Eustons Turntable Ladder - GGK 946
We recently received an email from the United States, from a guy named Rodger Birchfield. he sent with his email a photo of an old number plate but with no explanation attached. On further examination it was found to belong to an old Turntable Ladder which once served at Euston during the war and sometime after. Currently in a state of dissrepair the appliance was bought by Rodger from a garage in Wisconsin of all places. For his restoration work Rodger needs help, so we, are turning to you. If you have any information that can help him in his quest please send it to us, we will copy any documents of interest and return them to you unharmed.
''Dear Firefighters I
recently acquired GGK946, a 1940 Dennis Merryweather TL, from a collector in
the USA.
This oldtimer was assigned to Euston during World War II. I am looking for maintenance
and operating manuels. Can you assist? I presently own a 1927 Magirus turntable,
formerly in service at Gary, Indiana. Last year, I traveled to Minneapolis,
Minn., for the national antique fire apparatus muster (rally). Before departing
for Minneapolis, I was advised another rear mounted turntable, probably a Magirus,
was in Wisconsin. I made arrangements to see on it the way to Minneapolis and
discovered it was a 1940 Dennis with a 100 foot aerial ladder. WOW, what a surprise.
The owner had purchased it from his father's estate when his dad passed on several
years ago. His dad owned about 70 oldtimers when he died. After returning to
Indiana, I called the owner and ask if it was for sale. He said yes and we agreed
on a price. I now have the vehicle title and am waiting for the winter weather
to break so I can have it transported to Indiana.
The motor, a Meadows 6EX , had been disassembled over recent years and the owner
apparently lost interest in putting it back together. He had, however, assembled
a number of new parts for the project. Dr. Barry Hutchinson, an avid Dennis
collector in the UK, emailed me six-page Meadows repair manual. I sure there
is a much larger manual on this motor. Also, I would appreciate seeing a operators
manual, even if it was sent by email. The operating manual for my Magirus was
in German. My friends and I finally figured how to operate it, but it took a
few days. Other than the condition of the motor, the remainder of the apparatus
appears to be in good shape considering it is 68 years old. Once it is up and
running again, I plan to parade it and take to musters. I believe, I sent you
a identification plate photo and a side view picture. I have a number of photos
and will be glad to send more. Let know. I also found some photos of GGK946
on Euston's great website.
Again thanks for replying.''
Rodger, Indianapolis Fire Department.
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