Austin FX4 Fire Response Vehicle with photos

[Wardukw]

This is sounding more interesting the more time passes Mac 

I've just received next month's roster and it seems that I have a lot of  spare time on my hands, so another project could be built.

Time is something I have alot of these days Mac ..some are rest days ..some aren't..like today..shopping day 

[McColm]

You know, using an FX4 (suitably modified) as a fire tender wouldn't be a bad idea.

Let's say it was an alternative vehicle used for trials and ended up in private hands.

[McColm]

The first photo resembles the Austin FX3 with front passenger door removed, Tamiya Grey acrylic primer has been applied.




The second photo has the hose reel and stand but not glued together as I intend to paint the interior.

[McColm]

Hand painted with a hairy brush Revell number 31 enamel. I see red!





I painted the interior red as well but I will pick out the seats and details in black.

[kerick]

I like the hose real in the passenger compartment!

[McColm]

I found another red number 19 in the Revell range more in keeping with the red fire brigade colour, however the Humbrol general purpose brushes don't like the white spirit that I use to clean them with. I have gone with one of the Revell hairy brush after a 800 grit sanding all over. Which looks a lot better.

[McColm]

I have fitted the plastic clear glazing and managed to get glue on the two side panels, the rear has a small smudge and the windscreen has no imperfections. Naturally I have started to paint over the two side panels creating a van similar to the EV the Royal Mail used to evaluate before choosing the Peugeot EV van.
The front water pump has been fixed along with the front bumpers/fenders from the Land Rover kit as well as the radiator grill and the headlights surround taken from the Taxi kit.
I painted the seats matt black before adding the rubber tyres and adding the bodyshell to the chassis although they haven't been glued together at this stage. As the steering wheel and dashboard need to be added.

[McColm]

This bad idea is turning into a good idea, the roof rack and ladders 🪜 are painted, just waiting for the enamel paint to dry.
The dashboard and steering wheel has been fitted, a little bit of paintwork for the instrument dials. Work continues with the front water pump. The gearshift is on the steering wheel. Touch ups has begun to the interior.

[McColm]

Almost there, a few touches of paint and accessories, both Hampshire and Cornwall got loaned the Austin FX4 Fire Truck for trials plus evaluation. I have added the door mirrors from the Land Rover and been a little creative on the front end. The decals hide a multiple of sins but the end result will justify the means.
I should have submitted this as a window cleaner's vehicle!

[PR19_Kit]

Hehehehe, magic stuff. 

I can almost hear the siren. 

[McColm]

Thanks, I'll put the lamps on next week and the finishing touches.
I have a range of Austin FX4s that I'd like to build,  including a couple of RW conversions.

[Robomog]

This is fantastically nuts, love it   

Mog
>^-.-^<

[buzzbomb]

Nice 

Has all it needs for the job, pending the beacon light of whatever colour/s is in vogue these days

[McColm]

 Although the Fire Truck conversion never made it into full production ending it's days at various SJMcColm Engineering Ltd sites,  the General Post Office did buy 60 examples which included the roof rack for the ladders, the rear seats removed and racking installed. A roller blind at the rear replacing the boot/trunk and the front passenger door reinstalled. These would be painted yellow to begin with then grey.
Some independent window cleaning companies used the Austin FX4 van fitted with rear barn doors, these being refurbished as catering vans. Some had the split tailgate and the higher roof.
According to the archives 350 Austin FX4 vans were converted by SJMcColm Engineering Ltd from 1957 to 1997. In the year 2010, 100 were still roadworthy with the trend towards the smaller compact campervan used for festivals or fishing enthusiasts. SJMcColm Engineering Ltd did offer an EV conversion and hybrid engines but sales figures are at present in single figures.