HISTORIC FIRE ENGINES ASSOCIATION Inc
FLYER & SEPTEMBER 2009
Issue 183
SALVAGE We celebrate 40 years of the Dennis D & F44/49 Series with the NSW Fire Brigades
MOTOR BAY
MEMBER PROFILE
STATION PROFILE
PRESIDENT’S REPORT BLAST FROM THE PAST OUT & ABOUT NEW VEHICLE MOVEMENT FORM
EVENTS PAGE & MUCH MORE
3 WATCHROOM
18 FIRE STATION PROFILE In this issue we feature 349 Stn Kurri Kurri of the NSWFB
4 FEATURE STORY
22 UPLOAD
We celebrate 40 years since the introduction of Dennis enclosed cabs
Collection of photos, both past and present sent in by members for everyone to enjoy
8 RUNNING BOARDS
23 THE WORKSHOP
Catch up on the latest club news and recent outings by members
The restorers guide. This issue we look at the Zenith Carby
10 VEHICLE MOVEMENT FORM
26 HFEA WEBSITE NEWS
11 BLAST FROM THE PAST
26 AROUND THE GLOBE
We take a look at the past with a collection of vintage ads and manuals
13 MEMBER PROFILE This issue we feature HFEA member Ron Thorp
15 MOTOR BAY In this issue we feature the Dennis Ace
HFEA Sept 2009
Bringing the world of fire engines to your fingertips
27 JUNK YARD Buy, swap or sell
28 DIARY DATES The latest in upcoming events
Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
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Watchdesk
CONTACTS President Guy Ellis 0414 182 010 firieguy@yahoo.co.uk
Welcome to the September issue of Flyer & Salvage paper for the feature article Well, hasn’t two months made of this issue. a difference. By now you would have noticed that the A little while ago, I came Flyer & Salvage has an across a website called exciting new look. “fire engine photos”. It is run by two guys from over I have for some time wanted in Europe. It is a great site to change a few things here with heaps of photos from and there and take that next all over the world. You are step. I guess I needed that able to comment on the little push, this coming in the photos and it has become way of feedback from the a great place to find recent survey, recent information about many of comments and a positive the restored appliances on reply from our President after the site. Guy Ellis has sent I sent him a draft cover. in one photo, and I have sent in a couple and even Thanks to everyone who was have my own contributor’s able to find time to complete spot. the survey and send it back to me. As a result of some of the And best of all it is mainly suggestions made, you will people who are interested see some new sections. in fire engines, both old and new, and the negative commentators are very scarce. I have already made some great new contacts from England and Canada. So next time you are on the ‘net’, check out their website: www.fireengine-photos.com
Vice Presidents
The recent celebration of 40 years of enclosed cabs within the NSWFB was a great success. It’s the feature story in this issue. Unfortunately Nicole had booked a family trip away that clashed with this date, so I was unable to travel down to attend the day out. Luckily I was able to get the elves out to take some photos and put some pen to
Bruce Cunningham 02 9663 0661 Beecee88@iinet.net.au
HFEA Sept 2009
And finally, I would like to thank my wife Nicole and my three little ones for the support and for putting up with me while I was trying to work out this issue and of course my obsession with the big red trucks.
Aaron Bischoff Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
Mark Hall 0412 515 499 rentertainment@optusnet.com.au Shane McDonnell 0401 690 081 shane_kris@hotmail.com
Secretary/Public Officer Ray Kelly 0458 687 765 marydot@bigpond.com
Treasurer Doug Humphreys 0419 441 687 Doug.humphreys@aat.gov.au
Editor Flyer & Salvage Aaron Bischoff 044 725 1922 Aaron.bischoff@bigpond.com
Events Officer Shane McDonnell 02 4736 7609 shane_kris@hotmail.com
Registrars Gerard Duck 02 4578 3665 gjduck@iinet.net.au Shane McDonnell 02 4736 7609 shane_kris@hotmail.com
Vehicle/Station Recorder Brian Blunt 0412 770 661 bblunt@bigair.com.au
CMC Delegate
NSWFB Liaison Ray Kelly 0458 687 765 marydot@bigpond.com
NSWRFS Liaison Keith Lang 0415 497 735 excel@lisp.com.au
ABN 97 130 890 920
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Feature Story 40 year celebrations Mark Hall recalls 40 years of Dennis enclosed cabs with the NSWFB
Dennis 40th Anniversary 1969 – 2009 Story by Mark Hall “No 372 ME Stowed and installed as Running Motor. 1800 hours Friday 20th June, 1969. Speedo 322 miles.” And so began a tradition that many of us to this day remember so fondly. This day saw the first automatic fire appliance commissioned into the NSWFB fleet, the first of the purpose built, fully enclosed double cabin Dennis fire engines.
