Penrith Museum of Fire facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Penrith Museum of Fire

An exhibition at the museum, pictured in 2017.
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Former name	Historic Fire Engine Association of Australia
Location	Museum Drive, Penrith, City of Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Type	Firefighting museums
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Fire and Rescue NSW Heritage Fleet
Type	State heritage (movable / collection)
Designated	25 February 2013
Reference no.	1902
Type	Fire Control Objects (movable)
Category	Utilities - Fire Control
Builders	Various
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Shand Mason Curricle Ladders (1898); No.4 Curricle Ladders
Type	State heritage (movable / collection)
Designated	25 February 2013
Reference no.	1899
Category	Utilities - Fire Control
Builders	Shand Mason & Company
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Shand Mason 7 inch Manual Fire Engine (1869); No. 1 Manual Engine; No. 1 Manual Pumper
Type	State heritage (movable / collection)
Designated	25 February 2013
Reference no.	1898
Type	Fire Control Objects (movable)
Category	Utilities - Fire Control
Builders	Shand Mason Company
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Dennis Big 6 Fire Engine (1939); No. 132 ME (within Museum of Fire)
Type	State heritage (movable / collection)
Designated	3 December 2004
Reference no.	1718
Type	Fire Control Objects (movable)
Category	Utilities - Fire Control
Builders	Dennis Bros Pty Ltd NSW Fire Brigades workshops
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Ahrens Fox PS2 Fire Engine (1929); NO. 8 ME (within Museum of Fire)
Type	State heritage (movable / collection)
Designated	3 December 2004
Reference no.	1717
Type	Other - Utilities - Fire control
Category	Utilities - Fire Control
Builders	Ahrens Fox Co.

The Penrith Museum of Fire is a cool place in Penrith, Sydney, Australia. It's a museum all about firefighting! You can see amazing old fire engines and equipment there. These vehicles were once used to fight fires and are now kept safe for everyone to learn from. They date from 1841 all the way to 1998. This special collection of vehicles was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2013.

The museum also has other important items that are part of New South Wales' history:

• The 1898 Shand Mason Curricle Ladders: These ladders were made in London and used at the Newtown fire station.
• The 1869 Shand Mason 7 inch Manual Fire Engine: This old fire engine was also built in London. It's known as the No. 1 Manual Engine.
• The 1942 Ford 21W Fire Brigade Mobile Canteen: This special vehicle was a mobile kitchen. It helped feed firefighters during big emergencies.
• The 1909 Edward Smith Headquarters Switchboard: This switchboard was used to connect phone calls and fire alarms.
• The 1939 Dennis Big 6 Fire Engine: This powerful fire engine was built in England. It was a very important vehicle for the fire brigade.
• The 1929 Ahrens Fox PS2 Fire Engine: Made in the USA, this was a super-powerful pumper.
• The 1891 Shand Mason Fire Engine: Nicknamed "Big Ben," this steam engine was a real powerhouse.
• The NSW Fire Brigades No 10 Vehicle Number Plates: These special number plates have been used by the Chief Officer of the fire brigade since 1910.

Discovering Firefighting History

How the Museum Started

In 1969, a group of people who loved old fire engines formed the Historic Fire Engine Association of Australia (HFEA). They had about fifteen old vehicles. Soon, they teamed up with the NSW Fire Brigades to save more historic fire engines.

In 1971, the HFEA saved its first fire engine, a Leyland FT3 pumper. By 1976, the Fire Commissioners decided to open a museum at their new training college. The HFEA was invited to help set it up. The museum opened in 1979.

The museum later moved to Walsh Bay in 1981. It was run by volunteers. But it had to move again in 1984 to Circular Quay. Finally, in September 1985, the museum found its permanent home in the old Power House at Penrith. The Museum of Fire officially opened there on 16 November 1986.

The Fire & Rescue NSW Heritage Fleet

Fire & Rescue NSW (which used to be called NSW Fire Brigades) has been saving old equipment for a long time. As early as 1916, they wanted to keep a Shand Mason Steamer as a museum piece.

In the 1960s, the Board of Fire Commissioners gave five fire engines to the Powerhouse Museum for safekeeping. These included a 1916 Garford and the famous 1891 Shand Mason Steam Fire Engine, "Big Ben."

The "Heritage Fleet" has grown a lot since then. It now has forty-six fire engines! The museum plans to keep adding more special vehicles to this collection.

The 1898 Shand Mason Curricle Ladders

These ladders were ordered in 1897 for the Newtown fire station. They were 15-metre (50 ft) long and pulled by a single horse. Firefighters had to learn how to use them.

These ladders were very important at the huge Anthony Hordern & Sons fire in Haymarket in 1901. This fire destroyed five big buildings and sadly, five people died. The Curricle Ladders worked alongside "Big Ben" at this fire. Today, you can see them both at the Museum of Fire.

Over the years, the ladders moved to different fire stations. Eventually, they were towed by trucks instead of horses. The horse-drawn era of firefighting was ending. The ladders were given to the Powerhouse Museum, but later came to the Museum of Fire in 1979.

