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British Turntable Fire-ladder for Paris

14th July 1939, Page 44
14th July 1939
Page 44
Page 44, 14th July 1939 — British Turntable Fire-ladder for Paris
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THE Paris Fire Brigade (Regiment de Sapeurs Pompiers de Paris) recently adopted the Merryweather steel turntable ladder for regular duty and for passive defence (A.R.P.). The fact that the all-British ladder and operating mechanism are mounted on a chassis of French construction—the well-known Saurer—exemplifies, in a striking manner. the entente cordiale in the world of fire engineering.

The Saurer chassis has a fourcylindered petrol engine of 75 b.h.p. The Merryweather all-steel ladder is in four sections, for extension to a height of 100 ft. The various members of each ladder are joined together entirely by welding, carried out under Merryweather patents. The rungs are provided with covers of non-slip and heat

insulating material and automatic safety pawls are provided on each ladder.

The swinging frame supporting the ladder is also entirely of steel. A transmission shaft is provided from the out-going shaft of the chassis power take-off, complete with the necessary flexible couplings and bearings. The power is carried to the central shaft of the turntable by means of a bevel drive of the salient type operating a horizontal running roller chain, for which adjustment is provided.

A special slow-speed gear is incorporated for effecting fine adjustments of the ladder, and the lowering of the ladder sections is controlled by an automatic brake which, at all times, governs the speed of descent. An extension indicator is provided, and a graduated quadrant on the swinging frame shows the angle of elevation. This quadrant gives the safe extension at any given angle. An automatic system of coloured lights is provided to indicate when the rungs are in position for using or lowering the ladder sections. A Merryweather patent automatic safety control device is fitted, and this governs extension and 16wering of the ladders at safety margin for various angles.

The mechanism for plumbing the ladder sections is controlled by a small hand lever. Hand wheels are also provided for plumbing by hand.

Four jacking-up screws are fitted to provide a rigid base and to reduce the weight on the springs and tyres, The screws are carried on swinging members. The design of the jacks provides a substantial addition to the width of the chassis when the ladders are in use, and, at the same time, allows the jacks to be folded away within the width of the chassis when travelling. A hand lever is provided at the rear end of the chassis by means of which steel locking arms are made to couple the rear axle to the side frames.

A water tower, with double swivelling monitor nozzle, is fitted at the top of the ladder, and a hinged platform is provided for firemen operating the water tower.

A tubular-steel framework for supporting the head of the ladder is fitted at the front of the chassis and is equipped with a locking lever.

The bodywork is constructed of wellseasoned mahogany. There are two seats, one facing forward and one facing rearward, and they accommodate seven men in all.

Tags

Organisations: HE Paris Fire Brigade
Locations: Paris

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