Top Right: Shane MacDonald, Jim Hall, Chris Wallace, Guy Ellis, Mark Hall and Tom Hetherington with Tom’s Dennis Jag in the engine bay at Lakemba Fire Station. Photo Mark Hall Bottom Right: Postcard from heaven! Guy’s F44, Tom’s, Guy’s and Mark’s D600 Jags. Photo Mark Hall
HFEA Sept 2009
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This was followed a month later with the Flyer, Reg’s Rolls No 373 and this was followed by the first Jag being installed at Lakemba.
followed by a cuppa and cakes made a great start to our day. We all arrived with no problems and no breakdowns!
totally authentic. He even has Perspex covers over the pockets to keep fingers off the highly polished brass fittings. At 1100hrs, we headed off in convoy, lead by Guy in the Rolls and we arrived at Headquarters at exactly 1200 hrs. Again, we were warmly welcomed by Superintendant Peter Stathis and the entire No 1 station crew. After an inspection of the Dennis motors parked outside the old station, we were all treated to a walk through the new station. This was followed by a BBQ lunch and a great chat between the members and the crews there.
The rest of course is history. 84 appliances in total, 12 Rolls and 72 Jags. How fitting that we had the first appliance there again on the day.
Tom parked his newly restored Jag in Lakemba’s bay and a few hundred photos were taken by HFEA members, NSWFB crew and visitors plus a handful of passers by.
For those of you who didn’t know, I purchased No 372 in early 1985 and cared for her for nearly 23 years. She is still the best looking truck around and to see her in the No 1 engine bay at the old Headquarters was a dream fulfilled. Guy Ellis now owns 372 and I know, loves her just as much as I still do! Our event saw 4 Dennis motors plus Ryan Williams’ International arrive at Lakemba station at 1000 hours on 26th July. We were made very welcome by the crew at Lakemba and also 52 Stn Campsie visiting to show their support. An inspection and display HFEA Sept 2009
Above: Dennis on Broadway! No it’s not the musical, it’s the HFEA convoy. This great action shot from the cab of Mark’s Dennis captures this once in a life time photo as three Dennis fire appliances make their way into City of Sydney Fire Station. Photo Mark Hall
Left: Roll the clock back! Tom’s Dennis D600 parked in the engine bay of Lakemba Fire Station. Photo Mark Hall
Tom’s Jag is a credit to him. The restoration is exceptionally good and Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
You could be forgiven for thinking that we were back in the 70’s with both a Page 5
Rolls and a Jag proudly in the first and another 2 Jags out the front of Headquarters! The say it all.
parked 2 bays, lined up the old pictures
Many of the newer faces at No 1 station had never seen a Dennis Jag or Rolls and they were suitably impressed. I don’t know how many of them would be able to drive them. Of course there were a handful of retired firies and senior staff who all had a few special memories of their days driving and working with them. All in all it was a great day for those of us that attended. A special thanks to Guy for having both of his trucks there, especially the Rolls. The firies on duty were both enthusiastic and appreciative as well. We know there are still a few Jags out there needing a paint, spit and polish so lets try for a few more next time! Bring on the 50th!
