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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => Operational => Topic started by: Ryan on January 21, 2007, 09:20:51 PM

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: Ryan on January 21, 2007, 09:20:51 PM

I was just wondering, what is used to mark the ranks on helmets?

Thanks

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: AnthonyB on January 21, 2007, 09:37:16 PM

Usually vinyl tape as used by signwriters - some brigades use reflective vinyl (as also used on vehicles)

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: kurnal on January 21, 2007, 09:45:38 PM

PVC insulating tape boght on the high street with petty cash in my experience.

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: Ryan on January 21, 2007, 09:45:47 PM

Thanks! I have a few helmets that I want to put some ranks on, and I also have a 1973 Black Leather/Cork one, and I was wondering, in those days, did leading firemen have 19mm bands instead of 12.5?

Oh! So I can just use my black insulating tape I have now? that will be good!

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: Ryan on January 21, 2007, 09:52:13 PM

Might as well ask here too; Does anyone know where to get helmets (used) cheap? I like to collect these things, along with uniforms. Im really looking for the 1990's style plastic/fibreglass ones, and I want to get one for every rank.

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: kurnal on January 21, 2007, 09:55:47 PM

have you tried ebay?

You could write to  local fire brigades and make them an offer - dont forget postage. Many are condemned every month. Theres a list of brigades on firenet - via home page.

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: Ryan on January 21, 2007, 09:57:23 PM

Ebay has a few, but none that Im interested in. I think I shall email my local brigade; Highlands and Islands Fire Brigade, and see. Has anyone else tried it?

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: afterburner on January 24, 2007, 12:49:56 PM

"did leading firemen have 19mm bands instead of 12.5?",
 no the LFm always were 1/2 inch bands before the sneaky millimetres arrived. Originally (WW2, NFS and original fire authorities 1947) the bands were red on a black helmet (both for LFm & Sub Officer), then they turned white bands on black helmets sometime in the 1960's, then, when yellow helmets came along they officially turned back into black bands.
That's when reflective coloured tapes were introduced by some Brigades. Here in Edinburgh it was 12.5 mm red reflective on yellow helmets, and 12.5mm or 19mm blue relective on white helmets (as needed by rank)

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: Mike Buckley on January 24, 2007, 05:00:42 PM

briantwigley try www.vass.co.uk they have some old helemts as well as a lot of other gear.

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: Ryan on January 24, 2007, 05:37:04 PM

Yup, Im getting one from there soon.

Title: Helmet Rank Marks
Post by: cheekymonkey on March 21, 2007, 10:00:16 AM

hi, sorry for the late entry but have you tried an airport fire service which has a training agreement with a company such as NUTEC? at aberdeen airport there seems to be an abumdant supply of helmets in different styles and you could probably get one from there?
cheers