The 1869 Shand Mason No. 1 Manual Fire Engine

This engine is a survivor from a time of big changes in firefighting. It was made by the Shand Mason Company in London. Back then, Sydney had many volunteer fire companies and no single fire department.

This manual pumper was operated by hand. It was affordable for volunteer companies who couldn't buy expensive steam engines. It served for four decades, seeing Sydney's fire protection grow from small groups to a statewide service.

Even when motorised pumpers arrived in 1906, manual engines were still used, especially in country areas. This 1869 Manual engine was lucky enough to avoid being changed into a motorised one. It is still in working order today.

This engine was used in a special display in 1926 for the Governor of NSW. It helped raise money for charities. Today, the No. 1 Manual is on display at the Museum of Fire.

The 1939 Dennis Big 6 Fire Engine

The 1939 Dennis Big 6 was a very powerful pumper. It was bought from Dennis Bros Pty Ltd in England. During World War II, NSW Fire Brigades used many Dennis fire engines.

This "Big 6" was a unique vehicle. It was used at all major fires and was known as the "flagship" of the service. A retired firefighter, Lewis Phillips, remembered that it was always used by a senior officer.

The Big 6 was one of the first fire engines to get a two-way radio! It was also used as a special funeral vehicle for firefighters, carrying coffins.

After many years of service, the Big 6 was retired in 1974. It was given to the Museum of Fire in 1985. In 2004, it was fully restored and is now on display.

The 1929 Ahrens Fox PS2 Fire Engine

Before this engine, the biggest pumper was "Big Ben," a steam engine. In 1929, the NSW Fire Commissioners wanted a new, powerful motorised pumper. They chose the Ahrens Fox PS2, made in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. It was special because it was the only motorised, high-pressure, piston-type pump in the world at that time.

It was installed at Headquarters station in August 1929. It cost a lot of money, but it was worth it! It could pump 1000 gallons of water per minute.

Some people thought it was too big for Sydney's streets. But at the Goldsbrough Mort wool store fire in 1935, it proved how amazing it was. It pumped water non-stop for days, setting a new record!

Driving the Ahrens Fox was tough because it was so heavy. Firefighters said it was a "brute of a thing to drive." It could be started by hand cranking, which was a real challenge!

Over time, it was used more for displays and training. It was last used at a fire in 1955. In 1963, it was approved for the Museum of Applied Arts and Science, but it was so big they didn't have space! It finally came to the Museum of Fire in 1985.

The 1942 Ford 21W Fire Brigade Mobile Canteen

During World War II, the Women's Fire Auxiliary (WFA) was formed. These women helped the war effort by taking on non-firefighting roles. They also did a lot of fundraising.

In 1942, the WFA raised over A£3,300 to buy a mobile canteen for the fire brigade. They held dances, parties, and even a "Queen Competition." The money was given to the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Some people, like the firemen's union, weren't sure about the canteen at first. They thought the money should go to other war efforts. But after some talks, everyone understood that the canteen would help firefighters during emergencies.

Finding a chassis for the canteen was hard because of wartime rules. But eventually, a 1942 Ford "Cab Over Engine" chassis was found. The fire brigade workshops built the body, and other companies did the interior.

The canteen was finished in July 1944. It was first used at a fire in Circular Quay in August 1944. It served at Headquarters Fire Station until 1974. It was one of only two motorised canteens used by the NSW Fire Brigades.

The canteen was given to the Museum of Fire in 1981. It still has a brass plaque that says it was provided by the Women's Fire Auxiliary and their friends.

The 1891 Shand Mason Fire Engine ("Big Ben")

In 1890, Sydney was growing, and there were more tall buildings. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade needed a powerful fire engine to fight fires in these high-rise buildings.

They ordered a steam engine from Shand Mason & Co. in London. It was nicknamed "Big Ben." It had to be super powerful: pump 900 gallons of water per minute and shoot water 61 metres (200 ft) high! It arrived in Sydney in 1892 and was placed in service.

In 1899, Big Ben showed off its power by spraying water 6 metres (20 ft) above the 60-metre (198 ft) clock tower at Town Hall! It also helped fight the massive Anthony Hordern's fire in 1901.

By 1915, Big Ben was pulled by a truck instead of horses. It continued to be a strong pumper. Its last big job was the George Hudson Timber Yard fire in 1928. The Chief Officer said it was "miles ahead of any motor in the service" for pumping power.

Big Ben was the main fire engine until 1929. It was then kept for preservation. In 1962, it was restored and given to the Powerhouse Museum. Later, in 1985, it came to the Museum of Fire. In 2001, Big Ben even took part in the Centenary of Federation Parade, just like it did in the original 1901 parade!

The NSW Fire Brigades No 10 Vehicle Number Plates

Since 1910, the "No. 10" number plate has been special. It's always been given to the Chief Officer (now Commissioner) of the NSW Fire Brigades.

