IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Green Goddess Fire Engine (Bedford RLHZ Self Propelled Emergency Pump)

[@jamespeters1352]

I'm old enough to remember these being used by the army during the fire service strikes, I recall being told they were a death trap if you did not have the skills to handle them when going to a shout, having said that she's a beautiful old lady and served the country well.

[@MontytheHorse]

I remember seeing them during the 2002-2003 strike.

[@dankieran1974]

The internet needs to hunt down the person who down voted this video and demand they explain themselves

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahahaha

[@stuartkynoch7289]

Hose them down with the Green Goddess!

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

There's two of the swines now! :-(

[@dankieran1974]

@@chrisskelhorn5727 we must form a gang, hunt them down and give them a stern talking to!

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

@@dankieran1974 Yes! And we should frown too, just to force the point home!

[@dukwdriver2909]

The unmistakable sound of an RL with 300cu petrol engine. I drove the military version in service and then owned the recovery version for more than 30 years. Always the most comfortable truck to drive.

[@DavidHall-ge6nn]

Grown little boys the world over envy you today, Steph. We all wanted a turn behind the wheel...until you met that bus. You, my dear, are made of stern stuff. Nary a quaver in your voice as your narrative continued uninterrupted. Outstanding!

[@idriveaclassic]

😂😂😂

[@556johny556]

When I saw that bus come out of the right turning towards you at the end even I got anxious just watching you navigate that around. This must've undoubtedly been an unforgettable experience.

[@idriveaclassic]

You got nervous?! I was dying inside

[@davidyoung9561]

My dad drove these during the firefighter's strike in the late 70s. He was in the Navy and was called up to take part in London. I remember him telling me about a massive hospital that had burned down. He wouldn't speak about his experiences much as I can only imagine he would have seen some horrible scenes.

[@idriveaclassic]

I can’t even begin to imagine. What a brave man x

[@robertlambert8719]

The best video yet! I'll never forget being behind one of these on an actual emergency. The Bedford had a Police car in front, and lumbered along, with water leaking out of the back. I often wonder if there was any fire left to put out when they eventually arrived! I am green with envy: I would love to have a drive in one of these gentle giants. Everyone loves a Bedford! (or they should do!) Best thing I've watched over Easter.

[@idriveaclassic]

Oh wow! I haven’t seen one in the flesh on the way to a job

[@jmurray01]

Wow, definitely wasn't expecting that!! Perfect video to cheer me up after waking up to Easter Monday snow 😱

[@idriveaclassic]

You have snow?! What?!

[@jmurray01]

@@idriveaclassic The joys of living in North East Scotland!

[@emmajacobs5575]

@@jmurray01 we had a dusting down here in Sheffield, too

[@homeopathical]

I drove one too - [PGW336] from South London to Lincoln... and back! An absolute privilege to drive and wonderful seeing you do a review on one. A majestic drive and this one with a majestic driver too :)

[@idriveaclassic]

They’re not easy are they 😂😂😂

[@homeopathical]

@@idriveaclassic One does not hoon around in a Green Goddess... Because you can't but also because you mustn't. You respect it and it will respect you. It did require some additional respect getting in and out of Macro car park in Croydon :p

[@seancooke4127]

Steph makes a Bedford RL squeal. Top job Mrs, Ford Transcontinental next please. Oh class, she's just met a Double Decker at a junction and she never even flinched. Fabulous.

[@idriveaclassic]

😂😂😂

[@johnbratley6926]

I used to be in the AFS the Bedfords were scary if you took a corner faster than 10 mph you risked turning over. The first aid water tank was mounted high and didn't have baffles. The high centre of gravity and water surge made a lethal combination. We didn't have blue beacons or two tones they were fitted for the military cover during the firefighters strikes. We just had the amber lights over the windscreen and a hand operated bell. The Home Office sold off hundreds when the AFS was disbanded and then they decided to keep some back for contingencies. The first batch were sold fully equipped with extremely low mileage for £800 each.

