Smart Panthers from Marshal's
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by Derek Moses • A fleet of 10 Leyland Panther PSUR1B/1R 18ft 6in. wheelbase single-deckers with 70passenger bodies by Marshall of Cambridge (Engineering) Ltd is due to enter service with Southport Corporation Transport in September. Designed for one-man operation, the buses will be the first Marshall-bodied vehicles for the Southport fleet, and will join 12 MCW-bodied Panthers introduced some years ago.
The design is based on the standard Camagna II body, embracing steel-framed construction with panelling of sheet aluminium and grp, the latter used extensively for the skirt and corner panels, front and rear domes, etc. Corrosion resistance of the steel structure has been increased to the maximum by phosphate treatment to DEF29 Class H, which embraces the immersion process, followed by high performance sealing and finishing.
Deans double-folding doors are fitted to the 3ft 8in. wide two-step front entrance and central exit, the forward doors being controlled by a pedal operated by the driver, and the latter by the sixth gear position, incorporating a transmission interlock. Seats are provided for 43 passengers, with standing space for 27, including a standing area opposite the exit. Electrically-heated screens are fitted at the front of the buses.