We are excited to show everyone the continued progress on our new Engine/Tanker. On Monday afternoon, we were notified that the body had been set onto the chassis. With this news, Chief Green and Captain Harris left for Meyersdale, PA at 7:00 AM this morning, to get a first-hand look at the new unit; and of course, take lots of pictures. We walked through the plant office door at 9:50 AM and were met by one of the plant managers; who quickly took us to the fabrication bays where the new unit is in production.
We immediately began taking pictures and meeting the fabricators. Their courtesy was astounding. Though they continued to work, they greeted us and began to explain their processes of the fabrication. The primary fabricator, Steve, even gave us an estimated timeline on when future items would be installed and a rough timeline on when we should return for the "Pre-paint Inspection".
He advised that the tank would be installed on Wednesday (11-18-15). Other work would be completed quickly, however, due to Thanksgiving (Plant shut-down from 11/26 to 11/30), the "Pre-paint Inspection" wouldn't be ready until 12/8/15. That's only 3 weeks away.
Here are the updated pictures of the fabrication.
Driver Side
The body of the new Engine/Tanker has been installed. Passenger Side
Rear
Chief Green discussing production with Plant Manager.
The pump and valves.
Front view of body tunnel where tank will be installed.
Intake and discharge valves on the passenger side. Another discharge valve will be installed to the left of the intake.
The compartments are HUGE! The passenger side compartments alone, have more square foot of space than all of the compartments combined on our current Engine/Tanker 82.
Steve (facing us) is working on the pump assembly while another worker begins to run wiring to the body.
Though we will have twice the amount of compartment space and water, the unit is only 1' 5" longer than our current unit. The actual height shown here (no water) measures 10' 7".
Chief Green stands in one of the compartments to give a perspective of the compartment size.
The tank floor will set on this support structure.
This fabricator is installing additional support panels for the ladder lift and tank lift systems.
