An Aquarium on Wheels
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A 1,000 Gallon Tanker Specially Constructed For the Transport of Live Fish ASOMEWHAT outstanding example of a special-purpose vehicle is to be found in what may he termed an aquarium on wheels, operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, of America.
The chassis, which is a rigid sixwheeler, carries a tank of about 1,000 gallons capacity, specially constructed for the transport of salmon. The Bureau, which has a fleet of eight ,af these machines, had them built to carry the 1939 run of salmon from the Columbia River to streams best adapted to the propagation of the various species.
The fish are introduced into the tank via an opening in the top, and are dumped from the rear through a gate operated by means of a lever secured to an extension of
a transverse shaft carrying an articulated arm suitably coupled to the gate.
An essential of the transport of live salmon is the maintenance of an even temperature of the water, approximating to that into which the fish are to be dumped. To this end there is an ice compartment, located between the tank and the cab, holding 1,800 lb. of cracked ice. As the water of the Columbia River is usually warmer than that of the tributaries into which the fish are dumped, means are provided for regulating the temperature of the water in the tank. Thus, the salmon, when dumped, are not subjected to shock.
Suitable means are provided for aerating the contents of the tank. Temperatures and air pressure are indicated on the instrument board and controls are provided so that the driver can effect any necessary regulation.
The laden weight of this type of machine is about six tons and, under normal conditions, road speeds of 50 m.p.h. are attained.