Motor fire-engine and escape for Grimsby 1906.

This motor fire-engine was constructed to the order of the Grimsby Corporation by Messrs. Merryweather and Sons, Greenwich Road, London S.E. It was built to suit the requirements of the chief officer of the Grimsby Fire-Brigade. It was state-of-the-art in 1906.

The petrol motor under the polished brass bonnet has four cylinders with an output of 24 to 30 horsepower. The chemical cylinder is of polished copper and has a capacity of 35 gallons. The acid is carried in a lead bottle inside. A rotating pricker and stirrer are fitted so that the charge of acid and soda can be mixed immediately when required. The fire-escape is of Merryweather’s patent “sliding-carriage” pattern and reaches a height of 50 feet. An extra ladder can add another 10 feet. A large box holds the hose and gear. The hose can be attached to hydrants to fight larger fires. Two hand “Kemik” fire-engines, for dealing with small fires, are carried on footboards at the sides.

Taken from an original engineering magazine printed in June 1906.