The Mechanical Horse as a Fire-fighter
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Extreme Manceuvrability Provides a Well-equipped Machine of Outstanding Utility For Fire-fighting Purposes
rr'HE mechanical-horse type .cf .I. vehicle has found its way into several spheres of activity outside those for which it was originally introduced, and the latest is that of fire-fighting, this being the purpose of a new product for which Scammell Lorries, Ltd., Watford West, Herts, is responsible. By reason of its all-round utility, it should prove a useful addition to the more conventional appliances operated by fire brigades and, in some instances—particularly where the area safeguarded is comparatively small— it may well serve as a primary protective unit.
The chassis is a three-wheeler, somewhat similar to that of the well-knows, Scammell mechanical horse. It serves as the basis of a -compact fire-engine,
which carries its own water supply. Mounted centrally on the chassis is a tank with a capacity of 300 galls., beneath it being a rotary pump driven by a power take-off from the four
cylindered engine. This pump has
suCtion and delivery ports and is constructed with a body of gunmetal and rotary parts and shafts of stainless steel. It has an output of 20 g.p.m. at its normal speed of 1,400 r.p.m,, but the output can be increased to 25 g.p.m. by running at a maximum speed of 1,700 r.p.m.
When smaller quantities of water have to be delivered, the pump can be operated at proportionately lower speeds,-but, in each case, the water can be delivered at a pressure of 175 lb. per sq. in.
On top of the water tank are twa hose reels carrying 120 ft. of 1-in. hose of rubber and canvas construction. The hose is permanently and hydraulically connected to the pump delivery. In addition, provision is made for carrying two 10-ft. lengths of 3-in. suction hose and four 100-ft. lengths of 21-in. canvas delivery hose, below the seats provided for the crew of five men.
An important feature of the new fire, fighter is that the frame is extended behind the tank and adapted to carry a light-type fire pump. This is held by easily detachable securing clips and can be lifted off quickly by two men, handles being provided for the purpose. This portable pump draws from a static supply, and delivers at the rate of 250 g.p.m.
A gantry, constructed from light rolled-steel sections, is mounted on the appliance and carries a 30-ft. scaling ladder and ceiling. hook.
An open-type cab accommodates the driver and a passenger, and a fullwidth spring tip-up seat at the rear cf the cab gives accommodation for three men. The driver and crew, as well as vital parts of the machine, are protected from shrapnel and splinters, when engaged on A.R.P. duty, by a double-skin, deeply domed steel canopy, and by the steel front scuttle and engine cowling.
The machine will readily haul a heavy-duty trailer pump and the Sea mmell concern has introduced a 975 g.p.m. unit, which can he employed with this appliance, as shown in the accompanying illustration.
The trailer has a single-stage centrifugal pump, which is bolted to the engine bell-housing and directly driven through a rubber and steel semi-flexible coupling from the flywheel. Its capacity is 475 g.p.m. at a pressure of 60 lb. per sq. in, and 250 g.p.m. at 150 lb. per sq. in., these figures being based on a 10-ft. suction lift, maintained through three 8-ft. lengths of suction hose of 4 ins. diameter.
Provision is made on the chassis for housing four 8-ft. lengths of 4-in, diameter armoured suction hose, this being carried in metal trays, supported on outriggers and secured by straps and buckles. Metal trays are also provided for accommodating four 100-ft. lengths of 22-in. diameter canvas delivery hose. At the front of the chassis are three capacious metal lockers for housing a useful range of -equipment that is needed for fire-fighting duties.