Red hot bargain a deal on wheels

SARAH BROOK/Waikato Times

FIRE SALE: Ray Mudgway with the former fire engine he has on the market.

A man who bought a fire engine on a whim last year is looking for the next big kid to take over the wheel.

Hamilton man Ray Mudgway purchased the truck to promote his former business but since selling the firm has no need for the truck.

"It was a bit of a random idea to buy it in the first place and I wondered afterwards if it was the best decision," he said.

"I was using it at a tavern in Pukekohe but I've moved on in the last six months."

Although the siren and flashing lights were removed in 2007 after it left the fire service, Mr Mudgway said the truck was still a unique purchase.

"I think whoever will buy it will because it looks quite unique.

"I've had a dozen or so inquiries so far and even had interest from a little rural fire service outside Nelson.

"They are looking to upgrade their current fire engine."

Mr Mudgway suggests the water tank of the truck, which is parked on Lincoln St, would be a selling feature. "I didn't utilise it as best as I could," he said. "The sizeable tank might interest certain people, maybe dampening down tracks for car racing. There are lots of things it could be used for.

"I'm not sure who will buy it but I think the little kids will be interested and definitely the big kids."

Ceana Priest is a Wintec journalism student

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