LDS 118A
Austin Gipsy Light Pump Major Restoration Project

This vehicle was recently aquired by Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Preservation Group member Mr Eric Carberry and as you can see in this first series of pictures, a long restoration project lies ahead for Eric with many parts having to be sourced and fabricated

The appliance is an Ex Cornwall Fire & Rescue retained unit. It went into service initially at Bude Community Fire Station in 1959 and at that time, the registration number was 81 ERL. It was eventually disposed of in 1979 but at the moment we are uncertain about its history from that point onwards

The Austin Gipsy is powered by a 2.2 litre Petrol engine with a selectable all wheel drive capability. It has a four speed gearbox with synchromesh only on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. It also has a front mounted Godiva Fire Pump, which is driven from the engine crankshaft

The Gipsy has Flexitor rubber trailing arm independent suspension units. This system comprised of a pre-compressed rubber cylinder bonded to tubular steel housing linked to an axial shaft and trailing arm to the wheel.