Developed during the 1930s, the Leyland Cub FK7 became a scaled-down version of its bigger siblings in the heavier weight range. It was an advanced vehicle for its time, having a 29.4 hp, 6-cylinder 85 bhp engine with a seven-bearing crankshaft and side valves with Lockheed brakes fitted to all wheels. To compete with the likes of Bedford was difficult, as although the Cub was a smooth well-designed performer, it was no match for the Bedford on price as it was almost twice as expensive. Dennis was also putting in a lot of work to catch up with Leyland’s innovation and they succeeded. In 1933, an optional power unit became available as an overhead-valve, six-cylinder 4.4 litre, diesel engine for the Cub which added £150 to the basic chassis price. In 1932, a complete Leyland Cub fire appliance was retailing at £950 with the older Braidwood-style bodywork.
1936, was the beginning of the production of the FK6 and 7 Cub fire engines, the differences were that the 6 had its pump at the back of the chassis while the 7 had it mounted amidships. Having read most of the company fire history, it would appear the letter K came from Kingston-Upon-Thames, where the chassis was built, and F was for fire appliance.
As this had305 was also a Leyland but on a longer wheelbase chassis designated a TLM2 to accommodate its 116 foot Metz Turntable Ladder. It was equipped with the first enclosed hard crew cab and was the second longest ladder supplied to a British fire service, but this had lived at Pilgrim Street HQ until it was pensioned off, before I was able to see it.
