I put the following question to John Thompson (co-author “The Green Machine”) and Ted Angus, both very knowledgeable ex-members of the AFS until it was stood down in 1968: I have known for some time that the AFS used a fair amount of … Continue reading →
• 18/01 - Further progress on the K4 Crew Cab

  Another full day of work last weekend with young Michael. Wooden ends have been trimmed, and the tinplate that had been badly eaten by the metal-moths has been trimmed back. The one very rotten upright  has been removed and found to … Continue reading →
• 07/01 - Progress on the K4 Crew Cab

  Today Alison and Hugh and I did some rot removal on the Crew Cab. Seems that a new piece of ash is required for one of the upright frame pieces, together with a few other bits. Some of the old … Continue reading →

2011

• 31/12 - Winter restoration projects – Michael’s pump trailer

  Today Dan, James, Michael and I worked on the pump trailer. The idea is to adapt a red Coventry Climax trailer to carry one of our Beresford Stork pumps. So it has had new tyres, a serious wire-brush all over, … Continue reading →
• 09/12 - Fitted the Bell, and Drained the Radiators

  Been down to the farm tonight, because I thought I ought to check the water situation given a heavy frost is forecast for tonight. Just as well I did, as the Fordson engine was full of plain water, and there … Continue reading →
• 03/12 - Fitting new parts to the K4

  Spent the day today fitting the parallel motion self-levelling bits to the K4 ladder. A few bits needed a little adjustment with a large sledgehammer to make them line up. Then I discovered that the rather useful hose holder got … Continue reading →
• 28/11 - Crew Cab and other spares for the K4 from Weedon Bec

  On Saturday, Rob Michael and I visited Fireworld, the Fire Services National Museum to collect some parts. I had done a deal to provide the museum with some parts that they need for their restored K4 GXN249, and a pile … Continue reading →
• 26/11 - Instructions for Operation – Dennis No2 350/500 Gall pump

  The original instructions for operation.
• 23/10 - Papplewick 1940s event

  Although this was in October, we had almost summer weather. On Saturday, we had the K2 and Dennis, and the Turntable Ladder. Saturday was a rather quiet day, and gave us the chance to try things out. We did a … Continue reading →
• 02/10 - Maintenance on the Fordson 7V

  This vehicle has long suffered from a blowing head gasket. The symptoms were that under sustained load, say up a hill, bubbles would appear in the water, displacing so much that the engine would boil over. Luckily, water did not … Continue reading →
• 05/09 - Pity we missed the Victory Show. Workshop and Logs instead

  Given a K4 that was boiling over on short trips (we used 5 gallons of water getting back from Rauceby last weekend), we decided that we had better do some workshop maintenance on Saturday. The cylinder head was removed, cleaned up, … Continue reading →
• 03/09 - Rauceby War Weekend report, photos and video

  The Rauceby page has been updated with a report, photos and a video here. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2eEV1V92s4]
• 29/08 - Crich 1940s Aug 2011
• 21/08 - Clumber at War, June 2011

  Clumber is a great location for us – it has a lake that is nicely accessible. And the grass by the lake means that we can drive our vehicles as well – a simulated ‘shout’. It is a superb weekend, … Continue reading →
• 21/08 - Rauceby 1940s Weekend

  We went to Rauceby over the Bank Holiday Weekend, 27th-29th August, and took the K2 and Dennis pump, and the K4. We were a bit thin on numbers, with David, John and Michael, Dan and James being the mainstay. We … Continue reading →
• 11/08 - Videos of the AFS display at Welland

  I have posted a video on youtube, mainly filmed by James and Dan Walker here There is a lower-quality one uploaded by ‘truckphotos’ here
• 03/08 - Welland 2011 report and photos

  The Welland Steam Rally is a huge event. And for our demonstrations, as with all demonstrations, we need to practice. This is the second year we have been to Welland and so there is a core of experience, however there … Continue reading →
• 17/07 - Austin K2 head-gasket

  On our way home from Burton-on-Trent 1940’s event the engine on the K2 started losing power. Fortunately it made it back to the farm but would not re-start once the engine had been stopped.
• 17/06 - Manual and Drill for the Fordson

  Here are some pages scanned from Book 2 of the Manual of Firemanship published during the War.
• 12/06 - Great Central Railway, 11-12th June

  We took part in the 1940s Weekend at Quorn Station on the Great Central Railway. On the Saturday morning we took the K2 and Dennis trailer pump, followed by the Fordson Escape Carrier. Our main display on both Saturday and … Continue reading →
• 27/04 - Easter weekend

  Dan, James and Karina came over, and we tested the Turntable Ladder. There were just two problems in all the testing – the engine was under-performing, to the extent that it would sometimes hardly run and also almost boiled on … Continue reading →
• 15/04 - K4 Turntable Ladder declared Safe

  A couple of days ago, Neil Billings, who has maintained fire appliances for the last 41 years of his working life, came to have a look at it, and declared it to be safe. We started by looking at the … Continue reading →
• 10/04 - Getting the Fordson home

  We have recently acquired a 1941 Fordson ECU from Alan Patmore in Hertfordshire. Alan has owned it since the late 1970s, and restored it from the brink of destruction. It has a working escape ladder, (a Merryweather “War Pattern” escape) … Continue reading →
• 10/04 - Fordson Details
• 15/03 - Clumber 2010

  Some nice photos
• 15/03 - Austin K4 TL Restoration

  Eventually, it will be grey all over! At the end of August 2011, it blew a head gasket, and persistently boiled over, so the radiator was flushed, and the opportunity taken to do more work in the engine bay.
• 13/03 - Dennis No2 Restoration

  The Dennis priming clutch got weaker and weaker, until one day, the lever hit the end stop and the pump didn’t prime, so it was ‘game over’, and time for a rebuild.
• 24/02 - Bedford RL manuals

  EMER_RL_A-6_ENGINE-MECHANICAL_p01-06 EMER_RL_A-6_ENGINE-MECHANICAL_p07-14 EMER_RL_A-6_ENGINE-MECHANICAL_p15-17 EMER_RL_A-6_ENGINE-MECHANICAL_p18-20 EMER_RL_A-6_ENGINE-MECHANICAL_p21-30 EMER_RL_A-6_ENGINE-MECHANICAL_p31-40 EMER_RL_A-6_ENGINE-MECHANICAL_p41-48 EMER_RL_A-6_ENGINE-MECHANICAL_p49-54

2010

• 10/08 - AFS at Welland 2010

  The Auxiliary Fire Service is back after 42 years OK, not as part of a nationwide Civil Defence movement to protect Britain in the event of a nuclear war, but as a display group at Welland Steam Rally near Malvern … Continue reading →