Redruth Begins! Travelling to collect and first start of my eBay bargain Fire Engine

Not being satisfied with owning a single fire engine, I kept an eye out on eBay for another.
When I ended up accidentally winning another I asked Jayemm if he'd like to come with me and collect my new obviously in-need-of-no-work what so ever vehicle...
First seen on Jayemm on Cars 8th Oct 2016

[@Biffo1262]

There is an air leak!!! There always was. First guy into the station during the night would run up the engine whilst waiting for the rest of the crew. I can still hear that low pressure warning in my dreams. Workshops could never seem to fix it or if they did it leaked from somewhere else. Once running it was OK though.

[@lmm]

Hahaha, really! That's amazing that it always had an issue. I'm so glad you got in contact, it's fantastic getting the history! Thank you so much

[@adamcrane1436]

Good moring @@lmm

[@imnotamechanic3491]

Good to see this, having seen the recent updates on the remains of this vehicle, its quite amazing you got home in one piece. I also enjoyed the bit where you couldn't start it and the owner had to tinker underneath - I had visions of Jay trying to start it the same way at service stations along the way!

[@lmm]

It was so scary when we turned it off at the services. Kept it running for fueling up and the rest of the trip. The thing drove pretty well. It is just the cab is shagged.

[@NarfBLAST]

The sellers laugh when you said how far you planned to drive it.

[@lmm]

Nervous laugher indeed 😂

[@Biffo1262]

May have been a bit ragged but it was always a solid runner once you and if you got it going.

[@adamcrane1436]

Good morning @@lmm

[@NJPurling]

A nervous laugh? One that hid the thought: 'OMFG they are going to die in a horrible accident/fire en-route'.

[@Biffo1262]

That appliance is ex Greater Machester Fire Service and was based new at Chadderton Fire Station. I once drove it as a reserve appliance but they always were a heap of utter crap. The colour was originally day-glow orange and here is a photo of it at C35 Chadderton FS BTW 55 mph was about all it would do as a reserve and as for ABS I'm pretty sure it wasn't fitted. www.fireflash-delta64.co.uk/c752dnf[ag]01.jpg Credit to Delta Fireflash 64 and the late Alan Gartside. Something was niggling me about the reg when I realised it wasn't a reserve when I first encountered it. It came to A14 Irlam as first line pump. I subsequently spent time in every seat as firefighter through to Sub Officer. There is a link to a photo in my other post.

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

I'm sure I remember you being at A11 Broughton on Blue Watch for a while, I was on White Watch

[@Biffo1262]

@@thehighwaycowboy2822 Yup I retired in '95 from Blues at Broughton.

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

@@Biffo1262 yeah that's right, Dave Morris was my StnO, we had a few different Subs on Whites, Steve Sheridan was our LFM. We had 2 Dodges at A11 as I recall. C744DNF and C745DNF. I actually quite liked them personally, wasn't keen on the Leyland Freighters that replaced them, can't beat the Volvo though

[@deepestdub]

Superb content on so many levels. My favourite collection caper on KZbin.

[@lmm]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@adamcrane3571]

Hello @@lmm

[@matthewduffin6066]

You guys should come to hull in East Yorkshire and open your very own vintage fire engine museum

[@lmm]

It's the dream to open our own museum!

[@dazzlekernow1408]

Fair play to you both! Living in Cornwall everybody knows getting a vehicle from Camborne or Redruth's got issues 😉

[@lmm]

Oh it really does!

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

I was an FM at GMFRS in the 90s, at Broughton Fire station we had C745 and C746 DNF. I was EFAD and loved driving these although cabs weren't as roomy as the Dennis RS. Air leaks were a common fault but once built up seemed to maintain its air. One of the many little quirks but engine wise a good solid tried and tested motor. Just keep an eye on the rust cos it'll dissolve like a soluble asprin. Once running proper tho should be a decent motor for you

[@lmm]

It really is quite rotten. I think there is one other still kicking about, so it's important to try and save this one. There seems to be some very mixed thoughts on the g13's though everyone agrees the Dennis's were better!

