Improving the Passengers' View
Page 63
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THE first of an order for two 31seater semi-observation coaches for Messrs. Sutton s Coaches, Clacton-onSea, has just been completed by Strachans (Acton), Ltd., North Acton, London, W.3. Mounted on T.S.M. sixcylinder chassis, the bodies are of the type in which passengers at the rear look over the heads of those at the front, not through a windscreen at the point where the roof steps up. There are four rows of seats on the high level.
Finished externally in two shades of red with a yellow waist line and destination boards, the coach we inspected presents a handsome appearance, which is in part due to its proportions, a novel feature being that it is S ins. narrower at the top than at floor level.
The main door is of the sliding-type, situated at the middle, -whilst an emergency door is at the front off side. The seats, of Straehans manufacture, have sprung cushions and squabs with Latex
head-rests. Arm rails are attached to the body sides, mid moquette-covered garnish rails are provided. The upholstery is maroon moquette, whilst the sides and back are covered with rep of the same shade. Flush-fitting pull-out ash-trays are provided on the backs of each seat.
Weathershields sliding-panel roofs are fitted above both tiers of seats. The ceilings and the bottoms of the parcel racks are finished with washable and scratch-proof Rexine, and the decoration is completed by polished mahogany woodwork and chromium-plated fittings. The interior of the front bulkhead is lined with moquette, and the floor is covered with matting. The Jackson full-drop windows are used. A pleasing feature is that the interior lamps are neatly incorporated in the rack supports. A clock and three mirrors complete the front bulkhead fittings.
The saloon is warmed by hot-water pipes, through which water from the engine-cooling system siphons under the control of the driver. The driver's roomy cab is built independently of the body itself.
Accommodation for passengers' luggage is afforded by three compartments under the floor, access to which is gained by flaps at the sides and rear. A further compartment below the rear luggage container houses the spare wheel.
The overall length of the vehicle is 27 ft. 6 ins., whilst its height is 10 ft We understand that the coach has been approved by Scotland Yard.
This concern, on the occasion of our visit, reminded us that it was a pioneer in the introduction of observation coaches into this country, having built two such vehicles as long ago as 1927. We were informed that the concern at present has many orders for bodies for all types of commercial vehicle to execute.