Another cab 12 survivor

[Keith Webb]

This one is a beauty, having been modified as the fire truck for a little railway station town in the Riverina of New South Wales called Quandary, it went into a shed when the town closed down and most of the buildings were sold off.

A friend of mine bought the former town some time ago and recently became aware the blitz existed and it is now back at it's long-time home. Rod quickly had her running and with some more repairs to do such as spark plugs, exhaust system and the right hand water pump it will once again be returned to it's fire service condition.



As you can see she's fairly heavily modified, and quite well done too.



Here's Rod starting her up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbDJb...ature=youtu.be

[Richard Farrant]

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

As you can see she's fairly heavily modified, and quite well done too.

Hi Keith,
What a find. This is one vehicle that should be kept as is, with its history and the fact that it has probably spent longer in this guise than in its military usage.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Richard Farrant

Hi Keith,
This is one vehicle that should be kept as is, with its history....

Restore or Preserve? No wonder the owner is in a Quandary!

[Keith Webb]

The good news is he intends to restore/preserve it in it's current form.

[hrpearce]

Interesting truck, not many had that much thought put into the modification. It was carring a good load, the water and equiptment would have been over four ton. With the walkwaw on the front I wouldn't like to swing the crank handle to start it. Youtube is working for me again great little clip Keith.

[Keith Webb]

Originally Posted by hrpearce

Interesting truck, not many had that much thought put into the modification. It was carring a good load, the water and equiptment would have been over four ton. With the walkwaw on the front I wouldn't like to swing the crank handle to start it.

They had thought of that - there is a long handle stowed in the front of the walkway, and proper provision made to use it safely.

[Keith Webb]

They had modified the dash (not to mention making new engine covers).



The handbrake lever had been relocated to the rear of the cab, and a brake fluid reservoir added to the back wall of the cab. Very practical.

Left side:



Chassis has been extended, also Rod has got the pump working again.

[Phil Waterman]

Hi Keith

Wonderful find, I agree preserve or restore fire truck is the route I would go. Just think of what a wonderful Parade Truck this would make, how many old firemen would love to ride on this one. From the set up I assume it was what around here would be called a brush truck.

Hope that there is good information on the wheres, whats, and when of its life. Should be a fun research project.

Only problem with doing a overhaul/restoration as fire truck is the guys who used it, when they see it all done, may want it back.

Around here all the fire departments have been getting rid of their converted military brush trucks for "modern equipment" talking with some professional fire fighters they tell me that though the "modern equipment" is faster and safer over the road that once you get to the end of the road the old military were just much better off road. Change over is being pushed by the Insurance Companies and OSHA.

Keep us posted one the old girl. You just got to love the sound of an old flat head starting up. Sounds like an old radial aircraft engine as all the cylinders start to light off.

Cheers Phil

[Howard]

Originally Posted by Tony Smith

Restore or Preserve? No wonder the owner is in a Quandary!

"Groan..."