Above: Ready to respond! Guy’s F44 Dennis. Photo Mark Hall
Left: The business end of Mark Hall’s D600 Dennis in the original Headquarters motor bays. Photo Mark Hall
HFEA Sept 2009
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Above: Now and then‌ Lakemba D platoon with HFEA members Guy Ellis, Shane McDonald, Jim Hall, Chris Wallace, Mark Hall and Tom Hetherington with their appliances at Lakemba fire Station. Photo Mark Hall
Right: Family day out! Julie Hall, Ilse Stoecker and Fran Hall catch up with Mark Hall’s Dennis in the original Headquarters engine bay. Photo Mark Hall Below: City bound! One of the D600 Dennis fire appliances heading into the city. Photo Mark Hall
HFEA Sept 2009
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Running Boards Timbertown Oil & Steam Day Kevin Mulley livens our senses as he takes us back in time
To add to the display of vintage fire engines belonging to HFEA members, the little J1 Bedford from Wauchope tagged along.
Kevin Mulley and the boys from Port Macquarie have again been out flying the flag, this time for the Steam and Oil weekend held at Timbertown in Wauchope.
Port Macquarie also attended with their pumper together with Wauchope’s pumper, which was set up to allow the kids to spray some water from the first aid reel.
Crews from the NSWFB were on hand with the kitchen fire simulator to show the dangers of fires in the home. Rumours suggest that the local council is again contemplating the closure of Timbertown saying it is in need of a $7million up grade. It would be a shame to see the site close, the dedication of the boys and their hard work to establish a fire station displaying the equipment of the past would be a huge loss to the public. Kevin says, “We will fight on”.
News from the President The 40th run for the closed cab Dennis was well received by the NSWFB with a very good story on the Fire Brigades intranet complete with pictures. Those that attended had a good time as the firefighters from Lakemba and City of Sydney made us all most welcome.
“The weather was a little ordinary to start with but in the end turned out ok to make for a good weekend,” Kevin adds.
On the 9th August I attended the Central Coast Convoy for Kids with my 1936 Dennis Ace leading the NSW Fire Brigades contingent. I was joined by HFEA members Chris Moore, Chris Wallace and Adam Drapier from the Hunter Valley Commercial club as my crew all dressed in period uniform. Guy Ellis President HFEA Sept 2009
Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
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New Vehicle Movement Form Events Officer Shane MacDonald has produced a new movement form for members The new movement form was developed as a result of member feedback and has been designed to be more user friendly. “The new movement form will soon be added to the HFEA website,” Shane says. Having the form on the website will allow members to download, complete and send it back electronically. Shane adds, “This will be especially handy when a member has been asked to display an appliance at an event at short notice.”
Convoy 4 Kids Guy Ellis’ Dennis Ace heads out for a fun filled day for charity
On Sunday 9th August, HFEA President Guy Ellis supported the Central Coast Convoy 4 Kids charity event. A fund raising event staged by the TWA, with over 300 vehicles taking part in the parade. Dressed in period fire fighting uniform, Chris Moore, Chris Wallace and Adam Draiper joined Guy and rode along for the fun filled day. Guy’s 1936 Dennis Ace lead the parade which started at Westfield’s Tuggerah Shopping Centre, before heading out along the Central Coast Highway finishing up at the Gosford Showground. Another highlight of the day were the live radio cross overs onboard the Ace by Star FM’s Cal who came along dressed also in period turn out gear courtesy of Guy. Guy commented on how great the weather was which made for a really great day.
