For some time, the team have been trying to locate some of the very early (1960/70) type cycle lamp brackets that were used to carry the personal lamps which were hung in the rear cabs of LFB appliances. The search had proved fruitless until one day, group member Mike West, happened upon a modern reproduction version owned by Paul Slade of " Fire Brigade Models".
Paul kindly allowed the group to borrow it in an effort to source a manufacturer who would be willing to make a small batch for 240FLM. The hunt for a willing fabricator led Mike to a small company called JACCS metal fabrications based in Kings Langley, Near Watford. Herts. and the team there were more than helpful in taking on the project. In fact, Chris the manager there, kindly got one of his team, Eddie, to make us 6, paint them beautifully, he then proceeded to donate them free of charge to the group. We are so grateful to them, especially as we had never been to them before, for their generosity A milestone in the restoration process was reached today!. With all the ladder extensions now painted, it was time to return them to the main ladder which is still attached to the turntable. A local car recovery agent was hired and arrived dead on time on a rather grey day.Most of us had thought this was going to be quite traumatic, however, the 2 guys who came with the HIAB lorry simply looked at the task and got stuck straight in. 20 minutes later, the ladders were reunited and 240FLM was once again looking pretty with her top hat on. The day continued with Steve Houston, Paul Wing, Pete Weight and Colin cracking on with the new wings and cleaning many of the small panels which were then refitted to the chassis.
The new wings were delivered today and Colin immediately tried the rears on for size, they look brilliant and take us a long way forward with our efforts and help to protect us from future problems. As Colin was alone on the day he filed the following report:After fitting the new rear wings, I started by sorting the n/s pump bay housing. I cut the centre bars as I had worked out last time but I was still struggling to get the parts to line up correctly. After much head scratching and measurement I finally had an ephinany the deck beams had been made out of too thick material! I trimmed about 8mm out of the front mounting and everything then lined up. I then fixed the mounting brackets and fixed the alloy skin on. The back of the board just needs painting and final fixing.
A significant moment in the restoration process was reached.!A small group consisting of Colin, Trevor, Graham, Steve Houston and Pete Cowland managed to re-install the ladder sections into a single unit ready for the big lift which will finally see them reunited with the main ladder on 240FLM. Trevor managed to get all the new treads cut and fitted and the whole assembley looks brilliant.The missed areas of the ladders were painted at the same time.The front o/s locker is now made and part of the outside painted, next visit will see the skin back on and the painting finished and on the appliance. The decking is on the front n/s locker and finally, she is parked up in her "bay" again.
Today, Saturday 16th July, a few of us were at Wicken to work on 240FLM. Trevor Barnwell was showing me the mudguards/wings that are very badly rusted and MUST be replaced. The problem is that these items for such an old vehicle no longer exist and Trevor has kindly sourced a company that can make them but as they are custom items and most likely hand produced they are not cheap and we are sure the all up cost will be about £2,000. Whilst the current bank account sum is around the £2,000 mark we cannot go without this plea as we have other bills rolling in, I have just paid £300 for the ladder repairs and Colin has a bill for just over £200 that needs to be covered. There are also a number of sundry bills that will also be coming my way soon.
