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.

​Whilst to most sane people, sourcing a " Box Lamp" for  our project would be considered quite an innocuous task, however, for those of you who are involved with any form of historic vehicle or equipment restoration, you will appreciate that trying to locate an intact and fair condition item from 50 years ago, and of which not to many hundreds were ever produced, will appreciate just how frustrating, and potentially expensive, it can be.
The group therefore were very excited to learn that one of our keenest supporters, Chris Fooks at JACCS Metal fabrications in Kings Langley, Herts, agreed to let his senior engineer Eddie Pye,make us an identical replica. And so it came to pass that group member, Jez Lambley from Milton Keynes, supplied an original item to use as a template to ensure authenticity and this in turn was delivered to JACCS.
A few weeks passed and eventually, group member Mike West, who had skillfully acted as the intermediary, arrived at JACCS and was met by Eddie Pye waiting with a superb replica lamp. This small and insignificant item has now all but completed the search for equipment to fully re stow the appliance, and to that end, we are incredibly grateful to Chris & Eddie for ensuring the empty space in the new foot locker is duly filled.
Whilst we still need to complete the lamp with a switch, bulb holder and glass dome, the hard work has been done by a wonderfully skilled team of traditional metalworkers.
Thankyou Chris for allowing your team to do this for us.

​The group are pleased to announce that following an approach to Dany Cotton, the Commissioner (Chief Officer) of the London Fire Brigade, approval, has been given for 240FLM to resume her proud position in an LFB station appliance room. After some discussion, it was agreed that she could reside in the centre bay at F38 (L24) Romford fire station located in Pettits lane North, Havering.
The date of the move is not yet set as certain minimum requirements have to be met, however, these are in hand and the relocation from Cambridgeshire should take place fairly soon.
Site meetings have taken place at Romford with the Station Commander and the “on duty” watches and with introductions made the majority of any potential issues have been resolved. Working parties are now being established throughout September to try to get the re-cabling of the ladders completed and the cab interior further along to completion.
It is without doubt a great weight of the minds of the committee, and indeed the whole group, as the current storage facilities are likely to be lost at any time and this would potentially have undone almost 3 years of hard dedicated work, to that end, we are sincerely grateful to Dany Cotton for responding so positively to our request and the crews at Romford for welcoming us.
As soon as the move date is established, it will be announced on this website and the 2 Facebook group pages. In the meantime, those of you requiring more information, please get in touch via the “Contact” page on the group website.
 
5th September 2017.

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.
​
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!

​AGM Minutes for 2017, 240 FLM Group.
 
Opened at 1210 hrs, with following member present.
Jim Geoghan,Peter Cowland,Mike West,Trevor Barnwell, Robin Stockley,Paul Wood,Roger Davey,Vaughan Turney,Peter Weight,Michael Burke,Graham Pearce,Paul Wing,Julia Russell,Bill Edwards,Cameron Bee,Paul Davis,Ted Temple.
 
Peter Russell, Chairman
Steve Houston Gen Sec
Colin Farrington, Workshop Manager
Apologies for absence given from,  Paul Settle,Michael Gilbey,Lewis Orrow,Colin King, Gordon James,Harry Marks,Ian Fife,Eric Goldsmith,Stephen Taylor,Frankie Ward,Chris Jennings,Ron Finch,Kevin Hutchins,Martin Ormes,Steve Lomas,Dennis Price,Barry Pilkington,Ray Boddy,Paul Raven,Mike Cotton,Mitch Theobald and Garry Quinnell
 
Meeting opened by Chairman, and requested all to stand to observe a minute’s solemn reminiscence
for Passing of past members.
Peter Russell Chairman, read out his statement.
Steve H gave his Gen Sec  report, thanked Garry Warren the outgoing Gen Sec for his work.
Peter R then read out Steve Lomas, Treasurer’s statement and report. RS asked for explanation of “ Founder Members Refund “ which was explain as founder members who had left the group, who had made an initial donation to purchase the TL.
The proposal to raise monthly Subs to £7.50 was voted on and carried unanimously , with effect from 1st June payment.
Trevor B explained the donation of the new wheel arches by his son’s business, at a cost of around £2000, he was asked to pass on our thanks.
Colin F, Workshop Manager, explained big strides taken this year, TL240 now mobile and able to be moved to new home. Next stages are to fit new Wheel Arches, Locker Doors  and to refit parts and cables to ladders. There is a gearbox problem which Colin is investigating, it could be as simple as wrong oil fitted or could be clutch, slave cylinders or something mechanical in the box.
The refurbishment of parts is coming on, managed to make one good monitor from two, the locker doors are nearly ready for painting and the wheel arches have had 5 coats of paint, so nearly there.
We are still looking for a storage base for the old girl, preferably in the M11/A12 corridor.
Lots of contacts being made including Fire Service National Museum Trust , also contact that may be able to arrange TL staying overnight on a London Fire Stn prior to events.
Colin also found out that on our current Insurance, recovery over 3.5 tonnes, isn’t covered. Through contacts made, he had found out that the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society’s insurance does cover over 3.5 tonnes, 12 months Insurance cover for 6 drivers approx £170 including recovery. You have to be a member, so registered Keeper on log book will be changed to Colin before renewal.
Working parties will start again soon, please try and make it. Will try and plan in advance.
Enquiries made with LFB Museum about storage of TL 240, basically not interested.
 