Joke of the Week Ron Thorp shares a laugh with us A firefighter was working on the engine outside the station, when he noticed a little girl nearby with a little red wagon, little ladders hung off the sides, and a garden hose tightly coiled in the middle. The girl was wearing a firefighter’s helmet. The wagon was being pulled by her dog and her cat. The firefighter walked over to take a closer look. “That sure is a nice fire truck,” the firefighter said with admiration. “Thanks,” the girl replied. The firefighter looked a little closer. The firefighter noticed the girl had tied the wagon to her dog's collar and to the cat's privates. “Little partner,” the firefighter said, “I don't want to tell you how to run your rig, but if you were to tie that rope around the cat's collar, I think you could go faster.” The little girl replied thoughtfully, “Yes! You're probably right, but then I wouldn't have a siren...!” Left: Adam Draiper, Chris Wallace, Arrabella the story teller and Guy Ellis pose with Guy’s Dennis Ace. Photo Guy Ellis
HFEA Sept 2009
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VEHICLE MOVEMENT FORM VEHICLE OWNER: CONTACT DETAILS:
_________________________________________________ (fax or email) _________________________________________________
VEHICLE OWNER ADDRESS:
_________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
VEHICLE GARAGING DETAILS:
_________________________________________________
VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER:
_________________________________________________
VEHICLE INSURANCE DETAILS:
_________________________________________________
HFEA CLUB MEMBER NUMBER:
_________________________________________________
EVENT DETAILS: FIRE BRIGADE EVENT
HFEA EVENT
OTHER (please specify)
MOVEMENT DETAILS: The vehicle will be driven from _____________________________ on _____________________ (date) to _________________________________ on __________________________ (date) and it will be returning to _____________________________________ on _____________________________ (date) VEHICLE OWNER NAME: _____________________________ SIGNATURE ___________________ DRIVER / PERSON RESPONSIBLE DURING MOVEMENT OF VEHICLE: NAME:
________________________
SIGNATURE:
_________________________
MOVEMENT FORM TO BE COMPLETED AND SENT TO REGISTRARS FOR APPROVAL AND RECORDING OF DETAILS 24 hours PRIOR TO MOVEMENT BEING UNDERTAKEN
Office use only Approved
HFEA Sept 2009
Not Approved
Approval Number
_____________________
Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
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Blast from the Past In this issue we go back in time to take a peak at what the fire engine manufacturers were up to. I enjoy looking at the old, some times odd, advertisements used by manufacturers, especially in the days before political correctness.
would like to take the opportunity to thank him for allowing the reproduction of these images. If anyone would like an electronic copy of any of the scans from the Blast from the Past series, please email me and I will forward you a copy.
The following scans have again been provided courtesy of Dr Barry Hutchinson and I
HFEA Sept 2009
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Left: The “new world”. Dennis launched the new world body style very early in the design stakes. Not sure how an open top fire engine provides “the essence of safety and weather protection”, but then again it did have a factory fitted windscreen!
Right: London fire crews enjoyed the safety and comforts of fully enclosed cabs long before our fire fighters did. It would be a further 20 years before our fire fighters enjoyed the comforts of purpose built fire appliances with enclosed cabs when the New South Wales Fire Brigades introduced the Dennis D series and F44 fire appliances.
HFEA Sept 2009
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Member Profile In this exciting new feature of the Flyer & Salvage, we introduce and profile one of our HFEA members Many of the members who replied to the survey asked for a member profile. I had been toying with a similar thought. We can now see who and where our members are and what they have in their collections.
Ron resides on a 10ha property which previously formed part of the Inverell North Airport. During his working days he ran an air service out of this airport for many years. He has now retired from flying but retained his life long interest in motor vehicles.
In 1993 he purchased a 1960 Thornycroft MkII Nubian Fire Tender from Bathurst Council and joined the HFEA shortly after. Ron says, “As a pilot I always admired the Thornycroft Nubians which used to be based at most of the major airports, so when there was an opportunity to own one and locate it at our own
Ron Thorp was the first member to reply to the survey and suggested a member profile. So, after a quick email back to Ron, we have our first member profile. Ron hails from Inverell, NSW. Originally from Wollongong, Ron and his wife Ann have lived in Inverell for the past 35 years.
Above: Ron Thorp’s 1960 Thornycroft MkII Nubian Photo Ron Thorp
Left: Ron at the helm of his 1957 Dennis F1 ME 287. Photo Ron Thorp
HFEA Sept 2009
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private airport the temptation was too great.” Having already acquired a significant collection of antique vehicles there was an additional justification for adding a fire engine to the fleet. In 1998 I purchased a 1957 Dennis F1 from Brett Williams and recently have submitted an offer to purchase an International pumper situated at Inverell Fire Station. “If you want to stand out from the crowd in the old vehicle movement you arrive in a fire engine. It seems to strike a chord with boys and girls of all ages,” adds Ron. “It is unfortunate that distance from HFEA events precludes me from participating but I do look forward to receiving news via the "Flyer and Salvage."
Top: Ron Thorp’s vast collection of vintage motor vehicles including his 1957 Dennis F1 and the 1960 Thornycroft Mk11 Nubian fire appliances. Photo Ron Thorp
Bottom:
Ron’s 1957 Dennis F1. Photo Ron Thorp
Thanks Ron for being part of this issue. There were a number of requests for a member profile from the recent survey, and as a result of this, I will feature a new member each issue. So look out!
