Ambulance [Otahuhu Railway Ambulance]
Maker and role
International Harvester Company, Manufacturer
Production date
1938
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
1982.985
Production period
Description
1938 International ambulance., White and Grey/Brown. Black front bumper and two LUCAS headlamps, AMBULANCE at the front top of the vehicle. INTERNATIONAL badges along the side front of the engine. 'OTAHUHU RAILWAY AMBULANCE' painted yellow on the side of the ambulance. 'TARE 2277Kg, TARE 4800LBS' White mudguards. Front leather covered bench seat and window to the back compartment of the ambulance.
Brief History
During World War Two, it became evident at the Otahuhu Railway Workshops that a special vehicle was required to cater for the numerous accidents and incidents which were occurring at the Works. Staff, at this time, exceeded 1200 personnel, and injury was almost a daily occurrence.
During 1945, by means of donations and raffles, the staff fund was able to purchase an Army Surplus Vehicle of low mileage which was capable of being adapted and rebuilt as an ambulance. This 1938, 15 cwt International was then put through the workshop by staff in their own time and at their own expense, and converted into the ambulance which, for the next 30 years, was to become such a big part of the scene at the works and in the surrounding district.
The main body construction was carried out in the number one body shop, while ancillary components were designed and created by and in many of the other departments of the works.
At the peak of its working life, the ambulance was in almost daily service. A range of accidents were attended to, many resulting in trips to Middlemore Hospital.
Around 1953, a sick bay was established at the works as back-up for the ambulance and was staffed by a full time nurse. The ambulance itself was staffed by standby works staff who had been especially trained in first aid.
During 1976, arrangements were made to replace the ambulance by the purchase of a redundant Dodge from the St Johns Ambulance Association. Staff funds for this transaction were short by approximately $75. MOTAT purchased this vehicle for the sum required, and the 1938 International Ambulance became a part of the MOTAT collection.
During 1945, by means of donations and raffles, the staff fund was able to purchase an Army Surplus Vehicle of low mileage which was capable of being adapted and rebuilt as an ambulance. This 1938, 15 cwt International was then put through the workshop by staff in their own time and at their own expense, and converted into the ambulance which, for the next 30 years, was to become such a big part of the scene at the works and in the surrounding district.
The main body construction was carried out in the number one body shop, while ancillary components were designed and created by and in many of the other departments of the works.
At the peak of its working life, the ambulance was in almost daily service. A range of accidents were attended to, many resulting in trips to Middlemore Hospital.
Around 1953, a sick bay was established at the works as back-up for the ambulance and was staffed by a full time nurse. The ambulance itself was staffed by standby works staff who had been especially trained in first aid.
During 1976, arrangements were made to replace the ambulance by the purchase of a redundant Dodge from the St Johns Ambulance Association. Staff funds for this transaction were short by approximately $75. MOTAT purchased this vehicle for the sum required, and the 1938 International Ambulance became a part of the MOTAT collection.
Marks
INTERNATIONAL Maker's Plate
Media/Materials
Credit Line
International Harvester Company. 1938. Ambulance [Otahuhu Railway Ambulance], 1982.985. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.