Period Modelling: The Fire Service

One of the most popular cameo scenes on many model railway layouts is something involving one of the triple nine services (999). When modelling a certain period, it is important to get the clothing right as well as the road transport, reports Mike Sarsfiled.

- Mike Sarsfiled

1950s-1960 period fire brigade overview

Most of us interested in road and railway models choose this period, because we remember the ‘Swinging 60s’ and Beatlemania. I have chosen this period for my article on the Fire Brigade.

The fire service was going through a complete change after World War II. Most post-war equipment was being changed for better, to help save lives.

I have always loved the fire brigade and I do have a big collection of models, books and so on. It’s brilliant that you can now model a cameo scene of the period, to fit on a model railway layout or stand-alone.

Nearly all of us have been impressed by a big red machine hurtling down the road at high speed with its ‘blues & twos’ going. Those of a certain age may remember them with bells.

The fire brigade, or as it is now known by its new title, ‘fire and rescue service’, has changed since the days when it was a bucket of water to fight fire, to a big impressive machine or ‘appliance’, fighting the fire with high pressure hoses, although most call-outs or ‘shouts’, are to rescue persons or animals from various situations. The fire brigade has change since the 1800s right through to the present day and is still changing.

Modelling aspects

You can model from the 1800s to the present, with many model figures and vehicles available either ready to use or kit form. There is a list of what can be found at the end of the article.