 When CFA began, we inherited a mixed bag of X-war surplus trucks and old CFBB vehicles. So in 1947, our first custom-built Austin tanker was produced on a Series 1 chassis. Small town units were built, which included more hoses, ladders and larger pumps. Small, agile four-wheel drive willies trucks were the forerunners to our current ultralights and slip-ons. The size of our tankers and pumpers grew in capacity as new model trucks became available, including those with diesel engines. It was soon realised more than one type of vehicle was required for the variety of fire calls being attended. We started to manufacture and specialise vehicles to suit our diverse needs such as radio communication vans, hazmats, road accident rescue, high-angle rescue, mine rescue, protective equipment, rehabilitation, salvage, lighting, tally-booms, ladder platforms, aerial pumpers, alpine and tracked vehicles, sand tankers, breathing apparatus fans, field operation vehicles, hose layers and even educational units. Nowadays, most vehicles are twin-cabbed, are air conditioned and have quite comfortable seating compared to our early vehicles. Safety features such as rollover protection systems, heat shields, vehicle sprinklers, window curtains and remote control monitors are now commonplace. It's amazing just how far we have come and the journey is not over yet. Who knows what great designs are ahead for us.