The rescue of the fire brigade

The rescue of the fire brigade

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On Sunday I went to the Wurstelprater...” This is how one of my first essays as a primary school child began in the 1960s, and this is how an unusual story began this April, which soon became increasingly widespread and ultimately involved a couple of showmen, the federal guild master of coachbuilders and a world-leading fire engine manufacturer.

But first things first: I turned left twice at the Schweizerhaus and suddenly found myself in front of a carousel game that I had long since forgotten. In fact, in a narrow alley just behind great new high-tech adrenaline pumps, the round wooden platform on which my dreams of flying and driving first found their fulfillment is still turning, rumbling and creaking. Equipped with sleek convertible rockets, a yellow helicopter, brightly colored racing cars, a tram with a real tram bell and a fire engine equipped with blue lights, a silver bell and two steering wheels. My brother and I, always somewhat competitive in our childhood, sat behind both valances in rare harmony and didn't even think of arguing about the direction of travel, since it always only went in a circle to the right anyway.

“This is exactly the story that can get young people interested in our profession.”ERIK PAUL PAPINSKI, FEDERAL ENGINEERING CHAMPION

IN THE BEST HANDS

So I took a few photos and asked the lady in the ticket booth how old the ring game was. Visibly pleased with my interest, she introduced herself as owner Irene Heindl and explained that she and her husband Walter were now the third generation to run the ride, which was opened in 1950. However, with the small turnover they could barely cover the running costs, meaning that urgently needed restoration work would be needed. Looking at it with the sober eye of the present, coarse cracks and peeling spots suddenly became visible on the red paint of the once pretty fire engine. Now active help was needed and I promised to look for a competent body shop. The next day I sent Erik Paul Papinski, Federal Guild Master of Body Builders and Painters, a few photos of the dilapidated vehicle, explained to him the seriousness of the situation and asked him for support. The further progression of the story showed that I had come to exactly the right place. The very next day, Papinski called me and said I could let Ms. Heindl know that her piece of jewelry would be placed in the best hands. Coachbuilder Christian Huber in Pram in Upper Austria has agreed to professionally restore the historic carousel car. The highlight of the matter: Christian Huber is a partner in the Austrian model company Rosenbauer, the world market leader for fire engines.

THE COMPANY PIECE

The Upper Austrian family business Huber has been carrying out special constructions for Rosenbauer for over 40 years. “We also do truck bodies, repairs and painting for transport companies,” says Christian Huber, the company’s managing director for 22 years. Its most important asset is well-trained employees, because the construction of special vehicles, in which most parts have to be manufactured entirely by hand, is extremely demanding. Huber is therefore happy to take on female apprentices who are characterized by commitment, skill and care when working. The restoration of the fire engine was a welcome opportunity for him to give his apprentices a task in which they could demonstrate their skills. Nadja Harwöck, Magdalena Bichler and Sebastian Reinhart then set about the restoration with enthusiasm, and the result is truly impressive. When the 67-year-old Ringelspiel fire engine was finally finished and shone in bright Rosenbauer red, we went to the tarmac at Linz Airport for the photo shoot. There his big brother – the panther – was placed at his side. Christian Huber was thrilled: “My apprentices have not only delivered their first journeyman’s piece, but also a real masterpiece!” Christine and Walter Heindl warmly thanked both the federal guild master and the master body builder for their great commitment, brought the fire engine back to Vienna and reassembled it on the ring game. Erik Paul Papinski, KFZ Wirtschaft and STRAGÜ are now ensuring the story is spread via social media such as Facebook and Instagram. Papinski: “Because these media are used by most young people, and that is exactly the story that can get them excited about our profession.”

“My apprentices were able to demonstrate their skills by restoring the fire engine.”CHRISTIAN HUBER, BODY BUILDER