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

@@lmm Yeah man, you must definitely save it and preserve it. They were a masterpiece of engineering and a lesson in how not to build a Fire Engine 🤣. Please keep me updated on your progress 🚒🚒🚒

[@lmm]

Sadly newer appliances seem to be more akin to the Dodge than the Dennis. We'll get it sorted though!

[@lt1fd3s]

at times, Lawrie's vehicle collection videos remind me the show American Pickers

[@lmm]

Only they generally buy things that are re sellable... The dodge might not be quite so much

[@Biffo1262]

@@lmm It's rarity value might just work in your favour as these things tender to return to mother Earth. Yours has been stored inside and despite its condition, you got it home and there is enough left to work on. I laid enough polish on that thing over the years to keep most of it together on its own. 😂. Pity you aren't oop North as there are enough left of us old codger crew willing to give you a hand. Mind you I suspect even she is in better nick than most of us that still remain. I wonder if our Brigade Museum at Rochdale had the old workshop and vehicle log books. I'll try and find out for you as Bob Bonner, curator and ex officer of the brigade is a mine of information.

[@GemmaLB]

11 minutes in, the dog steals the show

[@lmm]

He was so unimpressed with us 😂

[@Steve-bo6ht]

8:58 Lawrie's expression was priceless 😂

[@lmm]

😂 😂

[@humbucker0076]

Just gotta urge to watch that video again where lawrie went to buy his 2nd fire engine. So here k am. "when it is finished jn maybe 2 or 3 years time" I'd say you gotta hurry up a bit to get to that deadline or by a certain gmc car. Is that an auxiliary pump or a generator in the one storage unit? Does that thing run? Otherwise it might be a small video for in-between trying to revive that thing. And although it foesnt really matter right now because it doesnt run: But you mentioned the ABS light coming on intermittently. Thats normal for those old trucks with early abs systems. Often you just have to turn it on and off again. Thsie systems were never good and just aged - although maybe it could be something with the airleak. But chances are its with something controlling the pumps etc. But initself the asb light is maybe not fine, but to be expected. Our old Mercedes fire engine still in service has that too. Has to go through the TÜV and an extra break/safety check every year, so its checked every 6 months and no one ever complained. Furthermore, its usually also in the workshop at least once a year for a leaky air line. Thats just age with these things. And i have to say, they engine of that rust bucket sounds amazing. You took the starter off and put it on Jupiter right? Or was it the sir compressor? I cant remember. If it has a starter you shoild maybe at least soine it over. Hasnt run in a few years hasn't it? Keep the engine from rusting up and the rings fron sticking. Otherwise maybe put oil in it, but pulling glow plugs or injectors usually is quite the task and you have have to get the oil out again before you try turning it over the next time.

[@carlm6026]

Looking forward to seeing updates on this. I've just e-mailed you a link you might find useful regarding its restoration.

[@lmm]

Thank you very much for that. We're investigating!

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

Absolutely brilliant guys, that was ex GMFRS pump from Chadderton. I actually really used to love the Dodge, engines always sounded great, really lively. How are you getting on with it now?

[@lmm]

It's still kicking around... Not a huge amount of progress to be honest, hopefully we'll make some progress in the coming months.

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

@@lmm Can't wait to see the next installment, hope all is going well chaps 👍🚒

[@lmm]

Hopefully we'll get stuff moving again before too long!

[@thehighwaycowboy2822]

@@lmm can't wait

[@gosportjamie]

I'm quite surprised that a truck, even a fire engine, from 1985 has ABS. I wonder if that's a development of the Dunlop Maxaret system used on a lot of aircraft and also the Jensen FF...

[@lmm]

I'm not sure if does - the light might just a placeholder 😂

[@Biffo1262]

It didn't have ABS. I have driven this very appliance many times.

[@lmm]

I wonder why it had the light then 😂

[@archechme]

fascinating. I have never seen a renault/dodge commando running on the road and i do 1000s of miles per week all over the country. I'd love to see one,one day. Maybe at a classic truck show or something.

