Austin K2 ATV Towing Vehicle

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 →

2017

• 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 →
• 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

• 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 →
• 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

• 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 →

2014

• 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 →
• 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 →

2013

• 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 →
• 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 →
• 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 →
• 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 →
• 25/07 - More photos from Kelham Island

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

  Photos from Mick Hill.
• 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 - 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 →

2012

• 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 →
• 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 →
• 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 →
• 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 →
• 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 →
• 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 →
• 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 →

2011

• 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 →
• 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.
• 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 →