One step forward and another back! A well known saying and one which has definitely applied this month. At the start of the month on April 6th, the team set with 240FLM for the overdue replacement of the rear differential oil seals which had been delayed from earlier in the year due to a " fail to start". However, this time no such problems and the small team of group members made their way to a local HGV repair facility kindly loaned out to us for this task.  The appliance was carefully driven onto the hydraulic lift and the team set about the task in hand.  Everything went as planned and the seal was replaced fairly simply and without any great issue. However, it was at the point of concluding the days work that the problems started.  The starter motor refused to engage and there was a distinct smell of burning rubber or similar and so it was concluded that the only thing to do was to return the appliance back to the hydraulic lift and have a look. On investigation it was found that the starter motor had indeed failed and there also appeared top be a fuel system issue. By now it was mid afternoon so the decision was made to call for a heavy recovery lift back to our base at Romford, it had been a long day with the driver finally parking the appliance back in the station at about 8.00pm.

During the week that followed, the starter motor was stripped and a full overhaul conducted. Fortunately, within the group we have the skills to do this work so it didn't take long for the motor to be returned and refitted. With the fuel system bled, the appliance burst back into life and hopefully the starter motor will provide another 50 years of service.

Later in the month we held a busy working party during which the hand bell, which had required a new strap was refitted. Some woodwork around the OIC door had been stripped back and this was primed ready for coating up.
 
The hose ramp retaining frame that sits behind the cab, but had been mostly missing when we obtained 240FLM, had been constructed offsite and this was trial fitted and the fixing holes drilled out. It will now be brought to a full paint finish and the 3 base runners that the ramps sit on will be finished.

The 12mm radio cable was trial fitted and reaches from the radio on the dashboard to the rear seat area under which the transceiver will sit but some alterations are required to the connector to get it to fit, this is in hand and once installed, the cable will complement the "original" appearance as it is in fact a period item found by chance for £5 plus postage on an internet auction website. 
Offsite, 2 new "original" extinguisher brackets had been made for the Foam and Water Stored Pressure extinguishers in the back cab, These had been routed out to accept the straps on the back and are now ready for final painting, strap attachment and fitting.
On the same day, attention was given by some of the team to the problem with the communications system that runs between the operators consul at the bottom and the speaker box at the head of the ladder. Although the whole system is now installed, the cable should run smoothly when the ladder is extending or housing, To assist the functionality of the cable, there is a twin wheel runner set that sits in a channel above the cable, It was noticed that the twin wheels were sticking at various points and after much investigation it was discovered that the trough that they sit in was heavily congealed with old muck and rubbish. This has now been fully cleaned out and should allow the system to perform correctly.

The on-board pump had been presenting us with problems and had recently failed to start. After much searching and testing, it was established that the fuel pump had become defective so it was removed, thoroughly overhauled by group member Mike Cotton and refitted. A little tweaking and checking and once again the pump has fired back into life and runs beautifully. It is our intention to have the appliance fully functioning in all aspects so this is a significant step towards that goal.

To complement the mechanical repairs, the pump deliveries and collecting head have had their ( non original) blank caps cleaned and reconnected via new galvanised chain. Unfortunately, the original chain remnants, (of which there was 3 different sizes) is no longer available so the closest match to that seen in the pre delivery pictures we have was purchased and used.

The driver’s dashboard gauge cluster had for a long time been in need of complete overhaul. Some of the more vital gauges in fact didn’t function at all so after much thought, this task was handed to professionals and the results are fantastic. A new set of cables were made and now that it is connected and reinstated, it completely finishes the repainted cab and dashboard.

Also fitted in the cab was a modern 2KG dry powder extinguisher. It had been considered a sensible precaution in case a member of the public approached us in an emergency, or, we needed it for ourselves!!

