A New Fast Water Tender R EPLACEMENT of war-time and pre-war
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fire appliances still in service With many fire brigades throughout the country is now taking place. Among new types of equipment being produced is a fast water tender built to meet modern requirements and Home Office specifications by lames Whitson and Co., Ltd., Sipson, West Drayton, Middx.
Twelve have recently been delivered. Based on the Commer fire-tender chassis with a wheelbase of 11 ft. 9 ins., they are powered by , the 109 b.h.p.
underfloor six cylindered engine. Fitted with an enclosed body accommodating a crew of six, including an officer and driver, the value of the machine lies in its ability to render immediate aid.
A 400-gallon water tank and pumping gear are carried behind the crew compartment. In addition, a light mobile pump is carried on a separate rear platform. Capable of delivering 250 g.p.m., this unit enables distant water supplies
or separate hydrants to be drawn upon.
Standard -* equipment . includes a 30-35-ft. extension ladder, two reels carrying 180 ft. of hose for the first-aid 50-g.p.m. pump mounted in the body and driven from the power take-off of the vehicle gearbox, and a searchlight and 300 ft. of cable. Eleven roomy illuminated lockers occupy space in the body sides, and six open lockers extending along the top of the water tank may carry scaling ladders or canvas hose, in addition to the normal four lengths of suction hose.
Towing eyes are provided at the front and rear of the body, as well as a trailer coupling. Twin bells, both electrically operated, and flashing lights are mounted above the cab.
Recessed in the front panel of the body is a spotlight controlled by a handle in frogt of the officer's seat. in addition to the conventional foglight. The rear of the spotlight is hooded to exclude light from the cab interior. A combined immersion heater and battery-charger plug is also fitted in the cab, all electrical controls being incorporated in a panel behind the driver's seat. A sparge pipe runs under the front bumper for spraying smouldering debris.
Two 12-volt 180 amp.-hr batteries are carried under the rear, full-width crew seat. Overall length is 21 ft. 6 ins, and width is 7 ft. 6 ins., so that the appliance can be used, without undue d:fficulty, in confined spaces. The tender is of particular value for brigades operating in country towns, where roads are narrow and often unmade.