1903
The first automobile at the Offenbach fire department
The turntable ladder can be viewed at the German Fire Service Museum in Fulda
Vehicle designation: Electric automobile turntable ladder
The Offenbacher Zeitung reported on 11.08.1903 that the new ladder was presented on 10.08.1903 to the District Councillor von Hombergk, Lord Mayor Brink, Fire Chief Müller, Fire Chief Rositzschka, Technical Administrator Kramm from Frankfurt/M., the Fire Chiefs of Biebrich, Mainz, Friedberg, Darmstadt, Fire Chief Stahl from Wiesbaden and Mr. Reutlinger from the magazine "Feuer und Wasser" and was also demonstrated practically on various objects. Even driving through very narrow lanes (Kleiner Biergrund) was successful without any complaints. All the exercises were carried out quickly and safely, which is all the more commendable given that the personnel were still completely untrained. This is proof of how easy the ladder is to handle despite its enormous dimensions. The Bieberer Berg was also conquered with ease.
Technical data
| manufacturer |
Nürnberger Feuerlöschgeräte & Maschinenfabrik A. G., vorm. Justus Christian Braun, Nuremberg |
| Year of manufacture | 1903 |
| Drive | Electric drive via 2 main current motors with 6 HP each, spring-mounted on the front axle |
| Battery | Weight: 1490 kg, 82 cells (planté plates), 96 amp. hours |
| Controller | 5 forward gears, 2 reverse gears, 2 brake gears |
| Lighting | 2 electric lanterns and 1 acetylene lantern |
| Running signal | Electric motorized bell |
| Crew | 10 men |
| speed | 25 km/h |
| Driving distance | 25 km (factory specification) |
| Ladder length | 23.5 m, wooden ladder sections, CO² extension machine |
| Length, width | 8000 mm, 2000 mm |
| Weight | Empty 5400 kg, total weight 7277 kg |
| Track width | Front 1330 mm, rear 1600 mm |
| Steering | Front 1330 mm, rear 1600 mm |
| Brakes | Turntable steering front axle 90°, turning circle 7 m |
| Speedometer | 1 handbrake, 2 electric brakes |
| Odometer | Siemens & Halske, installed in 1905 |
| Direction indicator | A tilting red arrow with a white border. This railroad-like direction indicator was introduced around 1913. It was attached to the front on the right-hand side and has been preserved. |
| Tires | Solid rubber tires vulcanized on without anti-skid protection |
| Load | 130 m hose, 2 nozzles, 1 Offenbach standpipe with excess length, 1 hydrant wrench, 1 distribution piece |
| Put into service | Delivered on 01.08.1903 and put into service on 10.08.1903 |
| Location | Fire station at Herrnstr. 50 |
On 26.02.1927, the turntable ladder was taken out of service and replaced by a petrol-powered automobile rescue ladder.
Aftermath
In 1927, the ladder was transferred to the Historical Museum in Frankfurt. Due to a lack of space, it was not exhibited but stored in various depots. After the war, it was returned to Offenbach.
There it was refurbished by the professional firefighters in 1962 and handed over to the German Fire Service Museum. It is now enjoying its well-earned retirement in Fulda and can be viewed during the museum's opening hours.