The exterior has continued to have finishing items added.  The cable reel to supply the Francis searchlight has been refitted to the roof of the pump bay having been  fully restored by Graham Pearce. It is likely we will be replacing the 50 year cable though as it looks rather unsafe!
The original windscreen washer system, including the plastic reservoir in the OIC footwell looked quite serviceable, however, it became clear that it wasn't pumping so a replacement pump has been sourced and installed and the system is once again working correctly.The Raydyot hand lamp for the OIC had developed a sever crack in the swivel joint since it was installed last month. Fortunately, one of our group members is a dab hand with brazing equipment so out it came and has been repaired and now sits back in its position, this now needs wiring up.

The Original radio channel plaque was in a bad visual state and, as this is on show, it was concluded that a new one was probably more suitable.This has been made and now sits back on top of the radio control box on the dashboard  and reflects the early period in the Brigades radio history.
The " Licence" holder is now in place complete with the Joe Milner period certificate of ownership, we can however switch this to Mr Leete's period in tenure if we desire as we have one of those as well.
The drivers side floor has had its coat of black metal paint and this now means we can go ahead and install the rubber matting.
Attention will now turn to the 3 lockers on the outside. There are 2 foot lockers and a rear hose locker. All 3 were hand made by the group and the original skins then laid over. All 3 are currently still in the paint primer stage and it is our intention to get all 3 fully repainted and then refitted with the myriad of brackets, hooks and wooden formers that we removed some 3 ½ years ago. Once completed, this will allow us to restow the appliance with all the original LFB gear and equipment we have been able to collect since November 2015 and be one giant step closer to being able to proclaim 240FLM as “ On the run”.

Finally, a start has been made by Dave Porter on cleaning the original checkerplate decking which has been long overdue, initial impressions are that it will come up a treat for the summer.

February has seen significant steps forward in our winter maintenance and improvement programme.
Works by Trevor and Martyn to the onboard pump have resulted in the fuel pump being removed and dispatched for a much needed overhaul. It had become clear that this was the cause of the pump not firing when the start button was pushed. The dashboard has been completely removed and sent away for  refurbishment as several of the gauges were not working and the surround needed painting.
Colin has started the first phase of the reattaching of the communications cable, between the head of the ladder and the operator consul. The cable is now loosely attached along its full length and connected to the refitted operator speaker and microphone box which is fitted at the head of the ladder. However, 3 specialist springs are required to keep the tension on the cable so these are being made " in house". Once made the whole system can finally be permanently attached and tested.
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2 "new old stock" headlamps have been sourced and fitted by John Lewis as the silvering on the originals had started to fail.
In the crew cab, the radio, handset and speaker have now been fitted and immediately this has brought the cab back to life. The intention now is to install a small "bluetooth" system, played through the original speaker, to run original radio soundtracks appropriate to the service period. Also, in the cab (and pump bay) the replacement interior lights have been installed and are fully functioning. 

Graham has finished the painting on the remaining ladder section  at the foot of the main ladder and also given the steering column a much needed lick of paint, Trevor has also managed to get the " High Wind warning" pennant bracket at the head of the top extension painted in silver which is far better than the rust colour we had been looking at!
The foot mount for the Francis searchlight is now back on the roof ready for the light itself although this is currently being rewired and the hunt is on for an original " Niphan" bullet connector to complete the period look.
Finally, when the original interior cab lights, and the pump bay light, were removed for restoration, it quickly became apparent that they were beyond redemption!. It was fortunate that the identical " cage" lamps are still produced so with 3 new ones on site they were immediately fitted and connected, all 3 work perfectly!

Attention was focused on the on-board Light Portable Pump or " Donkey Pump" as its sometimes known *( it supplies high pressure water to the monitor at the head of the ladder when utilising the appliance as a water tower for large fires).
A couple of years ago, we gave it a limited refurbishment with new filters, exhaust and hoses and it had in fact run well but we didnt pump any water or put it under great strain. So when we came to fire it up in the new year, it steadfastly refused to start. A thorough visual inspection of the ignition system showed that we had a good spark and therefore a good electrical system so a  strip out of the fuel system followed. This revealed that the fuel pump had failed so this has been removed and sent for repair. We have just been informed that the pump needed a thoroughly good clean and service and it has now been bench tested and produces the correct jets of fuel so it now just needs a final seal change and it can be refitted. Our thanks go to group members,Dave Porter, Trevor Barnwell and  Mike Cotton for resolving this problem.

