flyer & salvage issue 181

No 181 May 2009

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FLYER &SALVAGE

ME 244 Dennis Ace at the fire station of the formerLeyland Bros World Theme Park near Tea Gardens NSW

No. 181 FLYER & SALVAGE March 2009

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From the Editor

Welcome to issue 181 of Flyer & Salvage. Firstly, I would like to say thanks to everyone for their patience while I sorted out all the IT and printer issues. Annoyance turned to frustration when things did not just want to work out. And they said computers were going to make it all easier!

I hope everyone has enjoyed the feel of the way the Flyer & Salvage has been laid out. In the next issue there will be a quick questionnaire on the layout and content etc of the Flyer & Salvage. Please take the time to complete the form, so that your ideas, suggestions or comments can be considered as a way of improving the newsletter. After all, it is your newsletter. Please send your replies to me by email, fax or post.(see page 20 for details).

Work has prevented me from getting to a few social/club events again. I missed Steamfest last month in my own town. Hopefully some of you have been able to get out and about.

Our newest addition to the family has been “infected” by the fire engine bug. At nine months he has worked out what is inside dad’s display cabinets and happily points to the models and goes “woo woo woo”. In contrast, the real ones in our garage just get a single “woo”. His collection is growing, having added a set of ladders to the Dennis Sabre he got when he was born. Look out Guy!

As always, a big thank you to everyone who has sent in stories and photos. It makes it so much easier putting it all in place and this of course makes for a more interesting read. And of course, submissions of stories and photos are always appreciated. So if you would like something added to the Flyer and Salvage as a regular article, just let me know and I will do my best to add it to the next issue.

In each addition of the Flyer & Salvage, there is the “for sale” and “wanted” sections. Could members wishing to sell their appliances or other bits and pieces please attach a photo when sending the request through to me. This way others can see exactly what is for sale, which I’m sure would help with the sale.

Enjoy the read.

Aaron Bischoff

HFEA General Meeting

The next meeting of the Historic Fire Engine Association will be held on the Sunday 16th August 2009 at RailCorp Fire Station starting at 10am.

So if you can, bring the family along with your fire engine. It will be a good time to catch up!

www.hfea.com.au


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Why a Fire Engine?

Do you often get asked this question when attending outings or displays? I know I do. And it is often not just the general public that this line of questioning comes from. It often comes from other car club members, which sort of surprises me.

When asked, my general reply to them is “why do you have that old 1928 Ford”, to which they reply, “because I like them”. I usually follow up with “I like fire engines that is why I have a Dennis”.

Of course then you have others attending displays and are totally amazed when they learn that the old fire engine is actually owned by you and not the fire brigade.

So, why do I have a fire engine?

When I was little, I grew up in the Maitland suburb of Telarah. The local fire station was around the corner and my uncle was the Captain. I was always been amazed at this big wooden telephone box in his hall way. It had the old wind up bit on the side and all these different lines to, I guess, other firemen’s homes. And yes I could not help but play with it.

The station had an old air raid siren on the roof and when sounded, it could be heard all over the suburb. I sometimes think this was done to get the kids outside. Well it worked at our house. I would stand on our front veranda and wait. The old bi fold doors would be pushed open, followed by the flashing red light and then the old Bedford would roll out.

Our suburb was a little hilly and there was always a code call (a term I would come to learn when I joined the fire brigade at 18) around mid afternoon, after school finished, out to the big electricity substation and workshops in Green St. I would patiently wait as the little Bedford made its way up and down the hilly street and, as it passed myhouse, would wave madly at the firemen and then give chase -and yes I did keep up with it!.

As it turned into Green St and headed off to the substation out of sight, I would again wait. For it wasn’t long before the fire engine from Maitland came around the corner out of South St and headed my way. They had one of those massive brand new fire engines. It was big; after all I was only 10 or so. It had the electronic siren, was fast and sounded awesome. Later I would get to drive this very fire engine, ME 539, a 1710A Acco as it was our second call/spare motor at Maitland, our running motor being ME672, a 1710C Acco.