[@Ivan-gm7zb]

Green Goddess they are truly amazing they used to be serviced and repaired in the Midlands near where I used to work. Many years back when the fire service went on strike, a while fleet was convoyed on to the site, amazing machines. 🥰

[@geraldtomson8105]

Hi I was in the Auxiliary Fire service at Tamworth Staffordshire, We had a rear wheel drive unit Reg NYV 228. also a 4 wheel drive Hose Layer which carried 6/8in pipes and hose also a bridge to put over a road to carry water. We also had what was called a Bikini Unit a Commer 4 wheel drive which carried 3 water rafts and 10 Coventry Climax pumps same as the ones carried on the fire engines. Each raft carried 3 pumps one to power the raft and two to pump water. We had lots of fun using them all but it was hard going you needed plenty of crew to use them.

[@martinbrown4479]

I was a crew member on one of these when the Army stepped in during the 1977/8 Firemans strike in Manchester. Did a job. No siren just a hand rung bell and blue lights, Every time we were called out we had a police escort. Had one day's training before we deployed.

[@Madeinwem]

I was deployed to Dundee in 1977/78 and drove the Green Goddess. It was a very satisfying experience to be able to help in this way. I was an RAF MT driver back then.

[@jamesgibson5606]

I bet you felt the Queen of the road sitting in that cab Steph.

[@idriveaclassic]

I felt something...it was called fear 😂

[@peterallen2904]

I was a firefighter (fireman) in London from 1967 to 1973. We still had one of these at our station, Shoreditch. It made you sick as it rolled all over the place.

[@jimstrachan2773]

Great video, bring back memories , a young 17 yr old training on these for the proposed 1980 firies strike , they went back at the last moment.

[@rich_edwards79]

Now that's a ponderous old beast. You can tell that they were basically designed to survive a nuclear war (and be simple to maintain in the aftermath when parts and facilities would likely be scarce.) Glad they were never called upon to serve their intended role!

[@someguyfromCapeTown]

Spotted one of these last time I was in Zambia, was parked next to a Volvo FL6-14 which had been donated by some charity from your side of the world.

[@michaeltreadwell777]

WOW Steph - you NEVER cease to amaze us ! You handled that Green Goddess like a real pro, which of course you are ! GREAT video as usual, thank you so much for all your efforts to entertain us :-) X X

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks michael!

[@b.2221]

Stunning vehicle that more than did the job required of them. You are full of surprises young lady 👍 Tam.

[@idriveaclassic]

Cheers!

[@danielappleton5792]

Can say I’ve had the pleasure of driving that exact green goddess, didn’t have the rear camera on when I drove it though haha

[@idriveaclassic]

She is great isn’t she x

[@danielappleton5792]

On the main stretch to Howden it was, down the country roads a little scary haha

[@retromechanicalengineer]

I was on the Goddesses as part of the RAF contingent during the Fire Brigade strikes in 2002. We were sent from Northern Scotland to work in Essex! Even though the one I was using dated from 1954, it still did a great job. Just not very fast, rushing to fires at about 45mph!. We did get her just over 50mph on the motorway when we had to go to South End to back up another unit. The fuel gauge used to sweep down like a Rolex watch and we would fill up after every call out just in case. I can remember putting £80 of petrol in after a fairly local job. The engine would be running the whole time to power the pump. It was a real experience. I'm glad I had the opportunity to serve on them.

[@jamescrainjr1388]

that is huge. your score of vehicles driven logged another one. eventually you need to work your way up to a giant quarry truck. definitely different hun. good job!

[@nta.16]

Really interesting video and Steph has loads of confidence and ability to jump into the driving seat of such a vehicle on public roads, well done.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you! Z

[@GHExploration]

Lucky enough to have seen the Goddess a few times due to living in the same village, I held my breath when you drove over the railway bridge 🙈😬👍

[@davidpowell6098]

Just spotted this, we were stationed at Kings Road in Manchester in the fireman's strike in the 70's with these beasts, our poor driver worked like a slave trying to stop it quickly with half empty tanks, no ABS, drum brakes, and no baffles. Lovely to see one looked after.