The hand bell over the Officer In Charge's seat has been removed to allow for a replacement leather strap to be fitted as the original one disintegrated this summer. 

The complete driver instrument cluster ( dashboard) has been removed for overhaul and refurbishment as some of the gauges just didn't work, this should take several weeks to be completed so until then, 240FLM must remain static.

Running alongside the mechanical repairs and servicing, other group members had set about reinstating several of the new, or restored, original accessories inside the cab and on the exterior.

One very notable item to be restored has been the 8 day mechanical clock located centrally above the windscreen. This had been gifted to the group and it has fitted perfectly to the existing back plate and works beautifully.

An original, gifted,  address/searchlight for the Officer In Charge was refitted. However, sadly a crack has appeared in the swivel mount so this will need to be brazed at some stage. Notwithstanding this, the period wiring can now be run to make the lamp functional.
After many weeks of deliberation, the final position of the radio receiver and handset were decided. Months of research had failed to provide any firm evidence of the fitting positions and no photographic evidence could be found. Discussions were held with retired members of the LFB Radio Workshops team and they  confirmed that radios, speakers and handsets were in fact not fitted in identical positions and it very much depended on the appliance and fitter on the day. As no absolute certainty could be found or traced for the exact location, our joint collective memories decided on a later, known location, and the holes drilled accordingly. The new radio mount bracket will now be painted and installed on the next visit. The radio speaker will sit just to the left of the driver on the central divider, exactly as seen in several period appliance images. The handset will sit high up on the dashboard between the driver and OIC. Once all the 3 elements are installed, period wiring will be run to finish the project and it is anticipated that at some stage, we will install a Bluetooth speaker and player in the cab and have period appropriate recordings of radio traffic playing at events.
Measurements have been taken for the 3 wooden bearers that sit on the LPP pump housing behind the cab to accommodate the 2 hose ramps.These are now in construction and period leather straps have been sourced and are ready to fit once the wooden bearers are made.

The mechanical team gathered at Romford today with the intention of changing the engine oil & filters and a provisional look at the the next task of changing the gearbox oil. Meanwhile others had arrived to start the installation of some of the fittings and accesories that will start to make 240FLM look original again.

With the necessary safety options in place, the drain plug was opened and a rather unpleasant looking volume of old engine oil appeared. No one actually knows when it was last changed as we hadn't  done this since we purchased her, however, it quickly became apparent that this was a wise decision. The rest of the day was spent inspecting the general access and state of the mechanics in preparation for the forthcoming season.

Meanwhile, the other lads were busy installing the new roof aerial and running the cable from it back towards the radio pack which, if we can locate one, will be sited in its original position under the offside rear crew seat.
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A fully restored original CTC ( Carbon Tetra Chloride) extinguisher and bracket were fitted in the correct location behind the drivers seat.  2 of the newly re-chromed grab handles were refitted in the front cab, much to everyone's relief, the hand bell was removed to allow for the replacement of the leather strap which had broken during one of our event days and the original remnants of the 4 chains that retain the female blank caps were removed to enable us to try and source replacements.  All in and excellent days effort before christmas.

During the course of November, a number of working parties have taken place. The purpose was initially to seek to remove the differential so that a troublesome oil leak could be repaired. However, on the chosen day, an electrical issue meant that we were unable to relocate the appliance from Romford to a pre-agreed location nearby where we could have use of HGV ramps.
Undaunted, the team set about the next task of dealing with the removal of the rear brakes to assess the condition of the linings and other mechanical parts. Over a period of 4 weeks, the small team, working outside in all weathers, removed both sides, and sets, of wheels, brake drums, hubs and seals. A thorough inspection revealed that the hub seals were failing and the brake linings were heavily contaminated so the decision was made to replace all these parts. The brake shoes were relined and new seals installed.
This was an onerous task, made all the more difficult as most of the team are of a more mature age and the weather was not always very kind. However, a very determined and small group of members, led by Colin Farrington and Trevor Barnwell supported by Dave Porter, Steve Houston, Steve Lomas and other supporters got the job done.

