Dunedin Fire Brigade Restoration Society promotions manager Clare Munro-West said the group had 46 members, 15 of whom formed the active core.
They had 18 old fire engines and were struggling to fit them into their premises in Burnside, which were too cold for some of their older members to attend in winter.
"We’re out of room — we play Tetris getting these things in and out," Ms Munro-West said.
Although the society was open to anyone with a passion for old fire trucks, most of the society were former firefighters or had links to the fire service, including Ms Munro-West, who grew up in the Central Dunedin fire station.
Her father was a firefighter for 55 years.
"Everyone’s got a connection somewhere down the line," Ms Munro-West said.
All the society’s engines had served in Dunedin including its 1935 Ford engine, which was in pieces when it came to the society.
It was not clear if it had been stored in a paddock or a barn, but either way it had not been in a dry place, Ms Munro-West said.
Thanks to the efforts of the restoration society, it was now road legal, and a hit with all ages.
Another engine on display at the Otago-Taieri A&P Show in Mosgiel on Saturday was an old Metropolitan engine, which arrived in Port Chalmers from England in 1952 and was for many years used by the Edendale Fire Department.
The society had stripped it down to its chassis, revealing its wooden frame.
The bright red appliance was a popular attraction at children’s birthday parties, which the society attended to raise funds.
Adults tended to get a surprise when the society turned the hoses on full pressure and they realised how hard they were to control, especially with only one person.
"We’ve only ever once had a kid who didn’t want to get in ... They absolutely love it," Ms Munro-West said.
Even that child got on board when they realised how much fun their friends were having.
Many in the society were getting older and they were looking for new members to help with all aspects of the society, including driving and restoration, Ms Munro-West said.
