Fire Engine [Karrier]

Maker and role
Karrier Motors Limited, Manufacturer
Rootes Motors Limited, Manufacturer
Carmichael and Sons Limited, Manufacturer
Gwynnes Pumps Limited, Manufacturer
Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board, Commissioned by
 Production date
1960
 See full details

Object detail

Accession number
1986.47
Maker
Karrier Motors Limited
Rootes Motors Limited
Carmichael and Sons Limited
Gwynnes Pumps Limited
Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board
Secondary maker and role
Budenberg Gauge Company Limited: Manufacturer
Smiths Industries Limited: Manufacturer
Magirus-Deutz Brandschutztechnik: Manufacturer
Charles Winn and Company: Manufacturer
Walker Products Limited: Manufacturer
British Light Steel Pressings Limited: Manufacturer
Francis Searchlights: Manufacturer
Production period
1960s
Description
Fire appliance, Karrier, fleet no. 4993. Red and white colour. Reg. EZ1895. The roof, grill and each wheel arch fully enclosed. Double cab with the hose storage areas along each side closed by roller doors. At the rear, the pump, controls and 2 hose reels are exposed, but the storage area above is enclosed. On the top of the vehicle is provision for ladders and there is one ladder atop. At the rear is a spot-light with an accompanying reel of electrical extension lead. This reel has a plastic cover. At the front, on either side are 2 flashing red lights with a single smaller red light mounted towards the centrally situated siren horn on the front bumper. In the middle, above the windscreen, is a sign reading FIRE. 'New Zealand Fire Service' painted up each side; 'General Foods, Auckland' and 'The Fire Service' crest on each door. Behind each door is a detachable plate '1828'.

Specifications:
Engine type and output: 6-cylinder 2.9-litre Humber Super Snipe 3 outputting 92kW
Gearbox: 4-speed manual
Pump: Gwynnes Limited 'Hi/Lo' pressure pump with two hose reels and two ‘Bean’ guns delivering a maximum pump volume of 2200 litres per minute.
Crew: 2, one driver and one officer (plus extra as could be accommodated.)
Brief History
Auckland’s Metropolitan Fire Board (AMFB) commissioned 12 Karrier fire appliances for Tāmaki Makaurau. The Karrier was a relatively rare badge by the 1950s but was still in use by vehicle manufacturers, Rootes Motors Limited, who acquired the brand in 1934. This vehicle is built on a Gamecock model truck first released in 1950. Gamecocks featured an underfloor engine, steel cab configuration and 16-inch wheels to achieve a lower loading platform – making equipment like the hose reels stored on top of the vehicle easier to access.

The first Karrier fire appliances arrived in New Zealand in 1958, shipped complete from England with custom wood and aluminium bodies by Carmichael & Sons. This one arrived in 1960 and was registered EZ1895, serving as No. 1 and No. 2 pump for Auckland Central Fire Station. It features a range of equipment including a Gwynne Limited ‘Hi/Lo’ pressure pump, two side rear-mounted ‘Protect Us’ fog guns, and a Christchurch manufactured top-mounted ladder. The vehicle racked up high mileage when later stationed at Ellerslie, which was a back-up station to many of South Auckland’s suburbs, before being decommissioned in the 1980s.

The Karrier Gamecock was considered a reliable performer in England’s narrow streets and its fog guns dealt effectively with blazes in mainly brick houses. In Auckland, their efficacy was tested by Auckland’s hills and the fiercer fires of predominantly wooden houses. Allan Bruce, former Regional Commander of the Auckland Fire Service, thought them too underpowered and preferred the custom-built Dennis appliances and Merryweather diesels. Ultimately, the Karrier and other British marques were replaced by sturdier trucks with more powerful engines and more comprehensive water delivery systems.

The vehicle has been restored at MOTAT with the AMFB livery.
Marks
KARRIER / CARMICHAEL Maker's Plate
AUCKLAND METROPOLITAN FIRE BOARD Logo
Media/Materials
Processed Material/Metal
Processed Material/Glass
Organic/Vegetal/Plant Extract/Latex/Rubber
Credit Line
Karrier Motors Limited et al. 1960. Fire Engine [Karrier], 1986.47. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).

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150 years of fire fighting in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
150 years of fire fighting in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

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