So what I am asking is that you dig deep and make payments into the group bank account to cover the monies we will require over the next couple of months. I propose a minimum of £10 for each of the next 3 months, these will need to be extra payments over and above your normal monthly subs. I am sorry to ask this of you but without these extra funds the restoration work will falter and grind to a temporary halt. You need to refer to the details you already have for the bank account and could you please use the reference '240FLM Gift'. Below are a couple of photos to show you how bad the mudguard/wingsreally are. The Chairman’s Report, 240 FLM AGM 2016
This past year has seen much work being carried out by our small working party of enthusiasts, headed up by Colin Farrington, in often adverse weather conditions. For my part, I would like all those participating in the task to accept my grateful thanks for endurance. The task was not as first imagined, when the team investigated the many attacks by corrosion to most of the lockers and associated woodwork, plus corrosion attacking the metal work. The hydraulics gave the team some headaches, firstly the jacks were reluctant to work in unison until removed and dismantled, followed by the hesitation for the elevated ladder to return to horizontal. The Elevated ladders made a useful landmark in Wicken, standing above the rooftops for 6 weeks. The cure was eventually found after many uncertainties as to a safe manner of working. The gunge in the hydraulic lines was cleared and ladders now go up and down safely. It was inevitable that the weather would work against the team, with very strong winds in October rendering heavy duty plastic sheets useless in less than two days. Money spent and wasted. Colin has been showing off his varied skills in engineering and woodworking, plus foundry work with the absent monitor. He has found three rounds on ladders need replacing, and is struggling to find qualified welder to undertake this essential job. Next item for Colin is to organize the finishing of ladder paint then refitting to chassis. Plus, he still finds time for his personal leisure pursuits. A man to be thanked for dedication and perseverance. Our master of the inventory, Peter Weight, has been similarly well engaged in his ferreting around for suitable equipment. Items donated are being refurbished and prepared to show, boots polished and axes shined. I am sure Peter will be pleased to regale you with his experiences of visiting donors for bits and scanning EBay for bargains. Memberships have seemed to have waned a bit, judging by lack of renewals of subscriptions, but Steve Lomas can tell you more about that. A recent highlight for myself and Julia was to get to the open day at New Cross, taking some photos of the TL’s working parties and components being removed, to put on show. They were well received and displayed, dominating the LFBs contribution. A tunic, helmet and boots with black leggings were loaned for the day, drawing comments from many attending, both “old boys” and visitors. I knew no one present, but many seemed to know of me. No idea why. Had good look at the Leyland Metz on show, from Mick Cotton’s collection. Great looker and works well. Better than the ALP on show from Forest Hill which had jacks stick when making up. We adjourned to a local Chinese Restaurant with 6 others for lamp swinging and eats. Good day out. The minutes of the AGM: AGM Minutes for 2016, 240 FLM Group. Opened at 1100 hrs, with following member present. Peter Russell, Chairman Julia Russell Caterer Steve Houston and Sue. Martin Ormes Peter Cowland, Paul Wiing Steve Lomas, Treasurer Colin Farrington, Workshop Manager Mike West Trevor Barnwell Graham Pearce Roger Davey Apologies for absence given from Barry Pilkington and Ted Temple. Meeting opened by Chairman, and requested all to stand to observe a minute’s solemn reminiscence For Passing of President, Bill Butler. Minutes of previous AGM circulated and read. Matters arising; Item 5 Chairman explained that DVLA were unwilling to undertake registration of 240 FLM in the Group’s name, unless forming a Company. This was considered as being open to further correspondence with DVLA and other Govmt. Departments, drawing attention unnecessarily , so left in abeyance. Martin Ormes pointed out that the name on log book is that of Registered Keeper and satisfies requirements. It does not indicate the owner, who, according to Constitution, is the Group. That proved acceptable and passed. Item 6. Treasurer, Steve Loams pointed out that not as many had subscribed as anticipated, so income down. A revision of original proposal for subs to be amended to collecting £5 per month. Some debate followed as to what to do. Communications seemed to be deficient in contacting those not renewing, due to many having failed to be on internet and mailings unanswered. Item to be followed up by Chairman. Issue of PLI arose, and Colin Farrington, through his close association with the Fire Brigades Preservation Society, indicated that it could cost the group as much as £350 p.a. but by being Affiliated with the Society, would come down to £30 per event, so long as a bona