S1 109 Fire Engine - Ex Woomera

[ellard]

Hi there all

I formally had this rebuild post in the REMLR site - but now we have very our own dedicated S1 section:

Its a 1958 Series I Fire Engine - the vehicles was purchased by D.O.S (Department of Supply) from Land Rover Coy SA for W.R.E (Weapon Research Establishment) - the vehicle Rego ID No C87125 - chassis no 122802315

Its fitted with a AMAG 300gpm rear PTO pump, engine cooler and govenor.

It served at Woomera from 1958 - 1971, where it was then sold to Jervois EFS (repainted white and converted to a bush fire tender) - durring this time the vehicle has only done 13000 original miles.

Restoration of this vehcile back to original has initally been difficult, as Woomera being a Clossed Defence Town "ban on photography" (Lots of document history on the vehicle but "NO Pictures"). But through information supplied by past Fire Officers have helped us ti rebuild it close to original.

I am hoping to have it restored ready for a trip to Cooma in 2008.

Enjoy

Wayne

As I first found - sitting in a shed at Jervios.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/238.jpg

Pictures taken at the Clare Hobbies Weekend (the pump runs) NOTE: the reason the Ex Army Fire Tender (SIIA) is in the water because we were having priming & cavitating issues - as a quick fix the vehicle was backed in the water to aid sufficent water for the 500gpm pump.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/239.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/240.jpg

Fabrication work temporary layed out.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/241.jpg

Stripping of the white paint to reveal the original color - 6lts of paint stripped and 7hrs work.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/08/1308.jpg

Pump rebuilt - many thanks to Mark Coffey in Whyalla (mates rates) - note the size of the drive shaft compared to the tail shaft, also the centre bearing bracing.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/242.jpg

One extra modification also visible is the extensive steel skid protection plates under the vehicle (protecting fuel tank & engine sump etc..) - I suspect this modification was performed within the workshops at Woomera, these extensive protection plates are also noticable on Len Bedeall survey vehicles (pictures within his books).

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/243.jpg

Pictures of within the cab (lots of red)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/244.jpg

New galvanised water tank built - but with baffles this time

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/245.jpg

[ellard]

Hi there

A quick picture before heading for painting.

For those whom are still working on there restoration projects - we have less than 6 months to Cooma?

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/09/237.jpg

[easo]

I'm realy looking forward to see this one.

Cheers Easo

[numpty]

Thats great stuff mate. Look forward to seeing it at Cooma.

[ellard]

Hi there

There is light at the end of the tunnel - cab painted and tray should be done by next week.

Then the re-assembly process will start

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/340.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/341.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/342.jpg


All the best


Wayne

[JDNSW]

Looking good!

John

[Bigbjorn]

Love the big Hella searchlight with the optional Hella mounting post and clamp. I use one of these as a long range driving light on my County. Before Hella started selling these as "bull lights" or "rig lights" they were supplied with two handles and a three position switch (on-off-on) on the housing. Hella always referred to these lights in-house as a searchlight and offered the mounting post and clamp, a sturdy tripod, and a variety of different coloured diffusion lenses that push into the clips on the front.

[olmate]

This is looking very good. Well done to date. :D:D:D

[easo]

Is that your place with all the rovers in the back ground?

[ellard]

Hi there easo

Its not my place - a good friend of mine (he has approx 30 plus land rovers)

All the best

Wayne

[ellard]

Hi there

We have more pictures - going well and on target for Cooma

All the best

Wayne

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/221.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/222.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/12/223.jpg

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Looking good.

Diana

[LR V8]

she's look'n good Wayne :)

Pete

[JDNSW]

Getting there, Wayne. It is looking good, and I see you have some assistance!

John

[easo]

As above, Good stuff.

[p38arover]

Flamin' heck, Wayne.

I tips me lid to blokes like you and Dinty!

I feel humbled (and ever so much a failure for not having done anything on my IIA!)]

[olmate]

Wayne, This vehicle is very very nice. :D A great job.

[ellard]

Hi there all

I initally posted some pictures up of the series one - but deleted them as having trouble with Photobucket. The pictures, when uploaded, go all blotchy (and do not do the vehicle justice at all) - but there were replies when I was still editing the message (hate spellling mistakes)

Well, new tyres were fitted on Saturday and it went to its first show on Saturday evening (Wilmington Night Rodeo - ute show). A little reluctant at first as it was paraded with lots of utes with huge V8's with their flags flying, twin stacks like Kenworth Trucks - well then, I won best vintage ute on display (was very amazed). I even got picked up by the local highway patrol on the way home - and laughed at them when they told me i was speeding (they only wanted pictures - but good excuse)

With very little now left to do (said in jest) but it's roadworthy, with just a few minor jobs to be done (Canvas work, plastic side windows etc....)

But ready for the big drive to Cooma - now finishing a few touches on the IIA Fire Tender (found my slight brake problem - swelling front rubber brake line)


I tips me lid to blokes like you and Dinty!

Many thanks for the great words - but if you enjoy what you're doing - you do it well.

Well all the best

Wayne

PS if anyone can help me with my Photobucket issues - please pm me.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/01/90.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2008/01/91.jpg

[Hymie]

What a beautiful bit of Kit, it's a credit to you cobber.

[easo]

As above, Good stuff.

Like he said.

[soggy]

hi

i think i own the sister vehicle to this as two were sent to the UK government on the same day, 28 April 58. mine is chassis 121800414 and went to an atomic research facility near to Southampton. it is in good order but the pump is missing as is the bulkhead and engine. i am trying to find the bits to put it together.
cheers
soggy

[ellard]

Hi there

Sorry for the late response but work has been busy as of late.

Chassis number 122802315 , I think I seen a write up in one of the UK magazines a few weeks back.

Woomera had two of these in service, and the second one in Adelaide but the rear configeration slightly different. If I can be of any assistance with the restoration please just ask.

All the best

Wayne Ellard