Steam Pump with Horsepower The men of the North Eastern Railway’s Gateshead Works Fire Brigade must have been proud to receive their new Merryweather Steam fire engine. In the year 1880, it was the most modern fire appliance available. By using a steam pump, this fire engine was able to deliver 125 gallons (568.26 litres) of water a minute onto a fire. When the fire alarm sounded, the men of the brigade would rush to their posts, harness the four horses that pulled the engine and light the steam boiler. Once lit, it took just ten minutes for the steam pump to be ready for action. Within those ten minutes the fire brigade would be at the scene of the fire and into action. This example came to the National Railway Museum in 1986 and was restored to its current condition by the apprentices of British Rail Engineering, Derby, between 1986-88. Fact File Object: Horse drawn steam fire engine. Made by: Merryweather & Sons of London Date: 1880 For: North Eastern Railway’s Gateshead Works. Pump: Steam powered, delivering 125 gallons (568.26 Litres) of water per minute to a height of 120ft (36.58m) It was able to reach working pressure within ten minutes of lighting. Thanks for stopping by for a look and for any comments you care to make.