fide named member is present. We are getting applications for membership from many unworthy individuals, and are mainly disposed of by Treasurer and Secretary. It was suggested that a pro-forma application may be needed to sort out those illogical applications, with details appertaining to the Fire Brigade type of experience held by individuals, Some are from outside LFB, or any Brigade. But worthy persons have been allowed to be accepted, subject to a vetting procedure. An acceptable procedure agreed to. It had been minuted last year, that in order to vet members, a photo ID should accompany their Facebook entry. The task is now to draw members into the exchange of information of relevance. Suggested that Garry make approaches to those still registered, and remind those in arrears that they forfeit the voting rights, and need their ID photos. Chairmans report followed (sent separately) Gen Sec had sent in apologies at last minute, and no report to offer at that time. Treasurer’s Report. Steve Lomas continued with his comments on absent subscriptions, mentioning that some eminent members were in arrears. Expenses being met from current account, which he had much difficulty in establishing with Lloyds Bank. There is a balance of £2,496.06p currently. The Chairman undertook to pursue those absent subscribers with view to establishing their future involvement. Workshop Manager report. Colin made strong plea for more people on working parties, especially as we approach the time when muscle power will be need for ladder reinstatement on chassis. Dates were given for attendances. July 16/17th is Date to mark in diaries, and when the hi-lift will be in attendance to reassemble. Colin and Trevor let us know how work was progressing, with the rubber round sleeves to be fitted when welder had dealt with three rounds affected by rust damage, and new front mudguards obtained from AEC suppliers. More timber locker construction being done and new mudguards from AEC to make it roadworthy for impending move. Colin is negotiating with Norfolk Fire Museum for space. The Chairman announced that a contact had been given for parking at Laconbury, but only outside hard standing, subject to elements, for £20 per week. Decided not good enough. Quartermaster Report. Peter Weight not present, but Colin gave resume of his situation. Many items have been donated and were in Peter’s care for renovation, A good relationship with an Ex Policeman’s collection found donations of good items being given. It Is reckoned a full complement of TL equipment is now held, apart from pair of 220 volt rubber gloves. Elections of Officers. It was proposed by Martin Ormes that all stand for re-election, Seconded by Mike West. Vote in favour unanimous. Going around those present, matters arising. Martin Ormes raised the point about Committee members and absences, in conjunction with need for drivers in future. Chairman pointed out that only three drivers on insurance policy, Cold Farrington, Barry Pilkington and Frankie Ward. Barry has been unwell, but still interested. Frankie has not been in touch, so will make contact. When relevant information to hand, will let Committee know of outcome, perhaps co-opting ne Committee members. Colin let it be known he has elicited up to date information of type of licence needed to drive TL. The minimum is Category C HGV required, perhaps incurring need for medical. Mike West asked about date anticipated to realistically get TL back on road. Colin replied, with anticipated finish of essential work to make it presentable, of Sept/Oct. Date of next AGM for Group determined as being May 13th. Chairman thanked members for their time attending and participating, and meeting called to close, with Roger Davey asking for vote of thanks to be recorded for members and Committee tasks undertaken. Closed at 1315 hrs. The new year has got off to a steady start with good progress being made, however, more hands are urgently needed to get 240 FLM to a state where she can be driven to her new, but yet to be found, home. 2 working parties attended by Colin Farrington, Steve Houston, Trevor Barnwell & Pete Weight, supported as ever by Lady Julia & Peter Russell saw continued work on the red oxide painting of the chassis, which is now about 95% done as far as we can without a pit- further work was done on wire brushing down the ladder sections and applying the hammerite. Bank holiday Monday and a site visit was made by Dave Porter (the welder) to measure and check on exactly what materials are needed to repair the 3 damaged rounds. repair the broken hydraulic lever bracket and weld on a new plate over the rotten rear section. Meanwhile, both Colin & Graham Pearce have been busy away from Wicken: Colin has begun making new box sections for the nearside lockers and Graham has constructed a home based sandblasting cabinet and has been putting the first of the small parts through it with excellent results. MINUTES OF THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF FLM 240 PRESERVATION GROUP
