NEW TYRES FOR OLD

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 109, 11 May 1933, Page 6

NEW TYRES FOR OLD

FIRE ENGINES REFITTED GREATER SPEED AND SAFETY TESTS PROVE SUCCESSFUL The Wanganui Fire Brigade’s Den ids tender engine No. 2 and the Castlecliff Eire Brigade Dennis pump engine have been fitted with new hubs, disc wheels and pneumatic balloon truck tyres in place of solid tyres. The change has been made in order that the engines may perform their duties with greater efficiency and safety, both io the firemen and general public. Tests have been carried out and have proved more successful than was anticipated. Speed is an essential factor in service of a lire brigade and the alacrity with which the engines and men can be transported to a fire from the station is an important matter, for life and property are both concerned. This speed of the fire engines is a recognised characteristic and the sound of the blaring siren which announces lhe approach of the brigade and at the same time, spreads the alarm, is well known. Heavily loaded with men and equipment, these engines exert a tremendous strain on the wheels and tyres, especially when a corner has to be turned sharply. The chief effect of these new tyres is to increase the speed at which lhe machines may travel and to allow more safety and speed on the corners. Previously i’ Castlccliff engine took 9£ minutes to travel to the city; in future the journey will be shortened by some two minutes, for instead of travelling at about 37 miles an hour a speed of 4" m.p.h. may be attained. Instead of taking the corners at 17 or 18 miles an hour, the engine will bo able io travel round them at 30 miles an hour if required, as was demonstrated by the test. The speed of 45 m.p.h may also be cx’ceeded if necessarv litho city engine, which is not so hoav ily loaded as the suburban machine. Greater speed on the corners is os pccially an outstanding feature nf these balloon tyres, for whereas the old solid type had a. surface of 3 J inches, the new have a surface of 6 inches and a degree of flexibility un known to the solid. . Instead of turn ing a corner with a series of mino» skids, or short jumns, those new tyros will allow a smooth turn. The pros sure of air in them is 351 b. to the square inch. Not the least pleased of the firemen are the drivers, for the efficiency with which the engines may. bo driven has boon increased hv 190 per cent. Superintendent Ross is naturally pleased that the change has been made and was most enthusiastic when interviewed by a “Chronicle” reporter yesterday.