Dave Jenner

I did see it Ted and as I already had a pic of the plate I thought I may as well post it. We also have some earlier pics of 23 AG 56 that show her in original Mk6 format (with the CBM hosereels etc). We believe, that as new production models emerged, 6a,b,c and finally d, earlier models would be 'up-graded'. We have some service records that show she went back to both Alvis and Pyrene to have modifications done. There is in fact a plate in the cab that states that the braking system has been upgraded to a Mk6a. Looking around 23 AG 56 you can clearly see the evidence of all this. The suction eye removed from the left hand side locker, the pneumatic saw removed from the rear left locker that then becomes the new location of the batteries. The direction indicator moved from the sides to the front. The best bit though Ted, is Steve Harrison, ex RAF fireman who is also a volunteer, drove this very vehicle when they were both stationed together at RAF Wyton during 1973 to 76 and he has photo's of her as she is now. So officially she's a kinda Mk6a! We did wonder whether we should during re-furb take her back to being a '6', but I think we decided that was not a good idea as she had been modified in service. Nice to see that earlier pic of her, are we ok to use it at the Museum Ted? Dave

I have seen pics somewhere of the yellow one and I seem to remember being told it was at Headcorn.

Wally, that does sound like a very interesting 20 minutes of video! I would be more than happy to cover any costs and postage etc, but if you would like a VIP visit to the museum I'm sure I can arrange that for you. Thanks again, Dave

Hi Wally, I can confirm that this one is a Pyrene version, I think it may have been the final pre-production vehicle that was tested to destruction. If you have any footage I would be very interested to see it if possible. Cheers Dave

In the late 1950's and during the 1960's Alvis produced the chassis for the Saracen, Saladin, Stalwart and the Salamander Airfield Crash Fire Tender the FV651. The Museum at RAF Scampton has the first production model of the Salamander that was introduced into service with the RAF and designated Mk6. We believe this to be the only surviving original that still runs. The fire fighting equipment and bodywork on the RAF Mk6 were made by Pyrene. [ATTACH=CONFIG]86143[/ATTACH] As far as we know, just two company's adapted the FV651 Chassis into fire fighting vehicles, Pyrene and Foamite. However, we know very little about the Foamite variant. From pictures we have it does appear to have been very well engineered. It has an interesting centre section that looks as if it might have been removable for access to the hull for servicing and repair. The american fire equipment and vehicle manufacturer American LeFrance did have a Canadian company, LaFrance Foamite in Toronto until 1971. Is it possible that they were produced at this factory. [ATTACH=CONFIG]86142[/ATTACH] If anyone has any knowledge about the 'Foamite' Salamander I would be most interested to hear from you. Lots on ebay, sadly only models produced by Matchbox! Regards Dave

Great pictures posted on here by Ted and yes great historical significance. What else can you tell us about the one with reg 22AG54. Was this the last of the prototypes? The reason I ask is that we now know that 23AG56 has a serial number of 001 which leads us to believe it may have been the first in service and first production at least for the RAF. Scampton Museum is yet to have a WEB page but we do have a growing group on facebook with regular up-dates on all activity at the Museum and lots of video clips and photo's. It's an open group and we welcome all visitors and those that wish to join. Just type in at the search 'Museum of RAF Fire Fighting' Dave

Hi Dan, sorry for delay getting back to you but was at Sacmpton until late yesterday. You have three Salamanders!!! Wowee, how on earth did that come about? We know of about twelve "out there" and I'm now wondering if yours are amongst that 12 or an aditional three? But I'm guessing that if you have met Steve that you talked about them and he's aware (which would put them amongst the twelve). We have two as you probably know; the one I'm working on is now running nice and sweet and is driving well and will now stop after a long haul on getting the brakes sorted. It proved so difficult to get parts for the master cylinder and then the Hydrovac servo needed stripping and this was to prove almost impossible. Fortunately, just a strip, clean and re-build has it working again. The engine has not been such an issue as parts for B81 seem readily available. A copy of your technical handbook would be so appreciated I can tell you! We do have lots of other stuff for you by exchange, technical manuals on the entire foam system which goes into how to remove water and foam tanks etc, lots of Alvis pamphlets and driver instructions, RAF training notes, driver instructions, 1st line servicing etc. I would also be more than happy to pass on anything that might help you with your vehicles. I have almost a full tool kit recovered from the bottom of the hull...best quality RAF stuff as well! Have a look at the clip below from just a few weeks ago out testing brakes, Dave Where are you? more than welcome for a visit and you can come see one running...nothing quite like it!

