County Council Turns Bodybuilder
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70 meet a need far a full-fronted L five-seater water tender, the central pair depot of Somerset County ouncil recently converted a Fordson irmal-control 5-ton drop-sided lorry Ir operation by the county fire
authority. The vehicle fills the brigade's requirements with notable economy.
Based on a hardwood frame and panelled in light alloy, the appliance carries a cylindrical 400-gallon water tank behind the cab. A 250-g.p.m. fight pump unit is mounted in front of the tank, and a sliding panel in the rear bulkhead of the cab enables the pump to be started on the way to a fire. Six large lockers, automatically illuminated at night, are provided in the body sides, which are built out to the full width of the vehicle. Twci 100-ft, hose reels are mounted above the rear wheel-arches and the pump-control panel is situated on the near side.
Headroom in the station from which the tender will operate is limited, and for this reason the 30-ft. extending ladder was -recessed into the cab roof. The rear ladder gallows are welded to the top of the timk. In the tail of the vehicle there is a hydrant coupling for a_ large hose or for replenishing the tank. A trailer pump may be towed, for which purpose a towing attachment is fitted. Flashing lights are incorporated in a panel above the centre pillar of the windscreen.
Success with this conversion has probably encouraged a decision to undertake several more on Dodge chassis.