The first vehicle to have this plate was a 1910 B.S.A. car used by Chief Officer A. Webb. These plates are unique because they have stayed with the same organisation for over 100 years. Firefighters in NSW know and respect these plates as a symbol of their Commissioner and the traditions of the Fire Brigades.

The 1909 Edward Smith Headquarters Switchboard

This amazing switchboard was built and designed by a firefighter named Edward Smith. He was a "Principle Electrician" for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

Back then, the fire brigade did a lot of its own building and repairs. Firefighters were encouraged to work in the workshops to learn more skills. Edward Smith was very talented. He even got a special reward of £25 for his great work on the switchboard!

The switchboard was installed at Headquarters Fire Station in 1909. It was used for sixty years! It was made of beautiful wood like rosewood and cedar. It handled phone calls, automatic fire alarms, and even helped send fire engines to emergencies. Sydney was the first city in the world to have telephone fire alarms in 1890.

Edward Smith carved a special five-leaf clover on the switchboard. Some say it was a mistake, but others say it was a test for new recruits! The switchboard is now on display at the Museum of Fire.

What Makes These Items Special?

These items are listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means they are very important to the history of NSW.

Why the Heritage Fleet is Important

The Fire and Rescue NSW Heritage Fleet shows how firefighting technology has changed over time. It shows how fire brigades adapted to a growing City of Sydney. The fleet has vehicles from 1841 to the late 1990s. Some vehicles were very innovative, like the "Scout Car," which was the first attempt to design a fire engine where firefighters could ride inside.

Fire engine fans and retired firefighters love this collection. Volunteers at the Museum of Fire take great care of these vehicles. They are often asked to be in parades and exhibitions. This collection is rare because it covers such a long period and has so many different types of fire engines.

Why the 1898 Shand Mason Curricle Ladders are Important

These ladders show how firefighting equipment improved in NSW. They were one of the first two sets of "Curricle Ladders" brought to Sydney. They are a great example of Shand Mason Company's work. They are also unique because they were the only 15-metre (50 ft) set used by the brigade.

These ladders were part of Sydney's big Anthony Hordern & Sons fire in 1901. They are in good condition and are cared for by volunteers.

Why the 1869 Shand Mason Manual Fire Engine is Important

This engine shows an early stage of firefighting development. It represents a time before and after official fire protection rules in NSW. It also shows an old technology: manually pumped engines. It's a great example of a mid-19th century horse-drawn fire engine.

Research suggests it's one of only five manual fire engines left in Australia. It's in good condition and is loved by firefighters and fans.

Why the 1939 Dennis Big 6 Fire Engine is Important

The Dennis Big 6 is a great example of Dennis fire engines from the 1930s and 1940s. It was the largest and most powerful Dennis engine used in NSW, making it very rare. It was seen as the "flagship" of the fire service.

It was used for important events like parades and funerals. This engine shows how the NSW Fire Brigades improved its firefighting techniques and equipment.

Why the 1929 Ahrens Fox PS2 Fire Engine is Important

This engine shows how fire brigades developed to meet the needs of a growing Sydney. It was a big step forward in technology. It was unique because it had a special cooling system for long pumping jobs and its pump could work as two separate units.

It was the only one of its kind imported into Australia. Firefighting fans love this engine, calling it the "glamour vehicle" of the NSW Fire Brigades.

Why the 1942 Ford 21W Mobile Canteen is Important

This canteen shows how firefighting resources developed. It's an example of support vehicles that help firefighters during big emergencies. It's linked to World War II and the Women's Fire Auxiliary, who raised money for it. It shows how women helped the war effort from home.

The canteen is rare because it's one of only two motorised mobile canteens built for the NSW Fire Brigades. Its design was based on World War II canteens used by the Women's Australian National Service (WANS). It's in great condition.

Why the 1891 Shand Mason Fire Engine is Important

"Big Ben" is a fantastic example of 19th-century steam-powered technology. It was the most powerful land steam engine of its kind in NSW and Australia, making it very rare.

Fire engine fans love "Big Ben" and take great care of it. It's special because it took part in both the 1901 Federation Parade and the 2001 Centenary of Federation Parade.

Why the NSW Fire Brigades No 10 Vehicle Number Plates are Important

These number plates are important for their history and meaning. Since 1910, the "No. 10" plates have been on the Chief Commissioner's vehicle. They are the only NSW number plates to stay with the same organisation since they were first introduced. Firefighters in NSW highly respect these plates as a symbol of their traditions.

Why the 1909 Edward Smith Headquarters Switchboard is Important

This switchboard shows how firefighting communication improved in Sydney. It was a big step forward because it could handle many different types of calls and alarms. It also shows how skilled early 20th-century firefighters were, like Edward Smith, who designed and built it himself.

The switchboard is unique because of its size, complexity, and the fact that one person designed and built it. It's made of beautiful wood and is very impressive.

Images for kids

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  An exhibition at the museum, pictured in 2017.