Despite its laden taleight of about 15 tans 31 cwt.,
Page 41
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
the Kaiser coach has a remarkable performance. Power is supplied by a Cummins 275 b.h.p, engine, which makes easy work of overtaking the normal tyPe of American four-wheeler, although even the latter is over-engined by normal British standards.
throttle are hydraulically operated. Air pressure is employed to operate the brakes and the front door.
To facilitate maintenance, the engine and transmission system may quickly be disconnected and withdrawn on two roller carriages through a large door in the side of the vehicle. Another example of careful design for easy maintenance is provided by the windscreenwiper motors, which are attached with a novel wedge arrangement and can be removed for service by a simple quarterturn of a lever.
The batteries are carried on roller cradles, and the air cleaner and oil filter can be reached through the door of the engine compartment_
The vehicle is a true monocoque construction. All parts are built into the main structure and each has been designed to take its share of the stresses.
A low centre of gravity has been achieved by placing the 3784-cubic-ft. baggage compartment and the air-conditioning plant, as well as the engine, beneath the floor. Extensive use of light metals in the bodywork has also helped to lower the centre of gravity.
The spaciousness and appointments of the Sante Fe coach are on a scale unknown in this country. The seats are aluminium shade can be adjusted by the passenger to cover any part of the windows.
Lighting is on a particularly lavish scale. Four half-round translucent plastic panels extend for the full length of the coach, and the intensity of illumination can be controlled over a wide range by the driver. Altogether 624 bulbs are provided in the panels. In addition, volume of passenger traffic continues the call for larger single-deckers may well become louder. To maintain seating capacity on a route at present served by double-deckers, without increasing the numbers of vehicles and operating personnel, would, however, probably require single-deckers larger than the Ministry is likely to authorize for many years to come.