Fire Brigade Proves Automatic Gearbox
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AFTER 18 months' trial of a Dennis fire-engine with Rolls-Royce engine and Rolls-Royce fully automatic gearbox, the first of its kind in the country. Manchester Fire Brigade has purchased another appliance of similar design and has ordered a third. It is believed that the automatic gearbox is likely to be standard for all Manchester fire appliances in the future. It is similar in design to those in use on Rolls-Royce ears.
The second Dennis, which has a Rolls-Royce B80 power unit, has bodywork built to the Manchester brigade specification by the Bankfield Engineering Co.. Ltd., Southport. The brigade workshop has fitted a • power transfer box behind the automatic gearbox and a Sigmund 900-g.p.m. pump has been added at the rear of the appliance. By this means the drive can be put through to the hack wheels or full torque can be transmitted to the rear pump.
The pump and transfer box are controlled from the cab, a tell-tale light in front of the driver indicating when the pump is in action. The next Dennis chassis for the Manchester brigade is to be supplied by the manufacturers already incorporating a Rolls-Royce transfer box.
A small Hathaway pump. giving 70 g.p.m. at 500 p.s.i., is located in front. of the radiator of the second appliance, with a direct coupling to the engine by means of an oil clutch.
Fire officers who have inspected the appliances under operational conditions state that drivers become fully "at home" with the automatic gearbox in about two hours and are able to concentrate solely on steering and braking. Heavy wear on clutches and gearboxes is common with normal fire-brigade vehicles, It is claimed that economies arising in this connection can be set off against the extra cost of the automatic gearbox.
SPARES FOR BRISTOLS?
PRIVATE, buyers of Bristol eightwheelers might have difficulty in obtaining spares for them, as the British Transport Commission were limited by the 1947 Act in the extent to which they could manufacttire for the public, a spokesman of the B.T.C. told The Commercial Motor on Monday. A number of Bristol vehicles is now in private hands after being purchased in units comprising complete depots.
AGREEMENT ON SERVICES AGREEMENT on the operation of Pi passenger services between their adjoining areas has been reached by Glasgow Corporation and Rutherglen Town Council. The tram route to Rutherglen has been withdrawn and motorbuses are working until trolley-buses can be introduced. Rutherglen Town Council are to make their main street suitable for trolleybuses at a cost of £30,000, of which Glasgow will pay a third.