Interest sorted of died down a little by the time I hit high school. Although when the house next to nana and pops burnt down, Telarah had been given a new fire engine, a Ford D200, it still looked pretty awesome (remembering I’m only 12) seeing all the fire engines in the street. There was a period when they did not rate a mention. I think this may have been due to girls or something.


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As I found her…ME244 Dennis Ace. Sharing the old “Fire Station” at the former Leyland Bros World near Tea Gardens. I’m told the old tanker is still there

At 18, I joined the brigade and it was now me waving to the little kids as they chased the fire engine along the street.

In 1996, I joined the Railway Fire Brigade, as it was known then, and met a gentleman named Peter Quin. He was the Captain of the Unanderra Fire Brigade and they had a Dennis Ace. We would often talk about the old fire engine, and later that year, he invited me down for a visit.

After a quick intro and explanation of the truck's runnings, we were off down the street. After a short distance he said “your turn”. I still recall sitting in that side street in Unanderra, Peter saying just let it fall into gear, “you will know”. I had driven the old Bedford from Singleton many years earlier, when we borrowed it for a kid’s Easter picnic, but this was something different. It was real fire engine, a Dennis. That was it, I was hooked.


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My job with the Railway Fire Brigade took me all over northern and western NSW. I would always pass the old Leyland Bros World on the Pacific Hwy near Tea Gardens. There was this old building that could be seen from the highway. It had painted on the back wall the words “Fire Station”. After passing the place several times, curiosity got the better of me and I drove in and up to the shed.

To my surprise there was, not one but two fire engines sitting in this open shed. There was this big six wheel drive tanker looking thing and this little sad looking fire engine beside it. I knew straight away what this little fire engine was. It was a Dennis Ace. The other turned out to be one of the GMC tankers the brigades had built in the late 50’s.

I drove home and started doing the ring around. My old Station Officer was good friends with the Leyland Brothers, so after getting their details and speaking to them, I was able to track down the owner of the site.

I asked the gentleman if he would be interested in selling the fire engine he had. He replied that he still used it to water the place. I thought he must be confused; the little truck had gone no where for a very long time. A little more probing found out he was referring to the big water tanker and that there was no other fire truck there, only an old Austin truck.

Under the careful supervision of Nicole’s grandpa, I slowly begin to bring the old engine back to life. I’m shown working on the valve seats while the head

was given the all clear after Grandpa had the head x-rayed for cracks


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I quickly made an offer for the truck that “was not there” (I think it was about a days pay). I was stoked when he said sure just leave the money at the service station up the road for him to pick it up later when he was next down that way.

The next day, my dad and I headed back with a little tilt tray and a compressor to pump up the tyres. It still had the original Barnett Glass tyres and still has them on it today. We loaded her up and brought her home.

That was Friday 20th December 1997. I think it made me late to my soon to be wife’s work Christmas party. But hey, I owned a fire engine!

The next few months it lived under a big tarp while a new shed was built. There was another small delay in getting her back on the road, ah yes the wedding, but that’s another story.

In April the new shed was finished and she moved in. I was lucky in that Nicole’s grandfather had worked on these during the war in England. Unfortunately, he passed away last year so I hope I watched and learned enough from him, although his Scottish accent baffled me a few times when he was describing parts and things.

We tinkered away for a few months as I learned my new “trade”. It was a big task and even when Peter and the boys called in on their way to the NSWFB championshipsat Singleton to have a look, they offered to take her off my hands if it got too much. I thought sometimes am I “over my head”. I’m still not that mechanically minded but I’m getting there.

Going again! ME244 Dennis Ace rolls out of its new home for the first timeafter her “engine make over”. It still has the original Barnett & Glass tyres


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Come November 1998, the little Dennis Ace ME244 breathed a new sign of life. I had it registered and was right to go. This same day also co-incided with the birth of our first child Mitchel. Since then we have added to our family with Lilian and now baby Zac. I have also added to family with the F1 when Lilian was born and later a Jag also lives with us. I can’t understand why Nicole does not want any more children. Surely it is just a bizarre coincidence that a new fire engine appeared every time she was in hospital with a new baby. Like what are the chances of that happening! It would have to be in the gazillions to one surely.