[@darranyoung6077]

Another great installment Steph! Literally grinned from ear to ear watching this - loved how nothing cut you up in this particular classic, lol 😆

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahahah. They wouldn’t dare x

[@Pmjs]

Great to see you driving the Green Goddess.The largest vehicle I drove was a Facelifted Ford Transit mk1 LWB with Quad rear wheels.

[@soulboy0506]

I was taught how to drive and passed my test in the truck version (Bedford RL) of one of those when I was in the RAF. Pig of a thing to drive in the winter, the only heating was if you propped the engine cowling up........I drove one with a snow plough on the front in the winter, that was fun......

[@dougfurniss734]

Wow what an amazing vehicle, in fantastic condition and fully equipped as well

[@Roger.Coleman1949]

What a hoot and what a comment Steph, ' life is too short not to have jolly good fun ' - no truer words !

[@idriveaclassic]

So true! We never know how long we’ve got x

[@nigelmulvee994]

What a wonderful classic Steph.

[@rickbarkley3617]

Great video, one of my great grandfather was a firefighter went the green Goddess was in Service . He worked in a factory were they were green Goddess , he drive them to a 🔥 and do first aid !

[@chrisskelhorn5727]

I've seen the HubNut Green Goddess vid! I, along with many others, always thought that these WERE Fire Appliances operated by the Army! Anyoldhoo, brilliant video Steph, and so good to see that beautiful smile! :-) Have you spoken to Lawrie from LMM, with a view to having a look at Jupiter, his Dennis fire appliance? A collab between both of you could work very well! :-) Take care, and catch you soon! :-)

[@idriveaclassic]

Yes I need to!

[@multislipful]

Thank you for that bit of fun. Perhaps a bit like driving from somewhere upstairs. Keep on bringing us the unusual.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you for watching x

[@NOWThatsRichy]

Brilliant drive Certainly different, good to see it still has most of the original ancillary equipment. Pete on 'Pete & his Bus' channel has recently bought a Green Goddess, he's planning to restore it, when he's not busy on his vintage Routemaster London Bus.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh a few people have recommended him and I checked his channel out and it’s pretty awesome!

[@paulbrooks7370]

I passed my HGV CLASS 3 in a Bedford RL when I was in the army RCT.

[@josephmifsud8261]

A great video. This must be the biggest thing you've handled. Well done on getting behind the wheel and having a go. As you've rightly said, life is too short and what a story you can tell

[@graemew7001]

Shortest roadtest maybe, most expensive fuel wise definitely!! I remember the fear I had when I'd not long passed my test and drove a Bedford TK Horsebox, I felt the same as you did but enjoyed the experience the same as you.

[@idriveaclassic]

God you were brave 😂😂😂

[@graemew7001]

@@idriveaclassic I'm not sure if brave is the right term, young, stupid and the feeling of immotality is probably closer to the truth 🤣

[@promerops]

In early 1974 I was part of a group travelling overland from Nairobi to Johannesburg, taking in most of the game parks and other attractions on the way. Our means of transport? A good old ex-army Bedford RL. Great video, Steph - I admire your cool-headedness!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you! I was secretly scared

[@PurityVendetta]

I'm really impressed with the way you remembered what all those things in the cupboards are. That must take some doing.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh I made notes 😂

[@olly5764]

Superb! Love the green godesses, they are something of a legend in my eyes, and that noise, wonderful stuff!

[@idriveaclassic]

Brilliant isn’t she x

[@olly5764]

@@idriveaclassic absolutely! The fire engine is pretty amazing too!

[@benday1218]

My Grandad was in the fire service and once picked up my dad and his brother and took them for a ride in one of these. Nice video.

[@idriveaclassic]

Aw that’s cute

[@davidevans4089]

Very interesting content as always love the variety on your channel. Especially this particular one as I was a retained fire fighter for thirteen years, a great experience I learned more in that job than all the others I have had in fourty five years in the world of work.

[@idriveaclassic]

Oh wow! What a job!

[@jeremytravis360]

The Bedford chassis reminded me of the vehicles used by the British Military to carry troops. They sometimes took children to school in military bases overseas. The military ones were all four wheel drive for some reason. Nice review Steph.

