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Dennis Metz F17 TL
This is the 'business' end of a Metz Tl. Unlike the operation of todays TL's the ladder mechanism is all mechanical without any hydraulic rams. Elevation is provided through the chains driven by a reduction gearbox. Ladder extension is by by wire rope with gravity return. The aluminium tube running around the base of the turret is connected to the throttle of the engine. If you want the ladder to go up faster or the turret to rotate quicker you just bring on more engine throttle and away she goes. The hand levers control clutches which engage and disengage the drive to the three ladder functions (Extension, Elevation and Rotation). The clutches are hydraulically operated. The top back locker is desgined to carry hose. The letter box slit is for a length of hose to be permanently connected to the monitor and for the hose to be pulled out as the ladder is extended. The lower thin locker is to carry a stretcher which may be hung from the end of the ladder.
This is the 'business' end of a Metz Tl. Unlike the operation of todays TL's the ladder mechanism is all mechanical without any hydraulic rams. Elevation is provided through the chains driven by a reduction gearbox. Ladder extension is by by wire rope with gravity return. The aluminium tube running around the base of the turret is connected to the throttle of the engine. If you want the ladder to go up faster or the turret to rotate quicker you just bring on more engine throttle and away she goes. The hand levers control clutches which engage and disengage the drive to the three ladder functions (Extension, Elevation and Rotation). The clutches are hydraulically operated. The top back locker is desgined to carry hose. The letter box slit is for a length of hose to be permanently connected to the monitor and for the hose to be pulled out as the ladder is extended. The lower thin locker is to carry a stretcher which may be hung from the end of the ladder.
The throttle ring is concentric with the turret and is rotated clockwise to speed up operations and anticlockwise to bring engine speed back down. Unlike modern TL's where the operator sits on a seat attached to the turret and therefore rotates with the turret, the operator of this Metz has to move with the turret and is therefore climbing on the deck to maintain full control at all rotational positions.
Added by Barry on 29 March 2008.
Added by Barry on 29 March 2008.
I remember this TL being on the run in Central Station Belfast and seen it in action at fires. it originally had an open rear compartment for the crew member but because of H&S issues and the ongoing trouble in Belfast it was thought safer to have the crew compartment fully enclosed. Steve (ex-Fireman Belfast)
Added by Stephen Chapman on 04 December 2010.
Added by Stephen Chapman on 04 December 2010.
Dennis
Added by Pat_R-B on 29 March 2008.