[@Biffo1262]

photos.google.com/album/AF1QipP0_8yFYhnpiVQCAWgG5q-DROj_NmG8SsszRwHA Yours truly OIC.

[@lmm]

Hopefully one day we'll get it sorted!

[@archechme]

@@lmm I'd love to see it!

[@lmm]

So would I at this stage!

[@Biffo1262]

I have just found a photo of this old Dodge from when it was sent to Irlam A14 after being replaced at Chadderton with a new appliance. Because Irlam was a low count day-manning station they tended send them there for a second lease of life. I drove it as a firefighter but in a period of 12 months I was promoted to Leading Firefighter and then Sub Officer at Irlam. I have a press photo of this appliance, in its original livery, responding on blues and twos with myself in charge. Photo credit Billy MacLaughlin photos.google.com/album/AF1QipP0_8yFYhnpiVQCAWgG5q-DROj_NmG8SsszRwHA

[@lmm]

Oh wow! Thanks for sharing Steven, that's awesome to see and to hear a bit more of the things history!

[@leecosworth]

Excellent guys well done 👍

[@lmm]

Thank you, wasn't sure if it would make it when we started!

[@ahuman6825]

Nice d series v8 Ford in the back, v8 Cummings?.

[@lmm]

Honestly can't remember what it had in it now 😂

[@JamesSchem]

Sounds like a V8 Perkins

[@douro20]

They need a Unimog. With or without a crane.

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

Oh my, looks like I'm first again‼️ Without wishing to make claims of prescience, I can for see a troubled future for this fire engine.

[@lmm]

Na, I'm sure it'll be fine. Can't forsee anything bad. In fact I bet structurally it's fine

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

@@lmm Of course you're right. Silly me, I should have known you'd never buy a lemon.🤔🤔🤔

[@lmm]

No not me! Only sensible well thought out purchasing for me!

[@MrKeyboardCommando]

@@lmm Absolutely‼️ Only a complete idiot would buy an untested and unexamined vehicle. That way you could end up with a total wreck. It's just laughable.🥴🥴🥴

[@Christophers-Assorted-Stuff]

How did you drive this home without getting nicked?

[@lmm]

We got followed by a police car for a while, then got a thumbs up from him.

[@nickshipway8199]

Are fire engines still exempt from MOT tests?

[@lmm]

Yeap.

[@98Blackbess]

@@lmm MOT exempt if you can prove it is still being used as a fire appliance but DVLA can still request an annual certificate of road worthiness. I have 2 preserved appliances, a 1957 fully restored and kitted Goddess and a 1989 Dennis RS, again restored and fully kitted. The Goddess is MOT exempt purely through age and my RS is used at various shows for fire cover but still requires a certificate of road worthiness. I hope that helps you.

[@lmm]

There isn't a catagory of MOT For them though. It's not an HGV. My RS gets looked at checked off by the local garage, so there is a paper trial, but thanks for the comment, it's very much appreciated. Which model RS do you have?

[@MyFizzypop]

im from Redruth i seen this engine in service.nice vid

[@lmm]

I don't think it was ever actually in Service in Redruth. The owner collected it from Weston-super-Mare, but said he used to be a drive it about a lot. You've probably seen move more than I have!

[@MyFizzypop]

@@lmm ok but iv seen it around here

[@lmm]

@@MyFizzypop yeah, the guy had it for some time and apparently had it out quite regularly

[@GenaF]

I absolutely loved this video. What has happened since to the Fire Engine?

[@lmm]

It's sat in our storage looking sorry for itself. We've stripped part of it. Hopefully next year we'll start looking at it.

[@yourpalschrisandcal7182]

ex GMC vehicle. was based at Chadderton Fire Station, can see archived pictures here www.fireflash-delta64.co.uk/chaddertonarch.html

[@kernow..exp.]

