It is all very well to use the older appliance as spares, BUT, you will find that the bulk of them have problems, and it is not economic to fix them up, and send them back out there.
However, there are a few of rear entry 34 appliances that have come out of service in the last few months, that will be retained for the fire season, as Regional spares....and some of them still have their old signwriting...if confuse the heck out of people. (Why is Lock 34 wandering around Onka Gorge...?
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Even some appliances that are only 10-14 years old, which have been replaced at a brigade,- and then refurbished before being send to another one - are being found to have some major problems (I think rust in the chassis seems to be a common problem...).
Some of the appliances that have had their life extended past the 20 years, have been done because they are in good condition....and lately, there seem to be a few of those that have broken down with plumbing problems.....
As for the old Eden Pumper, I am not so sure it will be used for a Tanker.....KI has already got a refurbished Tanker...are they getting another one? As I understand it, the old Eden Pumper (a Ford Louisville) is not too great on hills...that is in stopping on hills (or at the bottom) ..
Pip