FERGUSLIE MILL
Stations
Ferguslie Thread Works, Maxwellton Street, Paisley (Station where 27 Bobbins Gate Paisley is now ?, 2020)
Firemasters
Appliances
1938 to 1970 XS4860 Leyland Cub FK7 P
1970 to ? JXS356J Land Rover P
Notes
This was a Thread Mill belonging to J P Coats
WARNING BELLS FOR A PAISLEY VETERAN
Rare old fire engine may be
sold abroad
A Paisley group
are concerned that a rare old fire
engine could be sold off to the Americans as a collector’s piece.
For the gleaming red machine — thought to be worth more than £10,000 forms an
important part of the town’s link with the past
And Miss Jan Brown, secretary of the Old Paisley Society said: “If it is to be
sold it should remain in the town.
“I would be unhappy if it was bought by someone from abroad and end up in some
place like America.”
The 1938 Leyland vehicle, with a mere 2755 miles on the clock, was owned by
thread manufacturers J and P Coats.
And during more than 30 years, the machine manned by a crew of six, formed the
unique Ferguslie Mills Fire Brigade.
But now the handsome engine, still housed at Ferguslie Mills, has new owners
—Paisley-based JDP Metals who today revealed: “it might go up for sale soon.”
One reason that American buyers would be interested is that the Paisley
registered vehicle has a Royal Family connection.
When Prince Charles visited Paisley in June, 1980 he toured both Anchor and
Ferguslie Mills in the uncovered engine.
Paisley man John Pitt jun., director of JDP Metals explained: “The fire engine
was acquired along with the 30 acre Ferguslie Mills site which we took over to
build a large private housing development.
“The machine is in top working order except her battery is flat, but that’s not
a problem,” he said.
Mr Pitt continued: “I’ve been so busy with other matters I haven’t really
thought much about the fire engine.
“If someone came along and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse then I probably
would sell it. But so far that hasn’t happened.”
The engine, complete with
ladders, pump and hose lengths, has never been involved in tackling a major
fire.
It was bought in September,
1938 by J and P Coats as a security precaution shortly before the outbreak of
the Second World War.
“If a serious fire developed anywhere in the mills, the town’s fire brigade was
called in,” explained Campbell McIntosh fire safety and security officer for
Coats throughout the UK and based at Anchor.
“The engine was taken out of service by Coats in 1970 after 31 years.
“The machines certainly in great condition and would make an excellent
collector’s item.
“If sold, I hope it remains in Paisley because of the links with the town.”
<PHOTO> Prince Charles in
the front seat of the 1938 machine during his visit to the town in 1980.
<PHOTO> The gleaming fire engine which may leave the town.
<PHOTO> The veteran with its Paisley registration number. (XS4860)
(A Paisley newspaper? Date unknown)
JXS356J Land Rover 2A/2B forward Control Date and source unknown.