Novel Fire-engines
Page 57
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for Birmingham
BUILT to the specification of the officers of the Birmingham Fire Brigade, a pair of interesting machines has recently been supplied by Commer Cars, Ltd., Luton, through its -Midland depot, Commer Sales (Midland), Ltd.
Probably the most obviously novel feature is the method of carrying the crew. Immediately behind the driver, who is placed beside the engine, is a transverse full-width seat with accommodation for five firemen, who, with the driver, form the complete crew.
Above the machine is 'mounted a 50-ft. fire escape, but a unique feature is that the extending ladders—one of 14 ft. and the other of 30 ft.—are carried below the escape instead of upon it. This naturally results in a considerable saving of time when unlimbering the escape. A pompier scaling ladder is also carried.
The first-aid equipment, which can be brought into immediate use while the heavier fire-fighting apparatus is being arranged for action, consists of a 60gallon tank and 120 ft. of 1-in, rubber non-kink hose with a +-in. jet, carried on a reel with a semi-rotating base.
A double-helical gear pump is driven from an enclosed power take-off, and the first-aid set is capable of delivering 10 gallons per minute at 75 lb. per sq. in. The pump and the various valves associated with it are controlled by a wheel on the off side. Not far from it, and close to the driver's seat, is the lever that controls the power take-off. Thus one man can easily operate the pump from the off side of the tender.
In addition, two chemical extincteurs are carried and there is a cupboard with accommodation for 800 yds. of hose. The chassis is a Commer N.11.6 type, but with a wheelbase of only 12 ft. 6 ins. The engine, with its six cylinders of 105 mm. bore by 140 min. stroke, develops 108 h.h.p. at 2,300 r.p.m., and is capable of propelling the complete vehicle at a speed of 55 m.p.h. on the level, despite a total weight of 6 tons 5 cwt. when laden.
Acceleration, an important matter for this work, is particularly good. Only 15 secs. are required to attain 30 m.p.h. from 10 m.p.h, on top gear, and a further 12 secs. are sufficient to leach 44) m.p.h. Braking is, of course,
equally vital and this Commer tender can be brought toa standstill from :30 m.p.h. in 58 ft. For all these performance figures, with the exception of the power output, we are indebted to the Birmingham Fire Brigade.
Other interesting features of the machine are the use of dual ignition (magneto and coil), two separate gravity petrol feeds, and a C.A.V. starting and lighting set with a 100amp-hour battery. To ensure instant availability, an immersion heater, energized from the mains, is built into the engine-cooling system, so that this is always at a good working temperature when the vehicle is in the station.
Radiator shutters are also fitted, these being under the driver's control. A thermometric device is arranged so that a green light appears on the instrument board when a temperature of 180 degrees F. is reached. This avoids relying on any form of automatic operation for the shutters, and at the same time gives the driver a clear indication when the water temperature is approaching boiling point.
In addition to the features described, the load is carried as low as possible, in accordance with the established practice of the Birmingham Fire Brigade. In View of the particular duties of such a machine and the necessity of its reaching the scene of a fire without delay, the importance of this matter can readily be appreciated.