Austin K4 Turntable Ladder

First Registered: 6 March 1944

Past History: New to the National Fire Service (first licenced to the Secretary of State, Home Office), and then by the West Sussex Fire Brigade (at Chichester) from March 1948 to Feb 1972. It passed to two private owners in Kent, neither of whom licenced it (works fire brigades?) It was in Huddersfield, dry stored but untouched, from the mid-nineties until we purchased it in 2010. In October 2011, the crew cab from GXN202 was acquired from FireWorld in Weedon Bec, restored, and refitted. [GXN202 served in Canterbury post-war, and then was painted yellow by RAE.]

Bob Carver wrote: “The Austin K4 TL you have was of West Sussex Fire Brigade origins serving both at the Counties Worthing and Chichester Fire Stations they were swapped over the other K4/TL being GXN 210.

“When GXN 215 arrived within the brigade it was indeed wartime grey livery, during the fifties it was repainted fire engine red and also coach lined as well. It would have had the Barton Front Mounted pump and the rear crew cab intact. During the year 1963 each of these TLs were returned to workshops for a major overhaul, sometime prior to this they were fitted with a mechanical ladder operation by the Home Office (funding) the work was thought to have been carried out at the Home Office Workshops at Swindon, again I do have the dates and the info on what was carried out and cost.

“During the severe winter of 1963 GXN 215 the front mounted pump froze and cracked writing it off. It was around this era that on these TLs the crew cabs were removed as well as the pumps making the appliances a basic special appliance as prior to this they turned out as Pump Turntable Ladders, when in workshops they were stripped to the bare metal and new wings fitted I can’t recall if the cab was removed I believe it was. When finished a Lucas Acorn style blue light was fitted in the centre roof of the cab and two tone horns placed the on a front mantlepiece on the cab with the West Sussex motif on the nearside and offside cab doors, paint finish was excellent! and was done by hand! Immaculate.”

Owned: David Moore.

Recent work: front brakes checked,  brake shoes found to be new. Replaced brake pipes with copper, as old ones leaked. Master cylinder refurbished and honed. Both rear cylinders refurbished and honed. Ladder mechanism checked and lubricated (as ladder went up but not down!!!) Woodworm found in wooden lockers, and being replaced. Chassis under wooden floor painted. Replaced head gasket, fixed fuel tank leak, flushed radiator, painted grey, work on the ladder, so it now goes down as well as up!

Work to be Done:

  • Clean, de-rust and paint the ladder
  • Replace fuel tank send unit.

    GXN218 in Taunton in 1965, photo by ‘Bristol Bob’.


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  • Winter Maintenance – Replacing the cable on the TL March 31, 2018
    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 work’ we still need our equipment to be safe. An inspector came, and gave the TL ...
  • Air Raid at Quorn Station, GCR 4th-5th June 2016 – instructions for reenactors May 20, 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 detail of the scenario is here. Please look at the GCR Wartime Weekend website here. We are planning to take the Dodge Mobile Dam as the main vehicle ...
  • Plans for a significant air raid at Quorn GCR, 3rd-5th June 2016 February 5, 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 to Quorn Yard the previous day, and are standing on the siding between the signalbox and the ...
  • Remembering the Sheffield Blitz 75th Anniversary 12 December 2015 December 15, 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 within 15 miles of Sheffield. Then the trouble began. There was a complete loss of power, which I ...
  • K4 Winter Maintenance November 17, 2015
    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 filling, and entered the tank via a screw fitting that leaked. The tank was repaired ...
  • Newark Emergency Services Heritage Show 4-5 July July 1, 2015
    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 take part in the vehicle parade (11:10 Sat, 15:00 Sun) and put our TL in ...
  • K4 misfire – carburetor overhaul April 19, 2015
    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 exceeding 1/4″ from the electronic ignition. The vacuum advance unit looked suspect, so we removed ...
  • Training session on Fordson Escape and Turntable Ladder March 16, 2015
    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 techniques using a Neil Robertson stretcher. A video of what we achieved can be seen here, ...
  • Papplewick Pumping Station this weekend 17 Oct 14 October 17, 2014
    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 with the escape (as Papplewick is one of very few locations where we can get ...
  • Photos of Air Raid at Rufford, Sept 2014 October 14, 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 in around 10 minutes. We scoured the skies, and sounded the alarm. We heard it approach, ...

Workshop and Restoration

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2018

  • 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 →

2016

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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →

2014

  • 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 →
  • 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

  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →

2012

  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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

  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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]
  • 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 →
  • 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 →
  • 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.

 

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