kingsportfire.com

Proposed Project: Preservation & Restoration of Two Antique Fire-engines.

Two vintage government owned “Merryweather London” fire-engines (models c1919-21) are parked in a British-era fire brigade shed at Gor Khuttree, Peshawar - Pakistan. The condition of these rare antiquities is far from satisfactory. Under threat from natural elements due to neglect, the trucks are gathering dust and slowly corroding and are on the brink of being reduced to metal junk.

Sarhad Conservation Network (SCN) invites all those interested in their preservation/ restoration to share their expertise or suggestions with SCN.

SCN and a group of concerned citizens have stepped up efforts and are pressing the government to get them restored. However, funds available for their restoration are modest. SCN can provide some additional support from its own sources. With a bit of care and attention this priceless heritage can be saved. Private or professional enthusiasts skilled in embly/ overhauling & refurbishing of antique vehicles are requested to contact SCN.

Sarhad Conservation Network is a Peshawar based NGO concerned with preservation of the environment, culture and heritage of the province. Donations/ Grants are welcome. (Search “Sarhad Conservation Network” on google to find us)

The Statesman, Peshawar City
The vintage fire engines await restoration, proper display

By Shaheen Buneri

PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Conservation Network has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the two red-coloured fire engines of the pre-partition British India time and requested the authorities concerned to take timely action for their restoration.

It has asked the concerned quarters for the conservation of the vintage automobiles.

According to the SCN, the two fire engines are presently parked under a dismal-looking municipal shed of the fire brigade at Gor Gatri where the condition of these rare antiquities is far from satisfactory.

Under threat from natural elements and neglect, the engines are slowly corroding and are on the brink of being reduced to metal junk.

The name of the Merry Weather London Company that manufactured them in the early 1900s is still visible on the portions of these aged engines.

Historically, the first petrol powered fire engine made its appearance in 1903. Merry Weather built the vehicle for the Tottenham Fire Brigade in North London. Until the First World War in 1915, the manufacturers tried to produce a petrol/electric variant using dynamos to supply electricity to drive the vehicles.

Following the war, however, Merry Weather and Dennis emerged as the premier British fire engine manufacturers, concentrating solely on the petrol engine as the standard.

The services of Sufyan Saadat Kakakhel, a first year engineering student at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, are worth appreciating in highlighting the historical significance of these machines by sending e-mails and letters to the organizations working for the conservation of the historical sites and objects.

The Sarhad Conservation Network, a local NGO concerned with heritage and environment, has requested the authorities to take timely action for the proper restoration of the engines and has called for conservation of these vintage automobiles.

It has further asked for having them displayed at some other favourable place where the general public and heritage admirers may view them more enjoyably.

It has suggested the Peshawar Museum or the Balahisar Fort can serve as the appropriate spots to house the engines as tourists frequently visit these places.

It is hoped the matter will be given due consideration and the vehicles will be granted proper care that they deserve because they form part of Peshawar’s historical legacy.

Keywords: Classic Car Restoration Antique Motor Car Clubs Restoration Old repairs Heritage Antiquity auto autos automobile automobiles wheeled vehicle burnout burn out refurbishing renovating RESTORING THE CHASSIS, SUSPENSION, BRASS, AND STEERING; BRAKES, WHEELS, AND TYRES; THE ENGINE, CLUTCH, AND GEAR BOX; FUEL SYSTEMS; THE OVERHAUL OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; BODY WORK, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND CONSTRUCTION; INTERIOR RENOVATION, DOORS, AND INSTRUMENTS; ELECTROPLATING; THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB; THE AESTHETICS OF RESTORATION transport Merryweather London FireEngine FireBrigade Fire Engine Fire Brigade Heritage History Islamabad Lahore Karachi British Raj British India Peshawar Pakhtunkhwa, North West Frontier Province, NWFP, Pakistan

Duration : 0:1:31

[youtube 6dR1kGe3-jw]