The Byron-Jackson "Centrifog" booster pumps were two-stage centrifugal, rated 160 gpm and 160 psi. The "newer triple combination engines used one of them. The High Pressure Wagons had two each. The pumps could either be operated in high (600psi) or low pressure (300psi). In the high-pressure mode, discharge from one pump is delivered to all 1 1/2" outlets at 300psi and also into the second pump. The second pump boosts the pressure to 600 psi at the 1" HP outlets. Actually, due to hose limitations, 500psi is the maximum pressure and 250psi the maximum low pressure (1 1/2" outlets).
A little background. LAFD began using 1 1/2" attack lines in 1920. They found the flexibility and an aggressive attack made a great firefighting combination. Chemical propelled booster line's, later pump driven, fell out of favor by the end of the 1940's. They were replaced with 1" double jacketed cotton hose.
It was reasoned that the use of high-pressure pumps would increase the firefighting effectiveness. A kind of surgical approach. By 1959, 29 HP Wagons, paired with triple combination engines, were spread throughout the City. They had their place in the downtown or congested area's as much as anywhere else in the City.
A two-piece engine company can be very versatile and by adding the high-pressure and manifold concept (many lines from one piece of apparatus)made it even more effective.
Oldtimer's love to share stories of how well they knocked fires down with the 1" HP line, often before the balance of the assignment arrived. I should add that often there were a number of burned ears in the process. Thus the engine guys were all over the truckies to get the structure vented quickly.
The demise of hose wagons occurred when the AIA, now ISO, refused to give them credit.
Hope that answers your question.
John
A little background. LAFD began using 1 1/2" attack lines in 1920. They found the flexibility and an aggressive attack made a great firefighting combination. Chemical propelled booster line's, later pump driven, fell out of favor by the end of the 1940's. They were replaced with 1" double jacketed cotton hose.
It was reasoned that the use of high-pressure pumps would increase the firefighting effectiveness. A kind of surgical approach. By 1959, 29 HP Wagons, paired with triple combination engines, were spread throughout the City. They had their place in the downtown or congested area's as much as anywhere else in the City.
A two-piece engine company can be very versatile and by adding the high-pressure and manifold concept (many lines from one piece of apparatus)made it even more effective.
Oldtimer's love to share stories of how well they knocked fires down with the 1" HP line, often before the balance of the assignment arrived. I should add that often there were a number of burned ears in the process. Thus the engine guys were all over the truckies to get the structure vented quickly.
The demise of hose wagons occurred when the AIA, now ISO, refused to give them credit.
Hope that answers your question.
John
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