Reg. No. GHK 929
Chassis No.TLM2A13148
First Registered 02/08/1938.
Currently with AEC engine, The original Leyland 6 cyliner, dual ignition petrol engine came with the vehicle. It is recommended to stop the engine by turning the fuel off rather than the ignition which can lead to massive backfire destroying the exhust manifold.
The Angle iron structured ladder is less prone to fracture than the tubular steel used by other makers, extends to 101 feet (30 Metres) and the hydraulic stabilisers, which do not extend outwards, provide the necessary operational stability.
A system of mechanical dials is linked to a safety system and show the safe working capabilities for the current length and inclination of the ladder.
WWII hostilities made this one of the last imported Metz ladders for many years.
There are cast markings, A accelerator, B brake and C clutch, on the driver’s pedals, just for those who were unfamiliar with driving. These markings were standard on many vehicles of that era.
Leyland took the Metz franchise in the early 1930’s, at that time the Leylands were known as the zoo models, this bein a ???????
52 were produced and this is one along with DTB 512 were a pair which had the hydraulic legs, bucket seats and a chromed front bumper.
Originally stationed at Clacton.
Released from the fire service in 1962,
Used at Blackpool Pleasure Beach along with another ladder, AVB 1 Until 1983.
Bought by the Lester family from Oxford who kept it 2 years until loosing their storage facility.
Bought by Reg Stone of Truro, Cornwall who change the engine!! Reg lost interest in it after his wife died.
Sourced from Truro, August 2010.