Thats really good of you Shane, thanks very much indeed mate! Dave

Thanks to everyone that has been involved in this thread, Steve in particular who has very kindly offered to send me a CD copy of the pamphlet. It's also great to know that there are still 'items' out there (including other Salamanders) when you consider only about 130 were ever built, and at least 30 of them went outside of the UK. Thanks to all and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Dave

Reading this myself again, I realise that the power cylinder piston should not move, even with a faulty seal, unless air moves in behind the power cylinder piston to allow it to move forward ie when the brake pedal is applied. Back to square one!

Hi all...I'm looking for any information I can get hold of regarding these Hydrovac Brake Servos that were made by Clayton Dewandre of Lincoln. I have one that will not work removed from an Alvis Salamander. It would develop a good vacuum, it had been bled through and I could hear and feel the piston moving within the power cylinder, despite this there was none of the normal 'feel' of any servo assistance at the brake pedal. Upon removal and stripping it down there was no obvious signs of any wear and tear; there seemed to be a rather excessive amount of oil in the power cylinder, but this was not as a result of a leak back through the push rod seal. In fact all seals seemed to be in good order with the exception of the cup seal in the hydraulic piston. Could the following be a reason for no servo assistance; if the cup washer/seal in the hydraulic piston was not working efficiently, could, when the engine is running and a vacuum produced, the power cylinder piston move forward under vacuum and push the hydraulic piston forward with no braking effect due to failure of the hydraulic piston seal? (if you get my drift). Anything on this would would be greatly appreciated, as always! Dave

An in-line bulb hand pump at the fuel tank end did the job quite easy in the end. I had a temporary fuel tank which held a gallon...it lasted all of ten minutes and about 500 yards! Thanks for all the tips, Dave

Anyone have any idea where I might lay my hands on a PYE Bantham radio like the one in the picture? They were used by the RAF when this fire vehicle was in service and I would like to have one in it again as part of the restoration and fitting it out with authentic equipment and it most certainly does not need to be in working order! The vehicle is one of many from the Museum of RAF Fire Fighting at RAF Scampton. Dave

I did get it running with a gravity feed and ran it for about 30 seconds. The temporary fuel tank is right under the driving position under the seat but it did not pull any fuel through. Machine Mart do one of those fuel bulb transfer tools that Jon mentioned for a tenner so I think I might give that a go!

On an Alvis Salamander that has had the fuel tank out to resolve brake issue; now having difficulty with getting fuel back up to the carb after removal of the fuel tank. It's a B81 with Solex Carb and manual fuel pump which is located below the carb low down on the front of the engine. It has a lever for manual operation on the fuel pump despite operating this it stubbornly refuses to draw any fuel through! Anyone experienced similar on this engine type or is there a knack or something I'm missing? Dave

A few still exist but I can confirm that two sit in the same hanger at RAF Scampton, one is a runner and about to be fully restored, the other is not running and belongs to the RAF Fire Service Association. More info about 23 AG 56 on the thread I have just started. How about this one? is it still about?

Good Morning All I was kindly introduced to this site by Jim Davies after contacting him with regard to his Alvis Saladin restoration project. I'm an ex RAF Fireman and just one of a group of volunteers at the Museum of RAF Fire Fighting based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire. Although we are lucky enough to have premises at this famous RAF station, we are in fact a privately owned collection that includes over 40 ex military and civilian fire trucks, from a 1940's WOT1 through to a 30ton MK11 Major Foam Vehicle. One that is of special interest, and possibly the last runner is our 1959 MK6 Crash Fire Truck, named by Alvis her builders as the Salamander. She is a sister to the Saladin, Stalwart and Saracen. 23 AG 56 is one of the original MK6 Crash Fire Trucks. She had a partial restoration about ten years ago and until recently was at the RAF Fire Service Museum at Manston. She is now at RAF Scampton where we intend to complete her restoration so that she will be able to travel to local airshows and events under her own steam. She is currently a runner but no footbrake and a few clunks and knocks from the transmission. We have good engineering knowledge and skills available within the team of volunteers but could do with some guidance from those that have already been involved with the restoration of the Alvis 6 x 6 family. We are also lacking in any technical manuals or servicing guides and would welcome any help in this area. I have recently discovered that theArmy had one Salamander converted for water production, for an ammunition dump at Kineton, does anybody have any knowledge of this vehicle? I have also learnt that when the RAF de-commissioned the Salamanders in 1978 that a number were passed over to the Army. Once again if anybody has any knowledge of this I would be most interested to hear from you. I would love to hear from any members that could offer any help or advice with the task of restoring one of the last of a kind. It would also be nice to hear from anyone that is simply interested in this vehicle or perhaps in visiting our collection at RAF Scampton. Regards Dave