Fire Engines:Powerful Pumpers (303)Fire engines have always inspired awe, from their origins as hand-pumps on wheels through the steam engine days and on to the modern vehicles with their sophisticated equipment and huge water tanks. Author and collector Louis Farah and Joe Ortiz, Director of the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum, are on hand to bring the history of fire engines to life.
- In 1721, Englishman Richard Newsham received a royal patent for an engine to quench fires--its cistern could hold about 170 gallons of water.
- The Newsham engine could pump up to 100 gallons a minute.
- Before the invention of pressure regulators locomotives and steam engines exploded often.
- Fire engines progressed through various forms but didn't carry their own water until the 1930s.
- The 1936 REO Speedwagon fire engine had the pump under the driver seat.
- In 1950 Seagrave built a four-wheel-drive fire engine to serve rural areas.
- The 1967 Crown Fire Coach was built to climb a 30 percent grade in fifth gear.
- Ladders and hose are stored in the rear lockers of the 2000 KME fire engine. Notice that there's no room for anyone to ride on the rear--that practice was abandoned for safety reasons years ago.
Los Angeles Fire Department Museum.
Admission free; open Saturdays 10-4
323-464-2727
www.lafd.org/museum
)
