idriveaclassic's video: IDRIVEACLASSIC reviews: Green Goddess Fire Engine Bedford RLHZ Self Propelled Emergency Pump

Today's video is about the Bedford RLHZ Self Propelled Emergency Pump, better known as a Green Goddess Fire Engine! IDRIVEACLASSIC is sponsored and insured by Adrian Flux - check them out for your insurance quote on the link below: https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/classics/?utm_source=Steph&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ClassicInf Although many know this vehicle as the Green Goddess, it is officially known as the Bedford RLHZ Self Propelled Emergency Pump and was introduced in the 1950s in Great Britain to replace the pumps which had been used during the war by the Auxiliary Fire Service. The AFS was established in 1938 and their role was to supplement the local authority provisions for fire-fighting in readiness for the Second World War. Whilst this was absorbed in the 40s, with the service nationalised in the late 40s, the AFS was reinstated because of the threat of the Cold War. To prepare for the threat of this potential war, wartime fire engines were initially put back into service before the Green Goddess was introduced in the 50s. Many people think that due to the connection to the Cold War and the green paint they were part of the Army fleet. The Green Goddess fleet actually in fact fell under the home office and they were painted green to ensure there was no confusion between normal vehicles in the fire service and these. As part of their role in combatting the fall out of the Cold War, the fleet of 2,000 Green Goddesses would, in theory, link up to provide clean water to whichever area had been under attack to provide clean, safe water. The vehicles had the ability to pump nearly 5,000 litres per minute - more than enough to make a decent contribution in any crisis. The speed on these wasn’t as slow as you may imagine and you’d expect to comfortably cruise at around 45mph with a top speed of 65mph. I’ll tell you about the MPG when we go for a drive because it’ll make you wince! Compared to fire engines of today, they offer considerably less, but this is to be expected. They had no radio, no cutting equipment, a single ladder and no power steering. They carried a maximum of 1,800 litres in 4x2 form although unlike modern engines, there was capacity for four wheel drive. Thankfully the Cold War never materialised into a disaster zone fall out in the UK, so the Green Goddess settled into a more usual life of supporting local fire services in the event of major incident and stepped in to support with fire strikes in the late 70s and early 2000s - with the last use in the 2002/2003 fire disputes. After 9/11, a new law came into force which meant the Fire and Rescue Authorities had to make their vehicles available in the event of future strikes and with that and a few other developments, the government sold off the remaining Green Goddess fleet. Whilst we have this example here today, some ended up as far away as Africa to begin life abroad as a fire engine. Due to being well maintained throughout their life in service and not being massively used whilst owned by the home office, the remaining Green Goddesses were in remarkably good shape compared to many of their 50s car counterparts when it came to point of sale. Although Andy has done a fair bit on this one to bring it back to looking smart. CONTENTS OF THE LOCKERS: 1. CCFW pump 2. Branch pipe type a, hand control branch, dividing breeching, branch diffuser, spanner box, foam branch pipe and pick up tube, suction collecting head, nozzles and nozzle spanner, hose sling, wrench universal suction 3. Delivery hose and canvas tarp 4. Bucket, delivery hose 5. Axe, shovel, crowbar, hydrant, key bar, pick head, pick helve, saw in case, spade, hammer sledge, cropper bolt, stand pipe 6. Hose ramp, ropes, salvage sheet 7. Delivery hose, chimney canes, canvas 8. Adapter, canvas, suction collecting heads, hearth kit, chimney hose and nozzle 9. Strainers, suction baskets, sleeve canvases, 5 gallon water container, 4.5 gallon petrol container