[@johnbratley6926]

You are right Jeremy the green Godess's were built on the military chassis as opposed to the lower civilian version. I was in the AFS in Birkenhead Wirral we had two AFS pumps a standard wheelbase 4X2 and a short wheelbase 4X4.

[@jeremytravis360]

@@johnbratley6926 I went in a Military version when my father had a posting in Singapore in the 1950s. They had a hole in the front cab roof where a man sat with a machine gun.

[@davidconnolly292]

Class Steph. About as far from what I was expecting as possible.

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahaha well it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t put something weird on the channel.

[@bustersw1760]

When I started coach driving, I drove a few Bedford SB chassis coaches, which were the same sort of layout as that pump but with a Bedford or Leyland diesel engine fitted. We used to put blankets over the bonnet to keep the noise down. The later SB`s, VAL`s and VAS chassis were a bit quieter.

[@Austingipsy101]

The smell of the gear oil as it heats up is incredible, wonderful machines.

[@idriveaclassic]

It’s a proper gem

[@Austingipsy101]

@@idriveaclassic they actually shared the home office storage with a fleet of Austin Gipsy's which were expected to go out and measure radiation levels post apocalypse !

[@Pinzpilot101]

Driving RLs back in the early 70's I never found one (I even had a new one (yes brand new from storage) that would start from cold without choke.....start with choke, then do your walk around checks....by then it would usually be warm enough to put the choke in......generally very reliable.

[@thomascatford2627]

Some of these petrol bedfords did not like to start when hot

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh this was already warm!

[@Adam_T]

What a Fantastic opportunity to cover such an iconic vehicle . Well done as always Steph and Yup, the outfit is bang on too - Full marks .....

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Adam! X

[@sishabadab6570]

Fair play Steph... Great driving...

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks!

[@ATCardz]

my Grandad used this type of appliance while in the Manchester Aux Fire Department in the 60's!

[@petemoring67]

I can't believe I've reached my Grand Old-Age without 'realising' that the front of the Bedford Green-Goddess is just a magnified version of the front on the Bedford CA Vans - Blimey!! We learn something every day EH?? :-) ........... Seing you pull away in the Old Girl .... I had an old 'Morris 8' that ran on Kangaroo-Juice :-)

[@jonathangriffin1120]

The instrument panel is identical to the the one on the CA, my Dad had two CAs in the early sixties, they weren't fitted with heaters, the only hot part on a CA in the winter was the gap between the passenger side wheel arch and the side of the engine compartment near the exhaust manifold. Those bakelite demisters/defrosters were aftermarket accessories that you had to buy and wire in yourself, they used a 12v heating element between the bakelite and the screen.

[@jimg492]

What a beautiful old girl. The Green Godess isnt bad either 😂. Excelent vid Steph as always

[@idriveaclassic]

Cheers him!

[@idriveaclassic]

Jim even. Bloody autocorrect.

[@Luddite1]

Lovely looking truck ! Maybe I’ve always had a soft spot for them cos my dad was in the AFS

[@allanmollison6971]

Awesome video Steph, I was nervous when you were driving through those narrow streets.

[@idriveaclassic]

Honestly I was so terrified.

[@johnjtm1097]

About as far from my expectation as I ever thought I'd see you drive. Then again, you regularly surprise me with the wide and sometimes unusual range of vehicles you review.

[@idriveaclassic]

I actively go out of my way to find weird stuff 😂

[@magform]

Great job, Steph. Next, you'll be getting a lorry driver's license. The vehicle reminded me of an old Matchbox firetruck that I had, but it think that had three axles.

[@davyfella]

The best and most interesting part of that vid was the Coventry Climax Featherweight engined water pump. They were able to run at full speed from cold and developed an amazing (for it's time) amount of power from such a small size. Coventry Climax engines were used extensively in formula 1 cars ofthe 50s. Please go back and make another video of that running.

[@Saxonx500]

As a retired firefighter I am not a fan of the green goddess......but you can't beat two tone horns - far more effective than sirens......lucky for you one of your mates wasn't sat in the back pushing it out of gear by stepping on the gear stick which is easily reached from the back seat 😂

[@peterriggall8409]

You got it going much quicker than Hubnut and his mates. 😁 Ripper Steph. That thing would survive a nuclear attack.