​2 working parties were undertaken during August.
On Saturday 18th, Pete started the final push towards getting the front of the cab area painted whilst Graham Pearce set about the final part of restoring the “Fly ladder” brackets with new copper washers and leather inserts.
Before setting about the actual cab, it was decided to try and clean up the aluminum trims around the windscreen and dashboard areas. This was no easy task as they hadn’t been cleaned in probably 30 years, are a difficult shape and area to get at and Pete had no real experience of the best method to use! After much head scratching and trying different techniques and materials, a plastic based rotary drill attachment with some metal polish, accompanied by occasional wire brushing, produced an acceptable finish.
Once this and the full masking up of the areas were done, all surfaces were cleaned thoroughly and finally the paint could go on. The dashboard area and the engine top cover had 1 top coat before time ran out, but the signs were promising for a good finish.
Graham meanwhile had made good progress but was prevented from finishing as he ran out of copper rivets.

​The following week, Saturday 25th, Pete & Graham were back at Romford for a re run but this time it was decided that every effort should be made to get both jobs fully finished in advance of the next event for 240 which was going to happen on the following Sunday.
Once again, the front seats came out, the cab was stripped of all the small parts, had a thorough flatting down, clean and finally the masking up done and then the paint could go on. Once masked up, we were about to start the spraying of the area behind the seats when we realised that like last week, we should sensibly try to clean down the brightwork and trims abutting the paint area.
Last week was a real trauma trying different systems to clean the alloy so this time, a more pragmatic view was adopted and Pete set about the central divider top panel with a small amount of extra fine rubbing compound and a superfine sanding soft pad. Eureka!!! It has come up a treat with almost no effort. This will now be finished off next time with a quick clean with metal polish to be sure of removing the remaining paint residue from previous efforts of others.
The back panels and engine side panels had their first coat, the front dashboard area and engine cover, which had previously had 1 coat got masked up and then had their 2nd coat, and finally back to the rear panels and engine side panels for coat number 2 and the job, was done with ½ can of paint left out of the 6 x 400ml tins we started with.
It is really pleasing to see 240FLM with her correct colour reinstated, hopefully next year we will be in a position to do the same to the outside.

Work continued on the preparation and priming of the front cab interior. With the seats removed, it was possible to get in the tight corners to apply the spray primer. A small repair was done to the underside of the engine cover and whilst it was off, it was thoroughly cleaned of 50 years of grime!

The next step will be a final flattening and then the top coats can be applied.

A little more progress this weekend!
The dashboard,surrounding framework and the back panel behind the OIC seat has now been partially spray primed/undercoated.
Being amateurs, we are having to find our way through each job both with regard to the work and the materials. Therefore, it was decided to just get one " rattle can" to see how far that would go.
With the masking up and final wipe down complete, a small fibreglass patch repair was sanded back,the OIC seat removed and spraying commenced.
The nearside footwell was given its last coat of "Hammerite" to make the final seal to the pan before the floor covering is fitted. 
The rear seat cushions and back pad were reinstated and that element of the work can now be signed off. Not the busiest day but good progress continues to be made.

​A very happy new year to all our friends and followers, we hope you had a most enjoyable seasonal break.
With 2018 well underway, the first small working party gathered at Romford to accommodate the fitting of a complete set of 6 new tyres. This was decided following the unfortunate incident on the day of the relocation to Romford when the appliance suffered a blow out on the motorway, fortunately, the driver was able to control the vehicle and continue the journey.

