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Fire Engine Photos
Depending on when they were produced, different models of these Merryweather steamers had a pumping capacity of between 250 and 450 IGPM.
Unlike most North American steamers, they usually carried a full crew of firefighters and a supply of 2.5 inch hose. This was carried in a locker, which slao served as a crew seat for the coachman and the crew. Neither the coachman nor the engineer acted as firefighters: in London, for example, the actual firefighting complement was usually three or four members including an officer.
One major factor influencing the replacement by motor pumps was that the driver could also operate the pump, and serve as a regular firefighter if necessary, as well as eliminating the cost of hiring, feeding and caring for the horses.
In 1913 the LCC Brigade still operated 67 horsedrawn steam pumpers, along with one self-propelled steamer and 23 motor pumps. However, pumping apparatus were not really used very often. Pumps were employed at only 66 out of 3387 fires in London that year. The remainder were extinguished by hand appliances, CO2 powered hose reel systems or by hose lines hooked directly to hydrants utilizing only mains pressure.
Added by Rob Johnson on 21 April 2014.
Unlike most North American steamers, they usually carried a full crew of firefighters and a supply of 2.5 inch hose. This was carried in a locker, which slao served as a crew seat for the coachman and the crew. Neither the coachman nor the engineer acted as firefighters: in London, for example, the actual firefighting complement was usually three or four members including an officer.
One major factor influencing the replacement by motor pumps was that the driver could also operate the pump, and serve as a regular firefighter if necessary, as well as eliminating the cost of hiring, feeding and caring for the horses.
In 1913 the LCC Brigade still operated 67 horsedrawn steam pumpers, along with one self-propelled steamer and 23 motor pumps. However, pumping apparatus were not really used very often. Pumps were employed at only 66 out of 3387 fires in London that year. The remainder were extinguished by hand appliances, CO2 powered hose reel systems or by hose lines hooked directly to hydrants utilizing only mains pressure.
Added by Rob Johnson on 21 April 2014.
Merryweather
I can make out "Merryweather, London" on the Builder's Plate. Any further info anyone?
Looks like she is capable of being steamed.(?)
Great to see a steamer harnessed up and ready to go - as most of us only get to see them as museum exhibits.
Regards, from Canada,
Pat_R-B
Added by Pat Rivers-Bowerman on 21 November 2008.