Strawy Fire Brigade
'Big Ben' -- a Famous Sydney Fire Engine
'Big Ben' was the most powerful land steam fire engine ever used in Australia. It was featured in both the Federation Parade of of 1901 and the Centenary of Federation Parade in 2001.
'Big Ben' can now be seen in the Penrith Museum of Fire.
Water could be drawn from a hydrant or a river through the intake pipe. In 10 minutes, 100 psi (700 kPa) of steam pressure could be produced in the boiler. The three cylinder pump could then throw a 1.75 inch jet of water 200 feet (60 m) vertically into the air. This was needed to fight fires in the ten to twelve storey buildings that were becoming common in Sydney in the 1890s. A steam engine like 'Big Ben' could do as much work as 80 men operating four hand pumps.
'Big Ben' was drawn by two to four horses. When the fire alarm sounded, the stable doors swung open and the horses pranced into position in front of the engine. Harness, suspended above the engine on hooks, was lowered onto the horses and quickly snapped into position. A gas burner automatically ignited the kerosene-soaked wood and coal in the boiler fire box. Then they were away!
In USA, Dalmation dogs used to guide the fire engine horses and clear the way to the fire. On arrival at the fire, the dogs used to lead the horses away to a safe place and guard them until the fire was out.
Strawy Fire Brigade
Fireman Sparky, with his walrus moustache, is the Strawy Fire Brigade Chief.
Fireman Sparky sits on the driver's seat of the fire engine. He holds a big fire hose with a golden nozzle. Scarecrow-style water (a bundle of silvery steamers) squirts out of the fire hose as the pump operates.
Little red-haired Fritz is an orphan boy whom the Strawy Fire Brigade adopted. Kind hearted towns people made Fritz a beautiful little uniform to match those of the other firemen. Fritz has the job of blowing the steam whistle and ringing the big brass Strawy Fire Brigade bell as the fire engine races to the fire.
Mate and Little Mate are the Strawy Fire Brigade's Dalmation dogs. They both wear specially fitted brass helmets, just like those of the firemen.
This is a closer photograph of cheeky Little Mate. He is in training to be a firehouse dog just like his Mum.
Here is 'Fireman' James looking after Mate and Little Mate on the Judging Day.
And if you look really closely you might even spot one more Dalmation dog - he is hiding inside one of the lamps on the front of the fire engine!
Live scarecrow, Les, is shown here with the steam engine part of the Strawy Fire Engine. There is a boiler with a tall chimney on the left. Lots of gauges and levers cover the front of the boiler. A silvery steam whistle is in the centre. Smoke streams out of the steam whistle and the chimney as the display is operated. On the right is the water pump with its rotating fly wheel. And at the top right is a most elaborate scarecrow-style pressure release valve!
Scarecrow Festival Performance
The Strawy Fire Brigade display entertained the crowds throughout the day. Fireman Les explained the fascinating history of the steamer fire engines and asked the children to help the scarecrow brigade fight the 'fire' by calling out steam pressures and instructions to the scarecrows.
At the end of the day, members of the Kurrajong Fire Brigade posed for a memorable photo beside the Strawy Fire Brigade and their own brand new Isuzu Category 1 Fire Truck -- the old and the new in fire fighting!
- First prize in People's Choice Competition in the park; and
- First Prize in the Special Projects Category.