The NSWFB acquired my Dennis Ace in 1936 and was first installed at Lidcombe, followed by Avalon, Gundagai, Yass, Manilla and Coolah. In 1972 it was removed from service back to Sydney as a spare and finally sold off in around 1975. I’m not too sure of what happened between 1975 and 1990 when the Leyland Bros purchased her. I’m told it may have been around the Wollongong area somewhere.

ME 244 Dennis Ace outside 349 stn Kurri Kurri during one of the many visits to the station for parades and displays. On this occasion, we were there to take

some girls to their school formal. Note the number plate!


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Since then my little Ace has been to a lot of public displays and station openings. I usually go with my dad, who with me, dresses up in the old turn out gear. He is almost as old as the Ace, so I guess he fits in just right.

ME 244 Dennis Ace outside 454 stn Tarro at the opening of the new station extensions. Like on most occasions my dad came along for the ride.

My eldest son Mitchel is sitting on the back of the Ace

I guess I would be pretty close to the money if I said there are a few of us out there with a similar story to mine on how you came about owning a fire engine. Childhood memories, dad or your grandfather belonging to the local fire brigade or that chance meeting with someone who had one.

So the next time you are out with your favourite little red toy and someone asks whyyou have a fire engine, share your story with them. After all I’m sure they were little kids once that chased and waved at the fire engine as it went past their house.


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OUT & ABOUT

If you have been out and about with your fire appliance, how about sharing your adventure with other HFEA members.

So if you have a story or some photos of a recent run or visit, just send an email to [email protected] and I’ll include it in the next issue of Flyer & Salvage.

The boys from up north have been out to a few events over the past few months. Kevin Mulley and Mate McWhirter have had their Dennis 250 and Dennis Ace in splendid livery roaming the countryside showing there is still life in the old fire appliances.

A few weeks back the Dennis Ace from Port Macquarie attended the annual open day at Timbertown. Kevin wrote to say there was a good crowd and the kids were able to get some good photos of the trucks. However, later in the day the rain came and the nice clean brass did not last for long. The boys were also joined on the day with the crew from Wauchope Fire Brigade and their Isuzu pumper ME 545.

Dennis Ace ME 235 outside of the “old fire station” at Timbertown

mailto:[email protected]


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Wauchope Fire Brigade brought along their Isuzu pumper ME 545

Team Dennis: The 250 and Ace pumpers make for a classic display


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The boys then went on to the annual open day at Douglas Vale Winery. Again, Mate and Kevin brought along their Dennis 250 and Dennis Ace, and of course they brought the rain. Kevin wrote to say the nice port helped keep the spirits up!

Next the boys were back to Timbertown for the Yesteryear Truck Show. The Dennis 250 and Dennis Ace spent the whole day located at the old fire station and received a good roll up. And guess what? No rain this time! There were about 60 old trucks on display however the boys were outdone on the day by an old Mack prime mover.

The Dennis Ace and 250 pumpers beside the “old fire station” at Timbertown.

Kevin and his team of keen curators try and catch up each Tuesday at the old fire station at Timbertown. Together they have transformed the old shed into a replica fire station complete with hose reel. There is even an old fire brigade bike! They are kept busy polishing the brass and other pieces of equipment.

So next time you are near the Mid North Coast, why not call in and see what the boys have achieved. And for those who don’t know where Timbertown is, it is at Wauchope. Turn off the Pacific Hwy at the Port Macquarie exit for the short drive.


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BLAST FROM THE PAST

In the following issues of Flyer & Salvage, I will be adding some other old adverts and other flyers that manufacturers produced in days gone by. It gives a good look into the past on how things were done. I hope you all enjoy the historical flyers in particular the workshop manual flyers.