HFEA Sept 2009
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Motor Bay Known to many as Flying Pigs, the pre war Dennis Ace proved to be a popular and well loved fire appliance, both in England and overseas. Our Flyer & Salvage Editor takes a closer look at this great little machine. In this issue we feature the Dennis Ace fire engine
Dennis Brothers Ltd was founded in 1895 by John and Raymond Dennis. They originally manufactured and sold bicycles in Guildford, Surrey, before moving into motor cars in 1901.
However, the company quickly became synonymous with commercial vehicles, building their first bus in 1903 and their first fire engine followed some five years later. In 1934, Dennis Bros developed the Dennis Ace fire appliance. The first
Dennis Ace fire appliance built was a new world model that left the factory for Ascot fire brigade in England in 1934. The chassis that the Ace was built on was developed a year earlier as a bus chassis.
Below: Dennis vehicle badge that was affixed to early Dennis fire appliances. Curtesy DR BA Hutchinson
Left: Chassis drawings of the Dennis Ace fire appliance. Curtesy DR BA Hutchinson
HFEA Sept 2009
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The Ace was different in appearance to other fire engines built around this time. The short bonnet and the front wheels set well back, which contributed to the compactness and manoeuvrability of the appliance, earned it the nick name “Flying Pig�.
Depending on its specification, the Dennis Ace sold for between 500 to 1000 pounds. They were powered by a four cylinder engine of 3770cc capacity mated to a four speed gearbox. An interesting feature was the pedal layout, with the accelerator in the middle and the brake pedal on the right.
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Below: The original 1934 Dennis Ace. It was built with a new world body and is the Dennis Factory fire appliance after all these years. Photo Dr B A Hutchinson
The Dennis Ace was manufactured between 1934 and 1939. World wide a total of 134 Dennis Ace fire appliances were built, with the last Dennis Ace going to the Arundel Brigade in Sussex.
Dennis Bros built a variety of bodies based on the Ace chassis including the traditional Braidwood body, New World body and the limoscene or fully enclosed body. But more interesting, was the model built for the Acton Fire Brigade.
This model featured an unusual forward control version of the Ace. To be honest, I only came across this while reading a book by Roger Mardon.
In 1935, Dennis developed the Ace 6. It was more commonly known as a Light 6 with 84 being built by Dennis.
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Dennis Aces of the NSW Fire Brigades As with the earlier replacements, the vehicles obtained between 1934 and 1939 were almost exclusively Dennis Fire engines. The Dennis Ace was chosen for use at suburban Sydney Fire Stations. 35 Dennis Ace fire appliances were acquired during this time with quite a large number still in existence today. The earliest Ace acquired by the NSW Fire brigades was built as a staff tender. It was able to carry twenty men and their equipment to major fires or bush fires. This appliance is part of the Museum of Fire Collection. Up until just recently, I had only thought that apart from the “bus”, all Dennis Ace fire engines that the NSW Fire Brigades had were Braidwood bodied pumpers. I had been given a collection of slides and as I was slowly going through them to work out if they could be converted to disk, I came across a salvage unit which was built on a Dennis Ace chassis. The photo was taken outside Crows Nest Fire Station.
Top Right: The first Dennis Ace delivered to the NSWFB, complete with bus bodywork. Photographer unknown
Right: 1936 Dennis Ace ME237 was first stationed at Hurstville. Photo Guy Ellis
Bottom Right: 1936 Dennis Ace ME244 was first stationed at Lidcombe Fire Station. Photo Aaron Bischoff
Below: The original Dennis Ace ordered by the NSWFB. Now under restoration at the Museum of Fire. Photogragher unknown
You would have to say that the Dennis Ace is one of the best looking fire appliances out there. They have “that” look. I think it was the best thing I did, getting my Ace! HFEA Sept 2009
Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
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Fire Station Profile In this new series, we take a look at various fire stations. First up, we head to Kurri Kurri in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
Two years of rapid growth had seen Kurri Kurri rise from virgin bushland to a comfortable settlement by 1904. Those two years had been generally hot and dry, with lack of water being a problem for many households. Following Christmas 1904, the daily temperatures passed 100 deg F (38 deg C) every day – an unbearable heat wave.
