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Phases of Passenger Travel
Page 89
Page 90
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LEYLANDS FOR A LONDON WINDSOR SERVICE
Interesting Bodywork Features Incorporated in New 26-seaters for the Premier Line ACOMPANY which, by reason of its important interest in the operation of double-deck buses in the London area, has hitherto employed Leyland Titan chassis, not only for this work but for its single-deck coaches, is the Premier Omnibus Co., Ltd., of Leysfield Road, Loudon, W.12, and its decision now to purchase a batch of Leyland Tigers for the longer routes speaks well for its opinion of Leyland design and workmanship.
It was, of course, a very sound featnre from the point of view of maintenance that the coaches and double-deck vehicles in this company's fleet all had a standard type of chassis. Now, however, with .both sides of the business developing satisfactorily, and with a sufficient number of the Titan chassis to cater for all reasonable traffic needs, the decision has been made to acquire fresh rolling stock in the form of six Leyland Tigers.
Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd., of Hendon, London, N.W.9, built many of the double-deck and other bodies, and is now undertaking construction of the
coachwork for this new series. At present the Premier concern has on the road 14 double-deck buses and 25 coaches of modern design. Being particularly intended for local coach services between London and the surrounding small towns, such as Windsor, the vehicles are being equipped with doublefolding doors on the near side, behind the driving axle, above the doors being a draught flap, hinged at the top, which opens and closes with them.
All exterior fittings are chromium plated and unsplinterable glass is employed for all sides of the driver's cab. An improved design of seat is being used, the contour of the seat back being such as to give ample support at the waist of the passenger instead of, as in so many vehicles, rather more cushion effect at the shoulders, where, after all, it is not so necessary. A large illuminated plaque is fitted over the fullwidth canhpy, with a roller-type route indicator, a good feature of which is the use of large identification letters to distinjuish the several services operated by the company.
Another good feature that we in:diced when examining one of thii vehicles recently was the recessing of the castaluminium number plate in the rear panel of the bodywork, the warning light and rear light being also housed in the recess, where the entire assembly is out of the way of mud and protected from damage, whilst the number plate itself is well illuminated.
The colour scheme of these six new vehicles is a pleasing shade of red with a cream waistline.
Premier coaches, notable for their well-kempt appearance, may frequently be seen on London's western arteries, over which they travel on 15-minute services to Windsor, Eton, Slough and Colnbrook. If one frequently travels along the Great West Road it will be noticed that the vehicles operated by this concern seldom indulge in speeds that can in any way be considered as high, but maintain a steady, reasonable rate that gets them to their destinations at the appointed times.
Despite severe and increased competition, the Premier services have not been damaged and are just as dependable as ever they were. Indeed, they may now be even more efficient than previously, because it-is usually the case that com
petition either kills or improves. In the instance of the Premier concern, it seems that the latter result obtains.