New Fire Tender for Emergency Organizations A N order for the
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supply of a new type of fire tender to meet the requirements of the emergency fire-brigade organization has been placed by the Home Office with the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., Dagenham. The present contract calls for the supply of over 100 machines.
The tender is based on the standard Fordson 2-ton forward-control chassis, with a wheelbase of 9 ft. I() ins., and is powered by the Ford eight-41indered engine of 30 h.p. rating, giving the machines rapid acceleration and fast performance generally.
The equipment includes a pump of the two-stage highefficiency volute type, which is capable of delivering up to 800 g.p.m. at a pressure ot from 80 lb. to 160 lb. per sq. in. It is suitable for dealing with either fresh or salt water, all parts in contact with liquid being of bronze, whilst the shaft is of stainless steel, running in two external ball bearings. Power for the pump is provided by a Ford eight-cylindered unit having magneto ignition. A cover with inspection doors protects the engine, and all controls are readily accessible.
The whole unit is mounted on a main frame of fabricated steel, and provision is made for the mounting of three hose boxes on either side of the platform, and for ladders, suction hose, etc.
An interesting feature is the roomy cab, which is deigned to accommodate the entire crew of six, in addition to the driver and officer. The .cab has a specially strengthened steel roof, being constructed of two sheets of steel separated and reinforced by inverted U-section members only a few inches apart. This is intended to provide maximum protection from falling masonry or other objects, and, in the event of damage to the outer panel, repairs can readily be effected.
The fire pumping unit is constructed by Sulzer Bros. (London), Ltd.