Unusual Features in a Dennis Fire-engine.
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ALTHOUGH in the main fire-engine products are standard in design, there are occasions when the individual
requirements of brigades call for the use of special forms of equipment and an alteration in the general arrangement of certain components. Bearing these points in mind, it is notable that there are several features of outstanding interest in a fire-engine which has recently been supplied by Dennis Bros., Ltd., of Guildford, to the Luton Fire Brigade.
The chassis is that customarily employed for the Dennis 250-gallon machine, • and a pump of this capacity is actually fitted, but instead of it being situated in the usual position, which is at the rear of the frame, it is disposed above the rear of the gearbox. In this position it will, of course, be clear that only a very short drive is required to be taken from the gearbox.
The suction pipe is bifurcated and has a branch leading out to each side the machine, so that water may bo drawn either from the right or the left as may be most convenient.
The main section of the, body is behind the Pump and , is U-shaped, the opening leading to the firemen's seats being at the rear. The base of the U, which forms the front of the body, con
tains a first-aid tank of 40 gals. capa
city, and the hose for use with this supply is mounted on a reel immediately behind the driving seat. There are 250 yards of hose, the diameter of which is in. The first-aid equipment can also be used with water from a hydrant, a suitable connection being provided on the off side of the machine. Eight men are easily accommodated on the legs of the II, which also. form boxes in which 2,000 ft. of hose can be carried. • It would seem that this position for carrying the men is much safer than that which is normally relied upon, for the men are actually within the body and face inwards, whereas often they sit facing in the outward direction, outside the main body structure, in a position which might well be considered by some to be not a little precarious at the high speeds often maintained, although, admittedly, for quick mounting and dismounting it is very good.
The suction pipe, which is in four lengths, is normally carried in two boxes provided for the purpose below the floorboards, these being quite accessible and being in a position where they are protected from the chance of accidental damage.
In view of the position of the pump, it has been found necessary to build the driver's seat in two sections, the driver being accommodated on the right side of the pump and an officer on the left. A two-piece windscreen, hinged from the dashboard, affords those occupying the front seat a certain degree of protection from the weather.
The 35-ft. telescopie ladder which forms part of the equipment is carried in an unusual position, being "supported on brackets on the off side of the ma chine. There is also a smaller ladder, which extends to a height of 8 ft. 5 ins., on the near side of the body. The machine, is equipped with Dunlop armytractor-type tyres of 32-in. by 5-in. dimensions, twins being used on the rear wheels.
Other details of the equipment include a fire bell and a 12-volt electric lighting set.