The Vintage John Morris Fire Engine, manufactured in the year 1914, which was originally used by Nizam State Railway in the city of Hyderabad, got a prominent exhibit at the National Rail Museum, New Delhi.
The Fire Engine participated in the prestigious 53rd Statesman Vintage Car Rally held in the National Capital, New Delhi on Sunday and secured the Challenger Trophy, SCR said in a release here on Monday.
John Morris Fire Engine was the oldest participant in the rally which saw around 160 Vintage vehicles taking to the roads.
Grabbing attention of the huge Sunday crowd of Delhiites who thronged to witness one of the most prestigious Vintage car rally event in the country, the John Morris Fire Engine completed the full rally distance of 45 kms.
Only about 60 vehicles could cover the full length, while 100 dropped enroute owing to mechanical failures.
For the John Morris Fire Engine, the Challenger Trophy it bagged, marks a proud come back, since it earned the honors after a gap of 5 years.
The Vehicle is over 100 years old, having been procured in the year 1914 by the HEH Nizam State Railway for use in Hyderabad.
It is the only Vehicle in the World fitted with the original Shrewsbury and Challenger Solid Tyres and still retains all the original parts of its fire equipment.
It holds the Ajax Gun-Metal Turbine Pump as a part of its fire equipment. The Fire Engine graces the precincts of one of the best Railway Museums in the World, the National Rail Museum at New Delhi.
However, it is the SCR’s team of Technical personnel from Carriage Workshop, Lallaguda who are the experts in undertaking its regular maintenance.
The John Morris Fire Engine had participated in the car rally last year too, but could not complete the full distance owing to the engine condition.
This year, during the process of restoration of the John Morris Fire engine, private agencies were consulted who quoted an amount of Rs 50 lakhs for the restoration work.
But an 08 member team of Carriage Workshop, Lallaguda who are experts in the maintenance of the John Morris Fire Engine took up thechallenge and restored the vehicle using the resources available in-house and spending an amount of just Rs 2.3 lakh.
This fantastic job of the team earned recognition with the Ministry of Railways declaring an award of Rs 50, 000 for good maintenance.
SCR General Manager Gajanan Mallya, congratulated Vijay Kumar, Chief Workshop Manager, Carriage Workshop, Lallaguda for the laurels, the Vintage John Morris Fire Engine brought to the Zone and Indian Railways.
He was also appreciative of the 8 member maintenance team which successfully ensured that the Fire Engine takes to the road without any glitch.
