Fire Engines Photos

I believe that radiator cap also incorporated a thermometer for Engine Coolant temperature.

Also, I have been puzzling, too, over the RH Drive Engines of that period - was it to allow the driver to spot the truck handy to the curb/hydrant ? Or, to be able to locate the big hand-brake lever and gear-shift lever "Out-doors" and by
Driver's right-hand ?

Regards,


Added by Pat_R-B on 22 May 2008.

Prior to motor vehicles in the states, wagon, buggy and stagecoach drivers sat in the right seat. It may have been a carryover from the horse and buggy days.

Added by Rodger on 20 August 2008.

Not all American fire trucks were right hand drive in those days. In fact the very first gasoline powered pumper was left hand drive. Many manufacturers supplied them in both RH and LH drives depending on the Depts preference. The reasons include most of the suggestions above and others as well. RHD fire engine production continued through until about 1930.

Added by Gary Walker on 26 October 2009.

Another issue regarding right side steering. The pump controls were also on the right side. Some have said this was done to keep the pump operator out of traffic and it was easier to spot the hydrant or water supply from the driver's (right) side. What do you folks think?

Added by Rodger on 26 October 2009.

Probably right Rodger. Our fire trucks are set up that way because we drive on the left in New Zealand i.e. right hand drive and with the pump controls on the left hand side. Not only does this keep the pump operator out of traffic it also allows him greater control of pressures as he can see and feel the hoses, rather than relying on watching gauges.

Added by Gary Walker on 27 October 2009.

Rodger - I think you have it right. (No pun intended!) The right hand drive was not limited to fire trucks but included other commercial vehicles too.

The impetus to switch to left hand drive was mainly stimulated by the problem of overtaking other vehicles, as it is harder to see around a car or truck ahead of you. This was less of an issue for slow moving commercial trucks - but did become an important consideration for fire truck drivers!

Both RHD and LHD existed through the 1920s.

Added by Rob Johnson on 19 August 2017.

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