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Dennis F2 Chassis Drawing


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FOR SALEThinking 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 70 members who are always keen to add to their collections

Can you 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, could they please email me at [email protected]

NSWFB Caged work lights 10 available at $20.00 each and 1 NSWFB genset with roll cage at $350.00Contact Doug Humphreys at [email protected]

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 0407921386

Make me an offer or will swapQuantity of 38mm and 70mm foam branches complete with inductor linesContact Aaron Bischoff on 0409773207

WANTEDJ1 BedfordContact Ian Wilkinson on 0417 437 236 (BH) or 02 6355 2711 (AH)

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 modelContact Ian Scandrett on 02 4868 1900 or [email protected]

9 metre aluminium ladder to suit C1600 InternationalContact Stuart Collins on 0404 734 531

One length of suction hose to suit my 1936 Dennis AceContact Aaron Bischoff on 0409773207




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DATES TO REMEMBER

HFEA MEETING DATES

16th August 2009 10am Start RailCorp Fire Station

15th November 2009 venue to be advised and confirm at August meeting

NSWFB EVENTS

CESSNOCK (Hunter Valley) FIRE BRIGADE CENTENARY

No dates advised

WESTON (Hunter Valley) FIRE BRIGADE CENTENARY

No dates advised

CLUB & COMMUNITY EVENTS

40 yrs of Dennis Fully enclosed cabs of the NSWFB Sunday 26th July 2009 at Lakemba Fire Station

STEAM & OIL SHOW Timbertown Wauchope 12th & 13th July 2009

MID WINTER WANDER 2009 Hunter Valley Glendale to Pokolbin 21st June 2009

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.

Contributors

Flyer & Salvage Issue 181

Articles Aaron BischoffKevin Mulley

Photos/Publications Aaron BischoffKevin MulleyDr B.A Hutchinson


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Flyer & Salvage is the official newsletter of the Historic Fire Engine Association Incorporated (HFEA). The HFEA solicits and actively encourages submissions to this newsletter from members and other interested parties. 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 Association.All contributions for inclusion in Flyer & Salvage should be mailed to:

The Editor, Flyer & Salvage, 7 Berrinda Close Bolwarra Hts NSW 2320Or emailed to [email protected].

All other correspondence should be addressed to:The Secretary, HFEA, P.O. Box 520, Kingswood NSW 2747.

Flyer & Salvage is named after two of the firefighting appliances that operated from the City of Sydney Fire Station (traditionally known as Headquarters) in Castlereagh St, Sydney. During the early days of the Historic Fire Engine Association, meetings were held at Headquarters Fire Station, and were often interrupted by fire calls. Crews were called to their appliances over the public address system, and the call of “Flyer & Salvage” was the most common. The Flyer was one of three pumping appliances at Headquarters (the others being the Runner and the Second Call). It was the first appliance to leave the station on each fire call in the city area. It was crewed by an Officer and five firefighters, none of whom were allowed to leave the immediate area of the Flyer during their shift.The Salvage motor was designed and equipped to carry salvage and rescue gear not normally carried on firefighting appliances. Most Salvage appliances have now been removed from their traditional homes at the District stations and redeployed at stations which have been allocated primary rescue responsibilities. In this new role they are known as Rescues and respond to all rescue incidents within their area.HFEA OFFICE BEARERS FOR 2009: (elected at the February Annual General Meeting).President

Guy Ellis 0414 182 010 [email protected] Presidents

Shane McDonell (02) 4736 7609 (home) [email protected] Hall 0412 515 499 (mob) [email protected]

SecretaryRay Kelly (02) 9626 8289 [email protected]

EditorAaron Bischoff 0409 773 207 (mob) [email protected]

TreasurerDoug Humphreys [email protected]

CMC DelegateBruce Cunningham (02) 96630661 (ah) [email protected]

Events OfficersShane McDonnell (02) 4736 7609 (home) [email protected]

RegistrarsGerard Duck (02) 4578 3665 (ah) [email protected] McDonnell (02) 4736 7609 (home) [email protected]

NSWFB LiaisonRay Kelly (02) 9626 8289 0408 268289 (mob)

NSWRFS LiaisonKeith Lang 0415 497 735 (mob) [email protected]

Public OfficerThe 2009 AGM decided that the role of Public Officer is to be incorporated into the position of

Secretary

Historic Fire Engine Association Incorporated (HFEA). ABN 97130890920

flyer & salvage issue 181

Documents

flyer salvageme

page number

engine association

engine bug

general reply

dennis ace

general public

dennis sabre