[@idriveaclassic]

Haha to be fair, I think I had a head start with it already running x

[@craigmclean8260]

That was the very first HubNut video I watched; I think it was at one of their "Sh*te Fests". I cringed, watching them pour gas directly into the carburetor w/ a beer bottle!

[@peterriggall8409]

The Green Goddess video is currently Hubnuts most viewed. The video he did on my blue Goddess (Citroen DS) is rapidly catching it. Indicating to overtake shortly. 😊

[@montyzumazoom1337]

I’m so envious Steph! You drove that thing very well, what an experience. I remember these during the Firemen’s strikes, one time one coming up behind me as I cycled next to a brick wall with nowhere to go. Two tone horns and light blazing, it was all over the road, engine thrashing and the steering wheel being wrestled by a squaddie! They were mobile pumps. The saying is that if your house gets flooded, call the Fire Brigade. If your City gets flooded, send for the Green Goddesses. They could link up and connect in series using 4 inch pipes and pump the water away. Check out this vid of the City of Chichester during the floods of ‘93-“94, an amazing effort by all concerned. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpankGWYq9hlqrc For some strange reason, I would love to own one of these, despite a tendency to tip over when full of water (apparently no baffles in the tank). Brilliant vid, thanks👏👍

[@joeyjohnson8096]

My grandad used to drive these nice to see one in good condition

[@nunocosta7177]

Steph it was hilarious to see you looking for the gear lever while driving, in that moment you probably thinking "gosh where is the gear lever" 😂. Exceptional video as always and I really wasn't expecting to see this, really good. Thank you and I look forward to see what you are going to bring to us soon 🥰🥰

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahah whoops you noticed!

[@ethelmini]

Refuse to believe that was your first drive. I got my HGV ticket from a civvy contractor in modern DAF, I was then chucked in a Bedford MK, on my own & expected to get on with it. Discovering how stiff & how far you had to turn the wheel to make it turn direction and not plow in to a barrack block was much more traumatic than you made in look!

[@claymore2k1T10]

I was in the green goddess during the 1977 fireman strike, good memorys

[@piearm1271]

In locker 1 the CCFW pump, the Coventry climax engine was developed into the engine that went into the Cooper reaching cars and went into Formula one in the 1950’s in the rear engined Cooper. Remarkable design very lightweight for the era.

[@jeg1972]

Blimey Steph, that looked like a bit of a handful!

[@idriveaclassic]

It was, John!

[@jeg1972]

@@idriveaclassic Sometimes you drive things and I'm jealous, this time... I'm happy to let you keep that particular joy to yourself :-)

[@rodhili3946]

Brilliant video. Thank you. After the war everything was painted green! My school was painted green!

[@russcattell955i]

I expect the Bedford plant had a lot of surplus green paint. My Grandfather worked in the factory during the era, cannot ask him to verify the paint situation as he is long dead.

[@michaeltutty1540]

Fascinating video about an incredible vehicle. Well done, Steph. Being Canadian, I had never known what a Green Goddess is. Surely a very interesting vehicle. What an Easter present this video is.

[@idriveaclassic]

😘😘😘

[@jonathangriffin1120]

The Green Goddess was based on the Bedford RL military truck which was a 4WD version of the 'S' type Bedford truck which was very popular in the UK in the fifties and sixties. They were produced by the Vauxhall/Bedford division of GM so the 5 litre straight six engine is not a million miles from a 300 cu. in. Chevy/GMC unit. Vauxhall cars were exported to Canada, check out Cold War Motors, Ardrossan Alberta, an old video of theirs show a breakers yard with a couple of Cresta PAs in it.

[@grayfool]

Oh yeah! Good job. I've never driven one of those but I have had some time in old Bedford trucks which are damn hard work just to keep in a straight line. very cool.

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Love it! Not sure how easy it would be to park up at Tesco Express though 😞 I’m all up for an impractical classic 😅

[@idriveaclassic]

I had no trouble when I parked at B&M when I was buying some crushed velvet throws x

[@NotAnotherWhiteBox]

Not going to lie, I want one of these to make a Motorhome out of 😅

[@RVPartsGerald]

Brilliant Steph. Keep on putting out those fires.

