A Bacteriological Laboratory Van.
Page 4
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Mounted on an Albion Chassis, this Special Equipment is for Use with the New Welsh Army Corps.
We were lately enabled by the courtesy of the Albion. MOtor Car Co.; and also Of Messrs. Baird and Tatlock, of Waltharustow, to examine a unique example of the latest application of the commercial motor, this being a bacteriological laboratory van applied to an Albion chassis. There have been one or two similar examples of such vehicles to which we have been able to refer in our columns. These, however, have all been Mounted on touring-car chassis, and have, of course, been limited somewhat in the matter of body space, and hence in their capacity for carrying a full equipment. This, however, is the first occasion on which a heavy commercialyehicle chassis has been employed for the purpose described.
On a Two-ton Albion Chassis.
The chassis in this case is a standard two-ton Albion with gs h.p. engine.: The body is very substantially constructed and is very completely equipped externally with cupboards for carrying tools and clothing. There are also special compartments for kerosene and batteries for the lighting equipment.; a 1.0-gallon water tank is situated. on the roof, a hand pump being fitted to the offside, with which it is .a simple matter to replenish this tank: whenever necessary.
Sterilizers and Culture Cupboards.
Internally the equipment is very complete. The Nan is well lighted and ventilated. The front portion, which is partitioned off and -so arranged that by means. _of. a sliding door, it can be entirely sepafated from the main portion of the .interior, eon:tains several varieties of sterilizers, including one which is so disposed that steam at a high pressure and temperature can be contained. This is to be used when special need for more than ordinary care is present. There are two culture cupboards; a fume cupboard, a large supply of retort stands, and a substantial A Complete Laboratory Outfit.
In the rear, or major portion, a bench occupies the whole of one side ; it is provided with a sink at one end, a microscope shelf, and bottle cupboards complete with an adequate supply of chemicals, spirits and so on. On the other side are the toilet arrangements, balances, test tube and flask stands, and. also ,a centrifugal machine. Al] the space available for such has been taken up .by cupboards and drawers, and the
B22 laboratory seems to be vell supplied with all that is likely to be necessary during several months of use.
Oil and Electric Lighting.
The lighting arra,ngements are in duplicate, oil being available in the case of failure of the electric current. All the heating, of course, is done by oil lamps. The staff of this laboratory will consist of a surgeon, orderly with bacteriological knowledge, and driver. The surgeon will be able to sleep inside ; special arrangements have been made whereby the driver and orderly can sleep in the cab, a, bunk being fitted above the driver's head, and curtains are provided which can be drawn.
For the Welsh Army Corps.
The ear is. to be sent almost immediately to the headquarters of the Welsh Army at Colwyn Bay. Eventually, of course, it will accompany the Welsh corps to the Front, but in the meantime it is to be very usefully employed in Wales in connection with inoculations and the like.