Compact 20-seaters for the" Western National"
Page 54
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AN important order for 35 Ace 20seater buses has been placed with Dennis Brothers, Ltd., Guildford, by the Western National Omnibus Co. An illustration on this page shows two of the vehicles, which have well-proportioned bodies built by the coachbuilding department of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Co., Ltd.
The territory covered by the Western National concern includes many hilly, narrow and winding roads, for service over which the short wheelbase of the Ace (11 ft. 6 ins.) makes the vehicle particularly useful. The small Wheelbase dimension largely results from setting back the front axle B14 and body space is not restricted. Another feature of the vehicle that ensures easy rnanceuvrability is the small turning circle of 40 ft. 6 ins.
Although there is adequate leg room between the seats, an unusually large amount of space has been devoted to thecarrying of luggage. On the left of the driver, in front of the door, is a platform for luggage, whilst at the rear of the bulkhead behind him is a large shelf for baggage, with further space below it.
Parcels may be carried on springmattress-type racks extending for the full length of the vehicle on each side, whilst further luggage accommodation
is provided on the roof. Access to the last named is by means of a. hinged ladder, which, when in position, stands well away from the body.
The front destination indicator is operated by two handles inside the body and the box incorporates a sliding door through which the driver may ascertain whether the destination marked on the blind is correctly displayed.
The seats are sufficiently rigid to give adequate support without unnecessary resilience and are upholstered in moquette and trimmed with leather cloth. The forward seats are mounted at the ordinaryfloor level, but those at the rear are carried on a slightly raised structure to clear the upswept frame.
The front door is of the folding, mechanically operated type, above which there is an electric light.