ANOTHER METHOD OF USING UP STEAM FIRE-ENGINE PLANT.
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Quite an interesting discussion has been taking place in our columns recently in respect of the practical nature of the methods employed by certain firemastei s in using converted, high-power, touring-car chassis for the .purpose of towing steam fire-fighting plant of the erstwhile horse-driven variety. Now we have another suggestion to which to give publicity, and one which is being practically exploited for what it is worth. It is a scheme which has received considerable attention in the past, but we do not recollect to have seen anything like a practical endeavour to bring it to fruition. Andrew Barton Bros. propose to make a speciality of converting horse-drawn steamers into self-contained automobile plant, and the method they adopt is as follow. They select a suitable petrol-driven chassis of such weight-carrying and speed capacity as to be able -easily to carry the total imposed weight of the whole of the boiler and pumping plant and its neeess.ary coal, together with a complement of eight men, scaling ladders, hose and, if necessary, first-aid equipment. This may in the aggregate and in certain cases amount to as much as 31 tons to be carried.
The .steam pump and its equipment are mounted between the main frame members at the rear of the chassis.
Messrs. Andrew Barton Bros., whose chief offices are at Chilwell Road, Beeston, advise us that the total cost of fitting up a good reliable second-hand three-tonner for this service should be about R:300. If, however, anew petrol chassis is employed, the cost would, of course, be considerably higher.