Children’s Fire Trailer restored for next generation
Northamptonshire’s Fire & Rescue Services (NFRS) children’s ride trailer undergoes much needed restoration project, turning to expert Body Shop specialists, TruckEast, to bring it back to life.
Wellingborough based Commercial Dealer, TruckEast, has a long standing relationship with Northants Fire and Rescue Service in supplying Scania Chassis for their regional fire appliances. Considered a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by many Fire & Rescue Services, TruckEast’s expertise extends further than vehicle sale, servicing and maintenance. For the last 15 years, its Wellingborough branch has hosted an accident repair centre that caters to all types of commercial vehicle and trailer. With extensive facilities and qualified technicians no job is too big … or small.
David Hall, Director at TruckEast comments, “The trailer does a great job for raising local fire awareness and funds for the fire fighters charity so there was no question in supporting NFRS in restoring their mini fire ride.”
Originally built by a team of fire fighters from Mereway Station, the trailer unit has been in service for over ten years, used at local open days and events attended by the fire brigade. However, for the last two years it has been stored outside leading to deterioration in its condition - with weather damage causing the panels to swell and split.
In this case it was TruckEast's Body Shop that got to play hero, coming to the rescue and giving it a makeover. After a full service and inspection undertaken at its Corby branch in which the trailer had various repairs including a new jockey wheel, the unit was transferred across to the Wellingborough site for project ‘restore’. The plywood front and side panels were stripped down and plated with a metal sheet, which then had a metal channel applied across all the top edges to protect from future weather. Other additions included a new entrance door at the rear for the children and two Scania steering wheels fitted to enhance the interior and realism of the unit. The whole exterior, body and frame, were prepped and painted using TruckEast's full height spray booth and Sikkens colour match system - ensuring the perfect finish to any repair.
The final touch was applied by Northants based Kurt Hobbs Coachworks, who designed and fitted some livery including a front grille to replicate the look and feel of the Scania engines on the NFRS fleet.
Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service was delighted with the end result and quality of repairs. Derek McLachlan, Training Instructor, comments "The unit was unsafe and unusable by crews due to its state. This is now back as a charity resource across Northamptonshire. Thanks to the fantastic job on the children's fire engine trailer, you have ensured it's availability for the next ten years!"
Its debut unveiling was at Corby's Highland Gathering where it raised over £300 through simple trailer rides at the event.
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