TL 240 Preservation Group, Inaugural meeting - Venue -The Village hall, Wicken, Cambs. Saturday 15th November 2014. The meeting started promptly at 11.00 hours Introduction Peter Russell - Chairperson (PR) opened the meeting by welcoming everybody to the meeting, and gave a brief summary, of how this meeting and the project came about, and highlighted the agenda for today. (this will be available for perusal on the website, along with a draft constitution, following committee and members agreement at a later date) Formalise meeting and elect committee - It was agreed that Peter Russell was to be our chairperson, Membership Secretary Tug Wilson (TW) was invited by PR to introduce himself, this he did by giving a short history regarding his time in the job and now being retired some four years, and explained that Paul Settle (PS), who sitting to his left, and was now going to stand down from the position of General Secretary. PS did this an interim measure to assist in getting the project off the ground. We thanked PS for his efforts and the position of General Secretary was offered to TW. TW asked the members so to speak, the answer was that all was ok with TW taking up the role of general secretary. PR introduced Steve Lomas (SL) as Treasurer. SL gave a brief account of his role, and was happy to carry on in the role. SL informed us what the current bank balance is £3,326.72 PR then introduced Trevor Barnwell and Colin Farrington as Workshop managers, he explained that they will be looking after the mechanics of TL 240 and they were both very happy to continue. PR then asked members for someone who would take on the role as webmaster. Member Bob Wilkinson (BW) volunteered for this position. PR thanked him, and stated that he was looking forward to getting this part of the project moving, as it will assist greatly in the progress of advertising our group, and a method of communication with members and others, who may also have an interest in our vision. Robin Stockley (RS) volunteered himself as a committee member, this was agreed by committee, his role is as yet to be detailed and confirmed. PR welcomed him aboard. The attendees for this meeting were: Barry Pilkington, Trevor Barnwell, Colin Farrington, Roger Enefer, Roger Davey,Martin Bainbridge, Paul Settle,John Cox, Carol Cox, Peter Weight, Mick Woodham, Frankie Ward, Paul Wing, Martin Ormes, Bob Wilkinson, Dennis Price, Mike West, Robin Stockley, Chris Jennings, Alec Everitt, Paul Davis, Paul Wood, Kev Hutchins, Madeline Temple, Ted Temple, Julia Russell. Peter Russell, Tug Wilson, Steve Lomas, Apologies for non attendance was from: Danny Harper,Danny Hoyer,Eric Goldsmith,Lewis Orrow,Bill Butler,Ian Fife,Colin King,Gordon James,Bob Manser,Tim Jones,Laurie Lyndoe,Kevin Wright,Peter Lucia-hennis,Eugene Lynch,Mitch Theobold,Paul Raven,Ron Finch,Lol Bagnolle. Short break at this point, then business was resumed. Aims of the group - this in the main is : his group is dedicated to the preservation of the AEC 'Mercury' with Merryweather 100ft turntable ladder that served with great distinction with the London Fire Brigade. We are a group of retired London firemen that retain a passion for past times, the service we gave and this fire appliance. Membership eligibility Point of detailed discussion at this point was, what are we as members, shareholders etc, going to be called, it was agreed from this point on that all those who originally made a financial contribution to purchase TL 240 are now known as Founder members, we briefly discussed what others maybe called, but nothing was confirmed. Preservation works Colin Farrington gave a detailed first report of the vehicles general condition. Chassis - requires a thorough steam clean of chassis, underbody and both engines along with the turntable. Wheels and tyres - offside inner flat other tyres appear serviceable. Body - All chrome parts need to be removed (re-chromed where required) and new rubber backing parts replaced. Indicators are inoperative. Front indicator "rubber ears" perished, (new ones obtained) Mechanical operation of foldback "ears" need servicing. Rear nearside indicator glass needs replacing new one obtained. Blue beacons have innards removed (totally rusted and beyond repair). New innards obtained and being adjusted to fit. Both front wings rusted and will need replacing. Rear wings need minor body repair and re-fixing. All decking screws need replacing. Two broken locker hinges need replacing Four locker handles need stripping and freeing off or replacing All lockers need cleaning and repainting Windscreen wiper arms and blades need replacing Bell missing (replacement obtained) Searchlight missing (originals being collected by PR from the previous owner). Searchlight cables need replacing. CAB - Interior needs a thorough clean, repaint and sealing. All seats need recovering. (In hand following offer on the day by Carol Cox). Draught seals need replacing Wiring needs to be tidied. Batteries need replacing (in hand) Completed by TB on day. Aims of the group - this in the main is : This group is dedicated to the preservation of the AEC 'Mercury' with Merryweather 100ft turntable ladder that served with great distinction with the London Fire Brigade. We are a group of retired London firemen that retain a passion for past times, the service we gave and this fire