[@Chambers101]

Love a Green Goddess, seen the base truck the RL off road many times. Great video!.

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you! X

[@trailingarm63]

Checking this out because I've been watching Jimmy Deville's attempt to turn one of these into a camper for Jimmy Doherty. The accommodation is fine, but driving it anywhere is going to be a nightmare. Don't think Doherty will ever leave his own county in it. Needs a modern diesel engine & gearbox conversion for a start and even then, only a tolerant HGV driver is going to be happy in it.

[@danentwisle8885]

Utterly brilliant Steph!

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks 😂

[@iana6713]

Now there's an iconic vehicle! I bet it was more than a bit scary being behind the wheel, though. Must admit I would love a go of one, and dare I say it, the interior is quite Fifties stylish!

[@pj100565]

Feeling the love for the Green Goddess!

[@Stevieweevietv]

Haha great video Steph! Looks great fun if a tad terrifying. Did you attempt to parallel park it? 🤣. Great to see a bit of history being driven. You did a fab job. 👍

[@idriveaclassic]

Hahaha gosh no. I did reverse it at one point. TERRIFYING.

[@fruitychink]

What a cracking video Steph . First class

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Alan!!!

[@onemanandhisvlog74]

Awesome video Steph

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks so much! Was a bit nervous showing you all x

[@robertmacpherson9433]

Wow the green Goddess never thought I'd see one on a test drive . Brilliant and steff you also wore a green dress 👗 was that coincidence or what .😎

[@idriveaclassic]

It was planned 😘😘😘

[@lucythemoggy1970]

steph you drove that goddess brilliantly! only bit that was missed out was the interview with the owner, which was a shame.

[@idriveaclassic]

Yeah I’m so annoyed! It seems when I had trouble uploading on Sunday I’ve uploaded the old version. I’m gutted.

[@lucythemoggy1970]

@@idriveaclassic oh well lol can't be helped haha

[@kevingarfoot1831]

Thanks for a brilliant video Steph. Full of fun and brings back a lot of memories.

[@shellymollison4514]

Steph, you looked like you were driving a school bus, LOL. Enjoyed the video as always.

[@idriveaclassic]

Ahh thanks!

[@boldorboy08]

What a versatile presenter! Well researched too. Another cracking video👍

[@idriveaclassic]

Thank you Ian! X

[@michaelhalsall5684]

Ten out of ten for a different style of vehicle to test! Great video!

[@steveh5005]

Drove and operated on firemans strike 1979. I think it was 1956 withabout 120 miles on the clock. Straight out of storage

[@mikewysko2268]

Enjoyed the history lesson on this rare vehicle. Well done!🇬🇧

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Mike!

[@triviace]

I see you have appropriate attire for the Goddess!

[@WheelchairWonders]

It would make a great daily driver for you Steph.. it suits you.. (Phil)

[@idriveaclassic]

Thanks Phil! Too thirsty for an IDAC daily xxx

[@edwardgwatterson1618]

Brilliant job Steph great video as always

[@philipbarker4420]

Well done Steph, amazing vehicle and video! Thank you.

[@garymitchell8394]

Goddess in green driving s green Goddess...lovely 😊

[@idriveaclassic]

Oh you x

[@anthonyfmoss]

You beat me to it this time Gary!

[@1945gmc353]

I had a ww2 gmc cckw that did 7 mpg petrol great to drive

[@stevebuscombe7235]

My dad drove this in the NFS in Devon in the 1960s

[@dennisrobinson7587]

Steph the lorry driver.I thought you would need aHGV license to operate that.Good on you.

[@idriveaclassic]

Exempt due to age being pre 60 x

[@kathykirby5837]

Amazing video Steph, we had one of these in my local pub gardens, I remember playing on it! Did you have to add a catagory on your licence to drive this one?!

[@idriveaclassic]

My license covers anyway but on a standard license I believe you can drive commercials like this if they’re pre 60