The Leyland TLM fire engine was introduced in the 1930s and was noted for its reliability, being in use throughout WWII and long after production ceased. Its special features included an inline six petrol engine and usually a 100ft turntable ladder configuration by either Merryweather or the German company Merz.
Liverpool in particular favoured the TLM and here we see it registered EKA 342 as it served with the City’s Fire Brigade. You may recall that the previous Oxford TLM release featured a closed cab which was highly unusual but here we are back to the more familiar completely open vehicle. With bright red body and wheels, the bonnet is masked black, the ladders are silver and the interior components black. Additional trim is silver including the coach lines along the body, the radiator grille surround and the starting handle.
Much used in urban areas, especially during the War, we can imagine it served a city like Liverpool extremely well during those dark times. A proper hero!
