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New Zealand circa 1921. "Wanganui Fire Brigade's Merryweather fire engine on blocks, probably in Chavannes Garage. When new, the vehicle had a large hose reel, later removed and replaced by rear lockers. A report in January 1926 stated that the machine was useless and unreliable. It was sold a short time later for 60 pounds." Glass negative by Frank J. Denton. View full size.
Notice the pulley drive system in the background behind the wall. I assume they had some sort of machine shop in the back driven by a belt and pulley system.
Looks like the boys are replacing the kingpin on the right front wheel. Also notice the plain (non-ball or roller) bearing that the wheel runs on. Plenty of work there for the machine shop on the other side of that wall!
Any more pictures in this series? Sure would love to see some of those machines hooked to all those belts.
That stationary engine is a sideshaft and looks a lot like a Tangye engine. Engines with sideshafts are uncommon, and the sideshaft is responsible for operating the ignition of the engine as well as governing the speed.
Six solid rubber tires, a chain drive, all that shiny brass, and no true driver seat. You either stood to drive it, or sat on the board behind the wheel.
I can't imagine why they didn't think this was the most wonderful vehicle ever made.
Line shaft machine shop behind the wall.
Hit and miss air compressor on the lower left.
Jig table front and center.
Modern shop in the day.
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