Fire Engine [RL]
Maker and role
Bedford Motors Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
Circa 1955
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
F1162.2003
Maker
Production period
Description
Bedford fire engine RL, ex: Auxiliary Fire Service, Omokoroa ("Green Goddess"). The original registration number was HK4448. Model: Bedford Self-propelled portable pump, 2 hose reels, first aid kit, foam canister, no radio, but police escort when on call. Engine: 5.7 litre V6. Power: 110 bhp. Weight: 8.4 tonnes. Top speed: 80 kph (50 mph). Primary water pump: Rear-mounted Sigmund FN4 single-stage pump. Four-wheel drive vehicle which can carry 1,364 litres (300 gallons) of water and has a 10.6 m (35 ft.) ladder.
Brief History
During the Cold War period (late 1940s-1950s), when the British Government feared nuclear attack, they created the Auxiliary Fire Service. They purchased hundreds of Bedford RL fire trucks (also known as 'Green Goddess'). During the late 1960s, when the fear of any attacks had reduced, it was clear these fire engines would not help in case of a nuclear war, and they were sold to countries throughout the world. This vehicle is one of those vehicles. It was operated by the Auxiliary Fire Service at Omokoroa, near Rotorua.
Engine: 300 cubic inch Bedford petrol
Gearbox: 4 forward gears, 1 reverse
Pump: Rear-mounted Sigmund FN4 single-stage pump
Engine: 300 cubic inch Bedford petrol
Gearbox: 4 forward gears, 1 reverse
Pump: Rear-mounted Sigmund FN4 single-stage pump
Marks
AFS Logo
BEDFORD / MADE IN ENGLAND / BEDFORD Maker's Plate
BEDFORD / MADE IN ENGLAND / BEDFORD Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Other name
Green Goddess
Credit Line
Bedford Motors Limited. Circa 1955. Fire Engine [RL], F1162.2003. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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