The view of a Fire Engine widow
Stewart Bannister • 31 May 2020
What does the other half think?
During October last year, I was sat having a cuppa at the kitchen table when Stewart came downstairs with a grin on his face and YouTube open on his phone. He showed me a video he’d found about someone restoring a boat and that it was fun to watch. We ended up popping it on the telly for a bit (with a new brew in hand) and I can honestly say it was very interesting watching this guy in Australia restore a boat he owned. Did he remind me of Stewart with an accent? 100% (funnily enough he’s called Stu too: Stew). I genuinely found it entertaining and learnt more about a boat than I ever thought I would.
Did I think Stewart would buy a fire truck a few weeks later? No. No, I did not.
Apparently, watching a boat being restored and buying a one-of-a-kind humungous fire truck is not as big of a leap as it sounds. I’d been cooking a chicken roast dinner while he ‘virtually shopped’ – “Only looking, I promise”.
Pretty sure I’d had a few glasses of wine when he told me he’d found a “super cool truck that you’re gonna love”.
When I saw the listing, I didn’t understand the amount of space it would eventually take up. I very clearly remember nodding along, mumbling, “Oh, wow, yeah, very cool.”
It was cool – is cool. But Stew had shown me hundreds of vehicles or items online that he’s been tempted to buy that he didn’t, so I didn’t take it too seriously.
That was a mistake, in hindsight.
When did I realised it was coming into our life? When I (foolishly?) convinced him to call the guy who owned the Marlin with, “What harm can it do? You said yourself if it says POA it’s usually too much money.” (POA - price on asking for those who didn’t know. I didn’t until a quick google before the phone call).
He disappeared off into the front bedroom. When he wasn’t back within five minutes, I knew we were in trouble. I warned the dog she’d be getting less treats soon as he’s gonna be busy. Nearly thirty minutes later he returned with a grin on his face.
I found out while I was at work - in the middle of baking a cake and covered in flour - when my phone rang. I’d been expecting it all day and knew exactly what was going to be said. I’d answered only slightly hesitantly and couldn’t help but laugh when all he’d said was “Hi” – and I knew. He’d brought it. Stewart had convinced himself when he went to ‘just have a look’ that he would not be buying it. I, however, knew better.
The visit? 6th November 2019. When did the truck arrive? 21st November 2019.
It really didn’t take long.
Due to a heavy work schedule, I didn’t see the truck for nearly a week after it’d arrived. It was the talk of the town – everyone I worked with knew what had happened because my boss had walked in while I was on the phone to see me with my head between my knees. We told all our customers. Nobody believed it until I showed them pictures. I didn’t believe it until I saw it in person.
When I eventually managed to go over, Stew threatened to film the ‘big reveal’ and boy, oh boy, am I glad he didn’t.
There was… mild swearing. Disbelief. An embarrassing giggle/squeal noise I didn’t even know I could make. It was real. He had brought a Fire Truck. A big vehicle that’s seriously taller than me. A huge ass nee-naw that doesn’t fit on our drive.
I’m pretty sure I posted on Facebook with “Holy shit it’s real.”
It turns out a very small part of me didn’t truly believed that he’d brought a fire truck. Or, if he had, that it was be an Airport one that is ten times the size of his Land Rover.
After a tour inside and on top, I couldn’t stop grinning.
Yeah, it was massive. Yeah, it needed a lot of work. Yeah, I wouldn’t see my partner for quite a lot of the foreseeable future in good weather.
But it is fucking cool.
Our latest video is out on YouTube showing the start of the work to strip down the cab of the Marlin ready to replace the rusted sections. You can find the video via the YouTube button at the bottom of the page or the Video tab of the main menu. In addition to putting out a new video we have added a new page to the website all about the history of our Marlin fire engine!! You can find the page here.
We have launched a range of merch to help support the project. We haven't announced the store via YouTube yet so you can get in early before the crowds get there.
We've finally done it, The Marlin and her friends have got a shiny new home out here on the world wide web. You'll be able to see the latest updates outside of the YouTube videos here as well as get in contact with us. Have a good look around and keep checking back as we will be adding to the site and the news page regularly.