Dennis F108 Water Tender Escape

‘Big D’ Gets a New Engine.

After almost 32 years of relatively trouble free running, the Perkins 510 that powered Water Tender Escape YHS 151H, has finally given up the ghost!For the last 7 years, the Preservation Group has tried through a succession of regular oil changes, oil treatments and lots of TLC, to keep the appliance running. The vehicle made only a few appearances over the last 2 years, mainly due to the ever present smoke screen that engulfed everything in it’s path! (plus we didn’t want to get pulled by the Polis!) The time had come when a decision had to be made to guarantee the future of ‘Big D’. To Repair or Replace. ?

Worn piston rings and defective crankshaft oil seals were amongst some of the faults diagnosed. Budget constraints and other factors were taken into consideration and it was decided to look for a replacement engine. We found a suitable engine in a redundant snow plough that had served at Glasgow Airport. The donor vehicle was brought to Strathclyde Fire Brigade workshops at Brigade H.Q. Hamilton and the workshops staff, under the guidance of workshops Supervisor Davie McAusland, set about removing the engine. ‘Big D’ made her last journey powered by ‘old smokey’ in late September. Both engines were removed by late October and the new Perkins 540 was fitted in ‘Big D’ in early November.
On Thursday 21st November, the appliance, driven by Bill (big Wullie)Gordon, made it’s way back to it’s regular home at Milngavie Fire Station.
The new engine performed perfectly. Hopefully ‘Big D’ will again be seen around the rally scene next year.

Place the Mouse over an Image to get some more Information

HOME PAGE Sept 11 01- Northwest -Central - St Mungo- Scoosher -Goddess -- Thanks - Guest Book - Links Page - Metz TTL - BLOG - ABOUT-US - Schonstadt -Steamer - Landrover - Museum

For More info Contact : Bob Wright