NEW FIRE ENGINE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22271, 20 November 1935, Page 12

NEW FIRE ENGINE

ARRIVAL TO-MORROW • FEATURES IN BODY DESIGN " ■ ■ The new machine ordered by'the Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board left' Wellington yesterday and is expected here to-morrow. After the engine has been thoroughly tested by the super-~ intendent of"" the board, Sir. W. L. Wilson, a start will be made with the construction of the bodywork, which will be undertaken in Auckland. The machine, which is driven by an eight-cylinder engine, is fitted with a special centrifugal pump capable of delivering 400 gallons of water a . minute at a pressure of 1201b. to the ; square inch. Unlike the board's other machines, the pump on the new machine is fitted in the middle, just behind the gearbox, instead of at the rear of the chassis. .

A feature of the body 'will be the accommodation of the men inside the vehicle, instead of on the outside. The officer wilL sit beside'the driver, arid eight men will be seated at the rear, four men on each side facing one another. Every effort will be made to keep the centre of gravity of the vehicle low and to facilitate this the ladder will be placed on one side, with the suction pipes on the other. The hydrants will also be placed on either side.

A number of lockers carrying the usual equipment will be let in on either side of the jehicle. In these lockers provision will be made for the carrying of hose, jumping and salvage sheets, crowbars, goggles and respirators, smoke masks, nozzles, reducing and. connecting pieces, first-aid set and other equipment. The construction of the body will take from a month to five weeks, after which the machine Will be' placed in commission.