During the day, a couple other small jobs were undertaken including finally resolving where the last few remaining diamond plate panels should be fitted!. these plates were usually hidden when the appliance was constructed so it is like a game of "Cluedo" trying to establish exactly where they go,but eventually it all made sense and they can now be returned to their correct locations.

The first of the show dates has now been pencilled in and more will follow once the various groups around the country start to announce their shows. we look forward to announcing our attendance at some of these in due course, however, before we do venture out, more work will take place to bring the appliance to an even better position for showing, one of those jobs, the repainting of the interior of the cab, should start as soon as the weather improves enough for the paint to dry!

Its surprising how much can be accomplished by just 2 people who are very determined and actually know what they are doing! So on the 1st November, Colin & Trevor met at Wicken and made more significant progress in the run up to the move to Romford.
The blue lights and front grill repeater all now work and flash correctly, this just leaves the fitting of a small switch for this work to be completed.
The final fitting of the nearside front wheel was completed and the checker plate returned to its original position.
The rotten offside inner wing sections were cut out and new sections welded in, this just leaves  the hole behind the drivers pedals to trim up, rust treat and plate over and the new outer wing and wheel arch to fit. Once this is done, the second phase of the cab interior redecoration can be undertaken and the fittings can start to be reintroduced.

A working party of 5 today, so quite a lot was acomplished.
Work continued in the cab on getting the last of the painting prep done and, towards the end of the day, 90% of the undercoat had been applied to the interior of the cab roof and back cab rear pane,and, as the weather was so nice,the rear locker was also prepped and undercoated.
A significant moment occurred when 240FLM had the missing hand bell refixed, much fun followed while everyone tried to ring a tune.
A working blue beacon light unit on the roof has been installed and just needs connecting now.
A trial fit of the locker doors was made but it became apparent  that a little bit of fettling is needed to get them to fit properly.
The last bodywork fittings and steps were fitted and also the access cover plate on the turntable.
Colin got on with finishing the fitting on the nearside inner arch and then, with help, also managed to fit one of the new front wheel arches which was bolted into place. Some of the bolts will have to be changed, but the wheel arch is in place.
The "defective" pawl was removed and the problem of it sticking has been identified as worn pin so the required tension is not on the spring that pulls the pawl back into the housing. This is nowin the process of being remade ready to install next time.

Pete & Colin got stuck into revealing the extent of the rot in the  old inner front wheel arches, It was a little bit of a shock to see just how bad they were to say the least. Fortunately, Colin had come prepared with sheet steel and welder so after much cutting, sanding, cleaning and setting up, the first small panels on the nearside wheel arch were " tacked in". Pete got on with opening up the offside arch and also continued with the prep work on the cab interior. It was during that prep that Pete uncovered, very slowly, a remnant of the days when 240FLM was stationed at K22 Wandsworth
(1969-1981) when he discovered that someone had painted the appliance call sign, K223, on the dashboard!
It had later been painted over during one of the 2 resprays the appliance has undergone. This will be cleaned and retained as it is an integral part of the appliance history.

​A significant step forward so far this month with the commencement of the re cabling of the ladders. The new cables had been sitting patiently for almost 2 years, and last week, Colin took the plunge and single handedly started the refit. A daunting task considering it has been over 2 years since he last saw a TL up close with all its cables attached! After an awful lot of effort, all the cable were finally attached and the scene was set for today Wednesday 11th October when Colin was going to have support form other group members with the final push. At the end of today, the cables had finally been rove correctly, secured at all points following the manufacture of new pulley pins and then finally turned around the pulley wheel block within the fulcrum ready for a test. Success!

