Kent Adopts Oil-engined Ambulances
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DROBABLY the first municipal authority to employ oil-engined ambulances as an economy measure is Kent County Council. This body will shortly take delivery of two Trojan ambulances with Perkins P3 engines.
Some time ago Trojan, Ltd., Croydon, introduced a chassis having a 9-ft. 4-in, wheelbase, the standard model having a 7-ft. 10-in. wheelbase. This longer version takes a van body measuring 8 ft: 6 in. behind the driver's seat.
It is this chassis which is used for the ambulance, the body of which, for the most part, is similar to that of the van. The main differences lie in the fitting of four lights on each side and a modified rear end embracing folding steps.
To accommodate the steps, the rearmost cross-member of the chassis has been omitted. The spare wheel is carried beneath the body and to reach it one of the step risers is removed.
One stretcher case and six sitting patients can be carried, or six patients can be comfortably seated. The two bench-type seats, one on each side of the body, have Dunlopillo fillings covered with leather cloth.
The passenger seat in the cab is 'mounted so that when it is tilted forward it moves slightly away from the door. There are two lights at cantrail level and two Greenwood Airvac ventilators let into the roof. A heater and Pye two-way radio form other items of equipment.
To provide a more comfortable ride than would be obtained with the standard suspension, a softer type of spring is fitted at the rear.' Provision is made for fitting dampers, but even with only three passengers the vehicle provides extremely comfortable travel. Council.