been raging in the district for several days. Before the night was over, countless numbers of buildings would be burnt to the ground, including the Church of England at Bishops Bridge. In those early days of settlement on the coalfields, many miners lived in clusters of communal tent and bagcamps, located in the
Even before the disastrous New Year’s bush fires of 1905, house fires were prevalent. In September 1904, a two-room house was totally destroyed by fire. With no firefighting equipment in town, all that could be done was standby and watch, and hope and pray that the fire didn’t spread. A public meeting was held at Kurri Kurri’s Central Park (now Rotary Park) on the
Original members of the newly organised Kurri Kurri Volunteer Fire Brigade proudly pose for the camera. Photo K Maxwell
On New Years Eve 1905 the town was enveloped by thick, choking smoke from numerous bush fires that had HFEA Sept 2009
bush close to the mine in which they worked. These camps were devastated by the fires. Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
evening of 5th February 1905 to form a volunteer fire brigade. Over the next two weeks names were collected Page 18
from interested people. By the 20th February 1905 25 volunteers formed the first Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade.
The original Kurri Kurri Volunteer Fire Brigade. The brigade still occupies the same site some hundred years later. Photo K.Maxwell
On the 26th of February 1905 Mr Baird was elected as the first Captain of the brigade. Within 8 months of its formation, the Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade was faced with the worst disaster to ever strike the town. During the early hours of 29th Sunday October 1905, the brigade was responded to a call for assistance from the Stanford Merthyr Colliery. Under the leadership of Captain Baird the brigade was promptly on the scene and worked energetically at pouring water down the firey tunnel. Later that morning an explosion occurred, taking with it the lives of six coal miners and injuring a number of others. Three of the Kurri Kurri Firefighters were later publicly thanked for putting their lives in danger in an attempt to extinguish the colliery fire. They were J. Willoughby, W. Quinn and W. Morgan. Construction work began on a timber and iron fire station in Lang Street towards the end of June 1906 and was completed in September 1906. That station served for 22 years until replaced by a brick and tile building in 1928. That building was officially opened on the 23rd March 1929 and still operates as the Kurri Kurri Fire Station today. On 24th January 1910, Kurri Kurri Volunteer Fire Brigade became part of the New South Wales Fire Brigades. In that year the brigade HFEA Sept 2009
responded to 5 fire calls. 2 House Fires, 2 Shop Fires and a Bush Fire. Some Major Incidents the Brigade has attended include: A fire on the 23rd February 1915 destroyed two shops and a third shop suffered damage in Lang Street. On 8th December 1952 a 2,000 ton Kerosene Shale dump caught alight at Richmond Vale which took the brigade six hours to extinguish. On 24th September 1957 the Service Station and two motor vehicles at 3 Victoria Street were totally destroyed Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
by a fire in the early hours of the morning. On 5th November 1965, while fighting a bush fire at Loxford, firefighter Peter McIntosh collapsed from heat exhaustion and was rushed to hospital but unfortunately died. On 17th July 1970 a fire in the shops at 136 to 144 Lang Street destroyed two shops and damaged the cottage next door. Two firefighters were taken to hospital with second degree burns to their arms. On 12th July 1975 Heddon Greta Public School was completely destroyed by fire. Page 19
The Kurri Kurri Mural Project Towns with Heart is a small community group working in the area of Kurri Kurri and the surrounding villages of Abermain, Stanford Merthyr, Weston, Heddon Greta, Pelaw Main and Neath. In 2003 the group decided to undertake a ‘Mural Project' with the aim of getting more of the thousands of cars that pass through the town, to stop and see what Kurri Kurri had to offer. In less than four years the town has over 40 murals showcasing the local history,
HFEA Sept 2009
heritage and uniqueness. Visitors now come on buses and in cars to see the magnificent murals and undertake a tour by one of the local guides. Kurri Kurri Fire Station was chosen to be of the mural projects. The end result was a mural depicting a save at a house fire. The mural was officially unveiled during the fire station’s centenary celebration by brigade officials. For the trivia buffs among us, the girl being rescued is actually the current Captain’s daughter, with the fire crew being made up of the current Captain, Deputy Captain and Engine Keeper of Kurri Kurri Fire Brigade.
