THE FIRE ENGINE
Fondly known as Martha, the FOLLOW THAT FIRE ENGINE crew will be driving a Mercedes 1124 AF (4x4) which has been kindly donated by Dorset Fire and Rescue.
The Chief Darran Gunter was instrumental in this and FOLLOW THAT FIRE ENGINE would like to express our gratitude to Darran and Dorset Fire and Rescue.
MARTHA'S HISTORY
She was the last fire appliance built for the UK market by HCB-Angus and was delivered to the Dorset Fire Brigade from their factory at Testwood near Totton in June 1994. Soon afterwards she was put on the run at Bridport fire station where she remained until 1996 when she was transferred to Shaftesbury.
Martha remained in Shaftesbury for just a couple of years before being moved to Christchurch in 1999 as their retained appliance. By then the brigade had been renamed as the Dorset Fire and Rescue Service. With the arrival of new appliances at Christchurch, the role of Martha changed to an off-road appliance with her principal use being at heathland fires. That remained the case until she was donated to FOLLOW THAT FIRE ENGINE in October 2009.
SOME MARTHA STATS
Engine |
OM366LA Turbocharged and intercooled six cylinder in-line diesel engine. Maximum Power 240 BHP @ 2600 rpm Maximum Torque 560 IB ft @ 1600 rpm Full Injection Bosch RQ |
Performance |
0-40 mph 22 seconds Gears Speed 60 mph Grade Ability (rolling) 77 % |
Clutch |
Hydraulically operated single dry plate. 350mm |
Axle |
Rear cross and interaxle differential lock |