A Firefly for Fire-fighting
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ANEW type of fire appliance based on the Thames 5-ton long-wheelbase chassis and intended for overseas use, has hien put into production by Fire Armour, Ltd., 9, George Street, London, W.1. It is known as the Firefly Mk.
The standard radiator has been replaced by one together with a special cowl
of a larger capacity, and fan to provide ample cooling for stationary pumping in any climate.
The body is steelframed and panelled in steel. The bodywork is by James Whitson and Co., Ltd., West Drayton,' Middlesex, the equipment and fittings being manufactured by Fire Armour, Ltd.
A double cab for six firemen is reached through four doors. The rear of the body, which is of limousine type, encloses a 500-gallon water tank, underneath which is a first-aid pump, gravity fed from the tank, with a capacity of 50 g.p.m. This pump is driven from the power take-oft, thus enabling it to be engaged while the vehicle is in motion. A wide cab with separate doors for driver, officer and crew is a feature of the Fire Armour Firefly water tender based on the Thames chassis. Fitted for overseas use, it has a siren on one wing and a loudspeaker on the other.
The main pump is a centrifugal unit with a capacity of 500 g.p.m., mounted at the extreme rear and driven through a Martin Harrier patent auxiliary transmission system. The light rubber hose for the first-aid pump is carried in a, reel above the main pump, the
diameter canvas hose for the main pump being accommodated in lockers alongside. An extending light-alloy 45-ft. ladder is mounted on the roof.
Other items of equipment which may be fitted are a front-mounted sparge pipe and a Fognoz1 ihstailation manufactured by Fire Armour, Ltd. Far overseas use, a siren may be mounted on one wing and a loudspeaker on the other. A portable booster pump may also be carried.
Overall dimensions are given as 22 ft, 6 ins. long, 7•ft. 3 ins, wide and 7 ft. 4 ins. high. The vehicle is powered by the Thames V8 petrol engine and its unladen weight is 4 tons 2 cwt.