I live in Redruth and in your video seen a couple of vans in the chaps yard could you give me a description to wear that is please in Redruth

[@lmm]

Afraid not, they guy picked us up from the station and took us to his place.

[@Mrflash222006]

Its scary to think you drove all that way the rust holding hands under you feet

[@lmm]

Ah the rubber matting held it together fine!

[@jacksonkedward283]

What kind of camera equipment do you use?

[@lmm]

Currently a Sony Alpha a7rii.

[@adamwinstanley4045]

My old man drove this in GMC and he can account for some of the dings on it

[@lmm]

Did he now! That pretty cool! I don't suppose he could draw / describe how the crew compartment should be, because mine is clearly not how it should be!

[@Biffo1262]

Me too at Irlam as as firefighter driving and OIC a little later. I'll try and remember how it was but all GMC appliance rear compartments had a rear facing bench seat with a rack for four BA sets. The alcove and facing fronts had custom made boxes for small gear, documentation etc.

[@lmm]

Oh that's great to know!

[@cerb101]

Njal Skinner just as mad as ever.

[@lmm]

He's a character!

[@MrJMS814]

Your Dodges seem to be of a much higher quality than the American ones haha

[@lmm]

Well, it does run 😂 Quality is bought down by the French parts of it, as it is a Dodge Renault!

[@MrJMS814]

@@lmm We have Italian Dodges over here hahaha

[@lmm]

Do they fall apart too?

[@wdschadwalker6853]

Do u own this vehicle now

[@seanb440]

Just listen to that V8 Perkins engine sounds realy well lads :D your Denis RS and this Dodge has the same engine :)

[@lmm]

Once it had been running a bit the engine seemed pretty happy. I'm a big fan of the Perkins 540, it's a really super lump!

[@seanb440]

@@lmm yes i am a firefighter in Ireland myself and most fire services in IReland And uk had denis Rs appliances with Perkins 540s in them and then the later ones from the 90s had Cummins L10 in them :) keep up the good work :)

[@lmm]

Did you guys like the RS's? I hear lots of good things - minus the lack of tipping cab. Thank you, we certainly will try!

[@seanb440]

Yes they where a great motor but very expensive to run thats one of the main reasons they where removed from service. they would burn around 100/150 quid an hour diesel in full PTO pumping water .

[@lmm]

Wow, that is quite thirsty! I don't think Jupiter ever really runs at full power and the Dodge certainly hasn't since I got it.

[@minisareus]

Should have got a green Goddess

[@lmm]

They're quite common. This is going to be the only working survivor!

[@gregbouchard1563]

Hi mate how are u OK mate keep up the good work on here mate keep up the good work on here mate keep up the good work on here mate keep u do a really good job on here mate keep up the good work on here mate

[@lmm]

Pretty good, thank you, we'll try

[@philipstreechon4523]

nice buy

[@lmm]

Thank you!

[@CB3ROB-CyberBunker]

would not it be a more practical idea to just use another truck and a tow bar and an airhose when going to pick up other trucks, rather than going by train. :P

[@lmm]

If I had such a vehicle, I would have. It was advertised as being a running driving vehicle.

[@jonathancrone7642]

perhaps you should've taken a recovery lorry with you to bring back this engine it looks like youve just brought a donkey hope you get it home without a recovery truck

[@lmm]

If you watch the whole way through, you'll see she quite happily made it home :)

[@Games20210]

Cornwall's not the west country aha

[@Games20210]

@@KammbronnRC Sommersets the west country us in Cornwall are in the south west

[@beyergarret123]

Cornwall and Devon are South West, Gloucestershire Somerset and Wiltshire are West country and Dorset and Hampshire are South coast.

[@lmm]

It's the West Country. Mostly because it's in the west. 😂

[@Games20210]

@@lmm fair enough northern ahah

[@jeffhubbard5660]

Won't fire up.....

[@lmm]

And yet it did

[@sandralichtenstein1087]

Bter made then your dinas because it s American made

[@lmm]

It's French. So, significantly worse than my purpose built British truck.

[@Lighting_Desk]

Who dat guy