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I was privileged to be invited to be on the organising committee for the centenary. Many months of hard work and long meetings paid off. The centenary went off with out a hitch. The weather was fantastic’ and the community really got behind it’s fire station’s centenary celebration. The HFEA attended with numerous appliances from members to support the day’ with appliances including a Garford, Dennis 250, Dennis Ace, Mack, J1 Bedford, Ford Thames and a Dennis Jag. The following page is a collage from the centenary parade and display at the sportsground.
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HFEA Sept 2009
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Upload In this issue, founding President, Barrie Gillings shares with us some of his photos from old HFEA events. When I went through the disk that Barrie had given me, I had a little laugh to myself. Where were the fashion police I thought, but then I realised that most of the photos were taken before I was born. Got to love the early seventies!
Top Right and Below: First event of 1970. I wonder if any of the kids on the fire engine are HFEA members today? Bottom Left: HFEA at Warrick Farm
event
Above: Two beautiful Dennis fire engines at an HFEA event in 1969 Below Right: HFEA event from 1971
HFEA Sept 2009
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The Workshop In issue 183, we take a look at the Dennis Big 4 and in particular its Zenith carburettor.
HFEA Sept 2009
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HFEA Sept 2009
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HFEA Sept 2009
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Website Update Shane MacDonald provides an update of our new webpage. At the May meeting, it was agreed to pursue a new webpage for the HFEA. James Tyne from Zerospace Web Design attended and gave a presentation to those present of what his company could offer including some examples. James has been very busy doing the behind the scenes work converting current content into the new ASP.net format. In an email James writes, “On a positive note we have implemented a lot of the features that were discussed
at our last meeting, also we have half completed an “on the fly” editor that can be used by people with administration rights to edit articles, add images and change a number of other things on the page.” An exciting feature will be the ability to turn pages of the Flyer & Salvage on the “fly”. “It will be just like turning the pages of a book “, Shane adds. The webpage will also allow the ability to upload PDFs like the Flyer and Salvage’ and will provide links to other websites.
The photo gallery is also completed and will be on hand to help manage the site while our new web master goes through the learning process. I actually had a quick look at the example of the Flyer & Salvage section and was really happy with the look, especially being able to turn the pages. A very professional feel. Shane advises that a presentation of the website will be able to be viewed at the next meeting held in November. “We have been able to get real value for money, a great package far less than normal market costs,” Shane adds.
Around The Globe There are many websites on the net devoted to the preservation of fire engines as well as those groups interested in current issues with the modern fire service. I prefer to stay away from the gossip sites, mainly as there are enough wingers out there without going onto the internet to hear more. One website that I came across while doing the usual search for information was www.fire-engine-photos.com It is a great site and there are plenty of people on it that are very well informed and HFEA Sept 2009
helpful. I recently uploaded a photo of my Ace when I first found it. Little did I know it would soon start an avalanche of questions and comments from all over the world about the old tanker that was parked beside it. After a quick email to Brian Blunt for help, I was able to answer their questions. The Society for the Preservation & Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America has an interesting website at www.spaamfaa.org They even have their own magazine called the Silver Trumpet. Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
If you are chasing information on the internet of old fire services and/or appliances, don’t forget to check out the various manufacturers websites, various clubs from England, such as the Dennis Society and private collections such as www.dennisfire.co.uk So if you have a spare hour or ten, jump on the net and go for a surf. There are some great photos of old appliances out their and it is amazing to see what has survived.
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Junk Yard Thinking of selling your fire engine?
How about giving thought to selling it to a current member of the HFEA. If you are unable to do this, suggest that the new owner becomes a member of the Association. That way we keep it an active viable association dedicated to retaining the history of a very unique industry. Remember also to advertise it through our members first. We have over 90 members who are always keen to add to their collections. Please provide a photo or two of the appliance? This way, people can see what they are possibly going to buy. Anyone wishing to sell their fire engine and would like to have it in the next Flyer & Salvage, please email me at my home email address.
