Mini-Twins
Page 42
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PEDESTRIAN precincts, which have already claimed specialized attention from the public cleansing service, also present problems in connection with fire-fighting. The Newcastle and Gateshead Joint Fire Service has recently acquired two miniature appliances for precinct work based on the Leyland 15cwt chassis, the pair being arranged to operate in place of one larger appliance. Between them they can accommodate the full requirements in the way of men and equipment.
For the purpose of fire-fighting rapid access to a shopping precinct is essential but a 3+ton weight limit was set by the city authorities on vehicles entering Newcastle's particular development. This obviously put standard machines out of reckoning but the specially designed mini units have a gross weight under 3 tons. Overall length is 13ft 6in, width 5ft 7in and the wheelbase 7ft, and there is ample clearance to enable them to climb the 1-in-14 ramps that give access to the precinct. The small appliances will not carry water supplies since they will work in co-operation with larger engines that will remain on the perimeter roads where they can pump water to the appliances inside. The cost of each of the small machines is only one-sixth of that for a full-size tender.
One of the lightweight units carries a 46ft Lacon ladder which weighs only 220Ib. Each incorporates lockers containing emergency equipment and carries a 240Ib Coventry Climax pump.