Owned by Richard Loudon, of Scunthorpe in Lincolnshire, and restored with the help of Barrie Seeley, this project sees the restoration of Richard's home town fire engine after it had been resting in a barn in Lincolnshire for almost 50 years. It is a classic open cab pump ladder which had a crew of two and up to a further six on the running boards. The ladder is actually older than this pump, but typical of the type carried, and they were interchangeable. It was new to Scunthorpe Borough Fire Brigade in August 1939, delivered one month before the outbreak of WW2. Richard served over 32 years as a firefighter at Scunthorpe Fire station retiring in 2007. This vehicle is one of only 2 pieces of Scunthorpe fire station equipment which are known to have survived. The workmanship on the visible parts is of a very high standard and the restorers have retained original material where possible, but lino and upholstery have been fully replaced, as has the wiring, a replacement fuel tank fitted and the engine fully overhauled. Mudguards have had plates welded in where rust was excessive and similar repairs have been made elsewhere to the bodywork. Paint is of a very high standard as is the signwriting, all the more impressive as work was undertaken largely by torchlight as the engine was stored in a part of the shed with very poor lighting. Being a seasoned fire-fighter, Richard claims that he knows who was responsible for every dent and scrape! This fine old appliance has returned to its home town after more than 55 years absence. Other than the coach-painting and lining it has been completed by the owner and a friend both of whom are of state pension age. It is a brass finish appliance and as such requires constant attention to lots of brass work to keep it up to standard. To date 90% of the restoration has been completed, The vehicle has been serviced, new brakes, master cylinder and tyres have been fitted. It has been coach-painted and lined in 24carat gold leaf. The signwriting has been carried out professionally and the vehicle rewired. Authentic replacement deck covering has been fitted to the top deck and locker tops and an electric water pump fitted to aid engine cooling. Planned next steps include final rewiring, main internal locker to be repainted and the escape ladder to be painted and varnished. Nonetheless it is a fine achievement and most worthy of a National Transport Trust restoration award.
