Police Car: International Paddy Wagon
Baltimore police department dealt with several unique vehicles during the earlier eras. One among them happens to be the international paddy wagon. The year 1947 saw the birth of various kinds of wagons for commercial usage. This brief discussion would involve details about the 1947 International Paddy Wagon used extensively by the Baltimore police department. It is extremely hard to come across the vehicle nowadays - but it had enjoyed much limelight during those years when it was put to use by the police department.
One must understand that the Americans had coined the term "paddy wagon". The present generation might have already come across diverse kinds of police vans. The International Paddy Wagon came with some of the most advanced features found in police cars at that time. Spacious cabin space for placing the offenders restrained, along with an ample place for the police personnel to locate themselves were the primary factors that made the police department to invest on these beauties. Back in those days, the wagon was also released to the consumer market as the all-new International K-Series panel truck.
With the passage of time, International Harvester Vehicles (the official manufacturer of the International Paddy Wagon) became Navistar International Corporation. A footboard provided at the rear, with steel bars on either side helped the force to take positions at the hindmost parts of the wagon. In fact, according to some of the testimonies collected from various sources, the police officers liked to ride the wagon in that manner because it helped them to alight and act promptly during riot situations. The International Paddy Wagon was the first vehicle to come with such oddities. The vehicle was fitted with a slightly powerful engine that was procured from some of the leading trucks manufactured during that time, by the same company.
The International Paddy Wagon holds an important place in the history of American law enforcement. The sight of the wagon filled fear in the hearts of the criminals. Needless to state but the force enjoyed patrolling the region in these trucks because of the high levels of comforts offered by the wagon. Although the exact horsepower of the vehicle is still unknown, auto enthusiasts estimate its value at something in between 80 and 95 bhp. The rear tires of the truck were oversized in order to balance the heavy loads subjected to the vehicle. According to approximations, the vehicle could comfortably hold 10 to 12 persons at the same time.
The company ensured that the International Paddy Wagon was well built to sustain the damages when it was put into action. Some of the amenities included a revamped heater to keep the officers happy during unlikely weather. The front and the rear cabin were separate sections. However, the manufacturer provided a small-glassed window that connected the two spaced quite effectively. The officers could bark orders to the arrested offenders via this opening! According to reliable sources, the Baltimore police department had sold all the wagons at police auctions. At the same time, you will still be able to find the rusty remnants of these wagons in certain outstretched parts of the country.