MODERN EQUIPMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 September 1938, Page 6

MODERN EQUIPMENT

MASTERTON’S NEW FIRE ENGINE

GOOD PERFORMANCE ON TESTS. SOME INTERESTING FEATURES. Masterton now possesses the most up-to-date and efficient fire-fighting machine it is possible to secure. The new machine, which arrived on Thursday afternoon from Wellington, is attracting considerable attention. It is being placed in commission today. The Superintendent, Mr T. B. Clark, this morning indicated to a “Times-Age” representative the capabilities and equipment of the new machine. A speed test carried out before the machine was handed over to the Masterton Fire Board provided an impressive demonstration of its efficiency. Unloaded it weighs four tons and with its full complement of ten men and equipment it weighs 5 tons scwt. During the speed test it carried eight men and 4000 ft. of hose. It accelerated to 30 miles an hour in 19 seconds, reached 40 miles an hour in 34 4-5 seconds and 50 miles an hour in 51 seconds, attaining a speed of between 60 and 65 miles an hour. It negotiated the Brooklyn Hill in Wellington, fully loaded, in 2 minutes 50 seconds, the lowest speed on the ascent being 12 miles per hour.- The motor, which is rated as 29.4 horse-powed, develops a maximum of 85 horse power at 2500 revolutions per minute. The body, which has been built specially for the requirements of the Masterton Fire Brigade, so that the machine may carry every piece of equipment and apparatus necessary for fire fighting, was constructed in Wellington. It is of the new world type, a feature of which is that there is no possibility of a fireman being thrown off or falling off the machine as it turns a corner. It has accommodation for ten men, the driver and officer in front and eight men at the back.

The main and auxiliary pumps are carried amidships. The main pump has a capacity of 500 gallons of water per minute and a pressure of 1601bs per square inch is attainable from a l|in. nozzle and 1801bs from a 7-Bin. nozzle. The water may be delivered from either side of the machine, as all the equipment is duplicated. Similarly, the machine can work from any streams, stand pipes or other sources of supply without the necessity of turning it round. There is ample locker accommodation. The main locker, immediately behind the driver’s seat, runs right across the machine, and as the door is opened a light is automatically switched on. This locker, in which the bulk of fire-fighting equipment will be carried, including 1000 ft.. of hose, is 6ft sin wide, sft 9in long and 3ft high. It will be subdivided into compartments to suit local requirements. It also contains the first-aid tank, with a capacity of 40 gallons of water. There is an auxiliary pump for dealing with this supply capable of delivering the water at a pressure of at least 1001 b per square inch. The first aid outfit, which can be brought into use in very quick time, also includes a hose reel and two lengths of hose. The front lockers, which have collapsible fronts, carry the feeder lengths all ready for instant coupling. On either side of the machine there are two hose lockers of ample proportions, accessible from the side or rear, the interiors being automatically lighted as in the case of the main locker.

Other equipment includes three lengths of suction hoses for working from rivers, streams or wells; an extension ladder 17|ft to 30ft in length, carried on the side of the machine; a smaller ladder, 9ft to 14ft in length, for use in houses or confined spaces; two searchlights which can.be swung to any angle; a siren and horn sounding simultaneously, and gauges for indicating the water pressure. The gauges are illuminated by electric lights. Standing alongside this ultra-mod-ern machine is the old hose tender which has seen service since 1916. The Dennis pump, purchased in 1925, is still in first-class order and is capable of delivering water at 300 to 400 gallons per- minute. Incidentally the Dennis machine cost £1545 and the one just purchased, a Leyland, about £l7OO.