VDS 105R
1977 Dennis D Series Water Tender
This appliance was ordered by Lanarkshire Fire Brigade but delivered to Strathclyde Fire Brigade as the Scottish Fire Brigades were re-organised in 1975 due to regionalisation. This appliance was stationed at Strathaven from 1976 until disposed of in 1989 when it went into preservation. While at Strathaven it carried the registration mark VDS106R as workshops had mixed the numbers up.
The D series replaced the F series and at only seven feet wide were ideal for rural brigades. The original models were fitted with a Jaguar 4.2 litre petrol engine however it was soon found that this engine was not suitable and the Jaguar engine was replaced with a Rolls Royce B61 engine. It had a five speed close ratio gearbox capable of developing 235bhp at 4,000 rpm. With dimensions of 23’ x 7’ 6” x 10’ it was able to carry a crew of six and also had a Dennis 1,000 gpm pump and 400 gallon water tank.
This is one of the later models with the redesigned front similar to the R series, the original ones looked like the F108. In 1993 it was bought by Alan Thompson and livered up with Lanarkshire Fire Brigade badges and markings. Alan sold it on to Kenny Coubrough in May of 2008 and Kenny is returning it to Strathclyde Fire Brigade markings. This vehicle is owned by Kenny Coubrough and displayed by the kind permission of Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Preservation Group.