3 working parties have taken place during the month, not to well attended unfortunately,but  good and steady progress is still being maintained. The focus this month has been 2 fold, the reinstatement of the ladder fittings to enable the re-cabling to take place, and, the start of the cab interior refurbishment. Pete Weight has taken on the cab and Colin continues to progress the ladder fittings as well as the many other items he is either making or restoring.  The ladder fittings, beautifully restored by Graham Pearce, have started to find their way back home and the cab has had a strip out of the old unwanted or inappropriate, later addition wiring and some original installations that look decidedly unsafe!
The paintwork has had a first rub down and both the front floor pans have been stripped back to reveal the condition of the floors. The OIC side, generally in very good condition and solid, required the insertion of a steel plate, suitably sealed with marine grade sealant, while the drivers side has revealed a rather unpleasant hole which will require a rotten section being cut out and plate being welded in. Other niggly jobs included drilling out broken screws and bolts followed by retapping to accept new units.  Another section of nasty rust penetration has been discovered on the nearside lower corner of the windscreen mount, this can be back plated and filled in preparation for painting. The radio mount in the front of the roof has been prepared to receive the original radio pack which is now cleaned and ready to be installed once the painting is completed. Several items have been removed for restoration, these include the glove box, OIC seat frame, grab handles and the 2 original interior roof lights.

Colin and Paul Wing formed the working party and between them they managed to get a few more jobs completed.
The sparge (Monitor fixed supply ladder mounted pipe) is now refitted to the ladder and Paul has done stirling work cutting the catches for the inspection panels on the deck and around the water pump..
​Colin managed to refit the foot locker, interior end panels that allow access to the front pair of jacks. Unfortunately, we are 4 catches missing so new ones will need to be sourced.

 Colin Farrington, Trevor Barnwell and Steve Houston set about removing the rear wheels and the installation of the new rear wheel arches. A heavy task but after a long day they finally sat proudly on 240FLM.
Fitted at the same time were the new rubber trims which act as spacers and also protection to the metal contact points around the perimeter of the arch.
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Unfortunately, the top section of the wheel arches do not sit snug to the upper side panels so these will need to be remade during the winter. It appears that the new wing shape is a little shallower than the originals but unfortunately we had not spotted this. Still, all in all a significant step forward.

Colin & Pete Weight met at Gressenhall to restart the years work, They managed to refit some of the beautifully restored" Kick down platforms for the No2 to stand on at the head of the ladder,a couple of the ladder pawls and the hook ladder brackets.
​Colin installed for a trial fit the monitor and head roller mechanisms which he had been working on over the winter. A short but successful day and one which allowed us to see 240FLM moving so much closer to completion. She did look smart with her nose on!

Although there was only me in attendance, it was a useful working day at Wicken yesterday.
 managed to get all the remaining body panels fully polished out as well as 95% of the turntable. IN general, apart from quite a few small areas of rust/bubbling paintwork, the body work is in really good condition. I also had a go at cleaning one of the rear cab 1/4 lights that had fogged up and was pretty scratched. After a lot of research, I plumped for some of the Maguires PlastRX and a supersoft buffing head for the electric polisher donated by Mitch Theobold that I had been using on the body. Well, after 2 passes on the inside and 3 on the outside, I think we can strike off the need to replace the windows! I also had a single pass on one of the rear windows and again, brilliant results. All in all a good day. In the new year, I need to pick up a drill size polishing mop and then I can complete the polishing around the operators consul and the more intricate parts around the frame.

Trevor Barnwell, Paul Wing and myself assembled at Wicken for a working party today. We straightened up the O/S of the pump housing and fitted all the alloy sheets and trim. I cut a new housing cover and refitted the "skin" while Trevor and Paul experimented on cleaning up the alloy decking.
We ran short of screws so although many parts were refitted some items will need the remainder of the screws fitting.
Trevor had the covers off the console and checked all the electrics and repaired the blown fuses. Parts were taken away to be sourced/ replaced.

Colin Farrington & Trevor Barnwell in attendance:

Trevor started reinstating the rear wiring to the back lights and Colin fixed the deck plates in place at the rear, then, rebolting the outrigger that holds the O/S locker was completed and the front deck board was trimmed and 1st coated with paint.​

Trevor then stripped down the rear number plate holder; unfortunately, it is too badly rusted to use. So we discussed a solution which Trevor will try to get made.