appliance. Membership eligibility Point of detailed discussion at this point was, what are we as members, shareholders etc, going to be called, it was agreed from this point on that all those who originally made a financial contribution to purchase TL 240 are now known as Founder members, we briefly discussed what others maybe called, but nothing was confirmed. Preservation works Colin Farrington gave a detailed first report of the vehicles general condition. Chassis - requires a thorough steam clean of chassis, underbody and both engines along with the turntable. Wheels and tyres - offside inner flat other tyres appear serviceable. Body - All chrome parts need to be removed (re-chromed where required) and new rubber backing parts replaced. Indicators are inoperative. Front indicator "rubber ears" perished, (new ones obtained) Mechanical operation of foldback "ears" need servicing. Rear nearside indicator glass needs replacing new one obtained. Blue beacons have innards removed (totally rusted and beyond repair). New innards obtained and being adjusted to fit. Both front wings rusted and will need replacing. Rear wings need minor body repair and re-fixing. All decking screws need replacing. Two broken locker hinges need replacing Four locker handles need stripping and freeing off or replacing All lockers need cleaning and repainting Windscreen wiper arms and blades need replacing Bell missing (replacement obtained) Searchlight missing (originals being collected by PR from the previous owner). Searchlight cables need replacing. CAB - Interior needs a thorough clean, repaint and sealing. All seats need recovering. (In hand following offer on the day by Carol Cox). Draught seals need replacing Wiring needs to be tidied. Batteries need replacing (in hand) Completed by TB on day. LADDER - Complete rub down and painting required. One damaged round on main extension, may need to be cut out and replaced. New cables required 4 x extension cables and 1 main cable. Jacks not working possibly (lack of hydraulic oil) fluid, in hand. (3 jacks came down on the day following oil top up, 4th needs freeing.) Jack operating valve framework, broken, (needs welding) Communication equipment needs rewiring. Monitor missing (possibly in hand). Framework and belt eye missing. Rescue line eye missing. Hydraulic ram gaiters, one missing but both need replacing. Small oil leak on nearside ram when at full elevation, not evident when lower elevations (suggest suck it and see) Apart from the above, a lot of polishing and TLC is required. Use of TL 240 - PR opened discussion on use of the vehicle, such as Weddings and funerals. This provoked quite a lot of response from members, such as - How can the vehicle generate an income for its own upkeep, how reliable will it be, as we only have one, will it require public liability insurance, how are we going to publicise it, and costings of course. I (PR) noted these, and will in time give a detailed response, but no proposals as to a way forward at this moment in time. PR stated that we have road risk insurance on the vehicle, and have named drivers only. Roger Davey proposed the following; Proposal: To elect an interim committee with powers to co-opt additional members with specialists skills or knowledge to; 1. Consider the correct legal status of our organisation, 2. Consider whether our organisation should seek a charitable status. 3. Consider and produce a draft constitution for the organisation, 4. Consider membership criteria and subscriptions, 5. Take responsibility for interim managerial and maintenance, restoration of vehicle. 6. To consult with existing membership and report back to a general meeting within 12 months, with proposals of 1 - 4 above, when a vote will be taken. If a proposed constitution is accepted interim committee shall stand down and a new committee to be elected, under the agreed constitution. Seconded by PS and was agreed as unanimous by members, show of hands. Voting rights - It was discussed that members who were unable to attend this and future meetings could use the "by proxy" voting method. It was agreed at this meeting that this will not be allowed, the main reason for rejection was that some members could have quite a number of votes on the day, this would be unfair.members voted on this, and by a show of hands and found to be unanimous. Membership and subs - SL- wanted to introduce a subscription system, to enable the vehicles funds to build up, should any additional work be required. The view from the floor, was that it was a good idea, but how much? One member stated that £100 per year is a good starting point, although this was not voted on, the feeling from the room was, not sure at the moment. AGM and Quarterly meetings - Briefly discussed, but no outcome as yet Termination of membership - Not discussed Any other business - There was no matters for discussion in AOB, so I have added these items that were touched on briefly, during the meeting, charity status, HCVS membership (this is a commercial vehicle club, and could good for making useful contacts) call by stranger system. Date and time of next meeting(s) as yet to be confirmed. Meeting ended at 14.30 hours. |