132ME was also used as a funeral motor during service.

The engine head was condemned due to erosion of the exhaust ports in the water jacket. Attempts were made in 1974 to have it repaired but it was considered to be too far gone. The valve gear, rocker cover and all overhead components were thrown away by staff at Five Dock workshop store around the same time.

From then on it was all down hill for the BIG 6, suggestions were made from time to time to restore it, but to no avail. Anything that could be removed was, and rust commenced taking over at a very fast rate.

Of all the NSWFB's appliances, 132ME had to be the hardest working and most reliable engine it had ever owned. (A check of wear on the clutch and brake pedals will confirm this.)

After discussions with enthusiastic Fire Brigade members including, the Commissioner (I D G Mac Dougall AO AFSM), it was decided to restore the BIG 6 to its original condition.

The old engine 132, or what was left of it, was delivered to our place on the 23rd of July 2002. We had been sourcing spare parts for two years previous with the intention of supporting its restoration if and when it became possible.

It was not our intention to undertake the restoration ourselves but due to knowledge and experience, networking, availablility of parts and the mounting costs - it fell back on us and the Museum of Fire.

There are many members within the NSWFB and some very supportive helpers outside who have made the restoration possible. They were recognised for their efforts by the Museum of Fire by way of a framed photograph of the Big 6 in all its restored glory.

132ME went home on the 16th of March 2004 to once again resume its rightful place as part of the NSWFB's heritage.

In November 2004 the Big 6, along with the NSWFB's Shand Mason Steamer and Ahrens Fox Pumper, was added to NSW Heritage List at a short ceremony at the Museum of Fire.