1255 hrs, meeting broke for Lunch.
Recommenced at 1330.
Pete Weight Quartermaster gave his report.
List of equipment we have, nearly full stowage. The list gives who donated what and approx cost of item. Total value stands at approx £7000 !
Pete’s son has set up a new Website for us, approx half the price of the old one. Pete asked if he could set up a Wanted/For Sale page on it, which was agreed. The idea is to sell surplus items, not any personal items, uniform etc, donated.
Pete introduced Vaughan Turney who worked for Merryweather ? ( or  Dennis )and worked on the construction of 240 FLM !! What an asset. Vaughan is involved with Kent Fire Brigade Museum and is keen to assist us with his knowledge. He supplied each of us with a photo of 240 from approx 20 yrs ago and a page from the Merryweather Magazine.
RD proposed that the Committee may make decisions on behalf of the group regarding day to day matters like Insurance, Registered Keeper etc without the need to ask members. This was voted on and carried unanimously .
Election of Officers
Through the Chair, it was proposed by Ron Finch, seconded by Kevin Hutchins, to re –elect the existing committee members if they were willing to continue.
They are, a vote was held and carried in their favour unanimously.
Forthcoming Movement of Appliance
As Colin said, the appliance is nearly ready to be taken out. Once the wheel arches and locker door are refitted, a bit of tidying and polishing, we can take her out.
The aim is to have her ready at this stage by September. There is a LFB Vehicle Open day at Lambeth in September, something to aim for.
It was agreed that cost for fuel and overnight accommodation for members moving appliance to be paid from funds.
 
 
Any Other Business
Following RS’s enquiry about members interest on our demise, it was agreed that the family would inherit our interest. An Amendment to Constitution to be made to reflect this.
PC proposed that Colin Livett be invited to join our group. Colin Started his career in the LFB at New Cross and his first Fire Call was riding 240 FLM. Seconded by RD and carried unanimously.
PC informed us that on 14th May there will be a Thanksgiving Service by the Firefighters Memorial Trust at the National Memorial Arboretum. Open to any serving or retired member of the Fire Service. Details on their website.
We were informed that the model maker Paul Slade has made a model of 240 FLM available. Prices believed to be, Kit form £85, made up model £150.
CB , who is involved with Mike Cotton, Informed us of alternative Insurance companies and some suggestions for storage for which he was thanked.
Chairman thanked members for their time attending and participating, and meeting called to close.
Meeting closed at 1420 hrs.
 

TL240 Preservation Group.
 
AGM April 23rd 2017 12:00 
 
Agenda.
 
1.Welcome from the Chair
2.Apologies for Absence.
3.Remembrance of Fallen Colleagues.  
4.Officers Reports:
A: Chairman
B: General Secretary
C: Treasurer
C: Workshop Manager
D: Quartermaster
 
4:  Election of Officers for the forthcoming year:
A: Chairman
B: General Secretary
C: Treasurer
 
 
5: Forthcoming movement of appliance.
6: Forthcoming Events.
7: AOB.  

After many months of determined effort, Colin Farrington finally completed the monitor and rescue line pulley assembly that will finish off the head of the ladders. Several "almost successful" attempts at producing a casting of the central swivel joint at home had resulted in unsatisfactory results, however, the day was saved by Mike Cotton who suddenly produced an original fitting and kindly donated it to the project in exchange for some skilled labour for his own project. A wonderful example of a hands on and "non chequebook" restoration!  So, having overcome that hurdle, the next piece of the jigsaw was the replacement pulley wheel over which will run the TL rescue line. The original was missing when we obtained 240 FLM so Colin set about machining one from scratch! The result, a complete set of headgear which now just needs painting. This is a significant milestone as we had always considered it to be likely that these items would have to be produced " in house" and to have finally completed that job is is a major milestone reached. Thanks go to Mike & Colin!

The venue has now been confirmed for TL240 FLM Group's AGM.
It will be held at Tottenham Fire Station, 49 St Loys Rd, Tottenham, N17 6UE,
on Sunday 23rd April 2017 at 1200 hrs. Thanks to Colin and Mike Cotton for arranging.
Tea and coffee will be available, if you want grub, bring it yourself.
Hope to see as many as possible there on the day
Steve
Steve Houston, Gen Sec, TL240 FLM Group

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.