Luton History: "A surprising treasure found under some old tarpaulin"

In 1952 a surprising discovery was made under some old tarpaulin at the rear of Luton Fire Station in Park Street.

Emerging from years of dust and cobwebs was a magnificent Shand & Mason Steamer Fire Engine, obviously far beyond clattering through our streets anymore but in relatively good condition.

The relic (as described) was one of the old Shand & Mason Steamers first invented around 1850, mostly produced in London, dating this particular machine. Search history suggests c1900.

The Steamer arrived in Luton after completing War Service at the Isle of Ely in 1945. Originally it was owned by the Duke of Bedford, it was a common sight fighting fires on his Estate. Some of fires lasted for days. The Steamer was in action the whole time, once a head of steam was raised, the engine could continue indefinitely pumping 250 gallons of water a minute, it was rated the most efficient firefighting equipment of the day, they were more reliable than the modern day fire appliances, due to limited working parts, all that was necessary was fuel to burn, and water to heat.

Mr Malster, Deputy Chief Officer of Bedfordshire Fire Service, was a Divisional Commander at Thorney on the Bedfordshire Estate during the First War. One outbreak of fire was caused by enemy action setting alight 7 haystacks. The Old Steamer pumped for days, eventually extinguishing the massive blaze.

The engine was originally designed as a horse-drawn vehicle, but prior to the War the machine was altered to accommodate being towed by a motor vehicle.

The horses that drew these machines were almost human. As soon as the bells sounded, they would leave the stalls and take their places at the engine ready for the towing bars to be dropped, and collars clipped in place ready for action.

Mr Malster said: "He had great respect for these magnificent creatures." In fact he reported they arrived at fires quicker than the latest transport now in use.

When the Fire Service was nationalised, the old engine was drafted into retirement, it had outlived its use at Thorney Station, so it was moved to the Fire Service School at Cambridge. After their closure, the old "Relic" found its way to Luton.

The Steamer's last inspection was in 1941, said to be in first class condition. However, prior to further assessment should it be required for work again.

The body of the engine was made of Mahogany, the wheels of Ash, Elm or Oak, fitted with iron tyres, and the boiler was encased in brass.

It carried a crew of five, the driver responsible for six horses, a skilled operation required to control skidding or prevent the machine from toppling over. The fireman at the rear stoked the boiler while clinging to the handrail, frantically pushing coal into the firebox, preparing the steamer ready for action on arrival.

The question is, how come it stands outside in all weathers hidden at the back of Luton Fire Station? The simple answer: "No room inside, it should be in Wardown Museum, he says - they say, "Too big to house," they added "Sad if the old relic finds its way to a breaker's yard".

My photo illustrates a pleasurable ending, one hopes!