Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-09-07
A FIRST-oLASs TRUCK.
Delaware Fire Cas- Apparatus, which HAS
Been Rebuilt, One of the Most Complete

Delaware Fire Cas- Apparatus, which HAS
Been Rebuilt, One of the Most Complete
in the Country.
Tho Delaware Fire Co. IS truck, which
has been remoaeled By the La France
Engine Go. OF Elmira, N. ", at q cost
of 81, 700, arrived in this city about
O'Clock today week and later in the
day was taken to tho truck house, on
French street below Sixth, where inn
prorements have Just been made pro-
raratory to receiving the practically
new apparatus.
The truck is to great extent new,
looks new and is as good as new, and,
according TO a letter received from the
firm which rebuilt it, is one of the
most complete trucks in the country.
One Of the chief additional features is
q 35-gallon chemical tank, which is
suspended under the body midway be-
tween the front and rear wheels. 1t is
up to date in all its appointments,
and with 200 feet of hose gives the
company complete chemical engine
in connection with the hook and lad
der and general life-saving outfit.
The truck was shipped from Whining
ton on July 9Th and has been gone
nearly two months, during which time,
in addition to the chemical apparatus,
has been provided with new wheels,
axles, springs, baskets for the hose
and other appliances, reel under the
tillerman's seat for the rope with which
to block off the street at fires. a new
ladder cable to take the place of the
old one which had been burned con
siderably by coming in contact with
wires, New York standard fire depart
ment lanterns and other incidental
features. All of the metal work has
been renickeled and the wood work re-
painted. The body and running gear
are maroon, with gilt letters and or.
namentation and the ladders are fin
ished in hardwood with gilt letters.
The painting has been artistically
done and the apparatus is exceedingly
attractive The new wheels and springs
add materially to its strength, which
was necessary, as the weight has been
Increased from 5000 to 1900 pounds,
the extra weight being due chiefly to
the addition of the chemical ap-
paratus. The ladders, which have
been strengthened also, remain the same
as before, SO far as length and the
mechanical connections are concerned.
The remodeled truck will add materi.
ally to tho efficiency of the company.
The improvements to the truck houst
are also noticeable. 1t has been
thoroughly renovated and tho floor oil
the main room under the apparatus
and also of the stable have been painted,
while the portion of the main floor
which is used by horses and men and
the stairways have been provided with
substantial mating furnished by M.
Megary & Son The mating will save
the floor and deaden tho sound wher
horses are walking upon it. The mem.
bers of the company obtained the idea
while touring through New York State
recently. The horses have also beer
provided with rubber shoes, which will
save the mating.
The harness is at the establishment
of Charles p. Maroney, where it is be.
ing rearranged and put in good shape.
All of the metal work has been re.
moved and is to be replaced by nickel,
| which will make it exceedingly at,
tractiye. The spiders upon which
the harness hangs in the truck house
have been painted with aluminium Civ.
ing them the appearance of silver.