16/08/2026
Last week we watched Jindabyne 2, our long cared for truck, depart on her final mission to Cooma Fire Control Centre for retirement, after 26 years of service to the public for the NSW RFS.
Although like all older trucks she had her quirks, we will miss her uncertain synchros, the on/off brake pedal when cold (which found out more than one person in the back seat that neglected to fasten their seat belt in time) along with her shagged out suspension which necessitated the driver to call out upcoming bumps in the road so the crew in the rear seat could hang on.
Despite these, and a few more, it was astounding the places in the bush this middle weight tanker would take us, it's reliable capability being tested on many occasions, but importantly bringing the crew back safely every time.
Thank you to the team at NSW RFS - Snowy Monaro District for arranging a replacement Cat 1 tanker at short notice with Jindy 2 sadly succumbing to an electrical fault.
Also thanks and apologies to the crew from Cooma Rural Fire Brigade for having to give up, as we understand it, one of your most favoured tankers to help us out.
A big thank you also to the crews who have maintained and looked after the truck for nearly three decades, with a special shout out to our Equipment Officer Ken, who has gone above and beyond to keep the old Izuzu in running order for so long, through all that the Snowy Mountains has to offer.