WANTED
FOR SALE
J1 Bedford
NSWFB Caged work lights 10 available at $20.00 each and 1 NSWFB genset with roll cage at $350.00
Contact Ian Wilkinson on 0417 437 236 (BH) or 02 6355 2711 (AH)
Contact Doug Humphreys at Two blank caps to suit 4 inch suction hose (suitable for a Dennis Ace) Two scaling ladders (suitable for a Dennis 250) Diamond T pumper preferably the twin seat model.
doug.humphreys@aat.gov.au
Contact Ian Scandrett on 02 4868 1900 or ian@hylands.com.au
Contact Aaron Bischoff on 0409 773 207
9 metre aluminium ladder to suit C1600 International Contact Stuart Collins on 0404 734 531
One length of suction hose to suit my 1936 Dennis Ace Contact Aaron Bischoff on 0409 773 207
Make me an offer or will swap Quantity of 38mm and 70mm foam branches complete with inductor lines
Dodge D5N328 ex Queensland Fire Service pumper. It is powered by a 318 Fireball V8 and has had much work done on it over the last few years, including new radiator, new alternator, reconditioned brake booster, new brakes front and rear. It is currently registered as fire fighting plant (so it's cheap) but it's also eligible for concessional registration. Despite having done very little work since I bought it, it runs very well. It could do with a respray to bring it up to scratch, but it's straight and original. It carries 700 litres of water and has a Godiva PTO pump and hose reel. I will be advertising it elsewhere for $10,000, but for HFEA members $8,000 will buy it (excluding all gear). Contact Brett Williams on 0407 921 386
HFEA Sept 2009
Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
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Diary Dates Find out what’s happening around town! HFEA Events Officer Shane MacDonald provides the latest in upcoming events and information for members. HFEA MEETTING DATES Sunday 15th November 2009 Richmond Fire Station 10am Cnr March & Paget Streets
Since many such submissions are published, this newsletter often reflects the opinions and views of its contributors and not necessarily the opinions and views of the Editor and/or Association. All contributions for inclusion in Flyer & Salvage should be sent to: The Editor, Flyer & Salvage, 7 Berrinda Close Bolwarra Hts NSW 2320 Faxed to 02 4930 1934 or Emailed to aaron.bischoff@bigpond.com. All other correspondence should be addressed to:
Sunday 7th February 2010 AGM Parramatta Park Event Centre 10am Sunday 16th May 2010 Confirmed. Venue to be decided on 07/02/10 Sunday 15th August 2010 Tenative. To be confirmed on 16/05/10 NSWFB EVENTS NEUTRAL BAY FIRE BRIGADE CENTENARY November 2009 with date to be confirmed PARRAMATTA FIRE BRIGADE 150yrs Saturday 7th November 2009 10am to 2pm Parramatta Fire Station 10 Wigram St
CMC EVENTS CMC MEETINGS Held on the last Monday of uneven numbered months at 8pm at Western Suburbs Australian Rules Football Club at 40 Hampton Road, Croydon Park.
The Secretary, HFEA, P.O. Box 520, Kingswood NSW 2747
Obituary It is with regret that we acknowledge the passing of two very distinguished people associated with the historic vehicle movement.
Mr George Alexander ROBERTS OAM Mr Roberts passed away on 24th August, 2009 at the grand age of 99 years. His contribution to historic motoring in NSW is legendary. During the presentations at this year's Shannon's Eastern Creek Classic, the NSW Council of Motor Clubs announced its decision to name the Concourse after George Roberts “The Annual George Roberts Concourse d’Elegance”. George was told in advance of the CMC's decision and invited to attend the display, but due to his failing health he declined.
Flyer & Salvage is the official newsletter of the Historic Fire Engine Association Incorporated (HFEA).
Mr E S (Jock) HONEYMAN Mr Honeyman passed away on Monday 10th August, 2009. He was the Secretary of the Fire Brigades Historical Society Qld Incorporated.
The HFEA solicits and actively encourages submissions to this newsletter from members and other interested parties.
Our condolences are passed onto the families and friends of both men.
HFEA Sept 2009
Visit the HFEA at www.hfea.com.au
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