Matamata Chronicle

Fire truck out of retirement

- By NICOLA STEWART nicola.stewart@wrcn.co.nz

The newly- named Waharoa Speedway has a new member starting this season – and it’s painted fire engine red.

A 1968 TK Bedford fire truck has been rescued by the club and is soon to be one of their main attraction­s.

It will have

lights, a siren and fully working water pumps but its main job will be taking little speedway fans for rides.

The engine did its time at a fire station in Henderson, Auckland and was retired to standby at Lichfield Dairy Factory.

It had been out of commission for some years when a speedway member came across it.

Damien Laird

at Superior Auto Painters was tasked with bringing it back to life and on Friday restored it to its original colour with a fresh coat of paint.

Colourplus Matamata supplied the paint and Kiwanis Matamata chipped in with batteries for the old engine.

‘‘It’s just something for the community and a bit of promotion for the club,’’ said Mr Laird.

‘‘ I think people can appreciate it, young and old.’’

No name has been confirmed yet, although Old Flick has been suggested.

The truck will be ready for the start of the season in October and is likely to feature in community events such as the Christmas Parade.

 ??  ?? Second chance: Leo Kingston from Colourplus Matamata and Damien Laird from Superior Auto Painters as he gets ready to repaint the engine.
Second chance: Leo Kingston from Colourplus Matamata and Damien Laird from Superior Auto Painters as he gets ready to repaint the engine.

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