Clean Lines for Scandinavian Tours
Page 35
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SHORTLY due to leave on the first of a series of tours to Denmark, a. new coach for Sheffield United Tours,
Ltd., based on an A.E.C. Regal Mk. III 8-ft.-wide chassis with a special body by Windovers. Ltd.. The -Hyde, Hendon, London, N.W,9, represents the culmination of many years of experience by Mr. B. Goodfellow, general manager of the Sheffield company, in operating public-service vehicles.
Incorporated in the design, which was evolved by Mr. Goodfellow in colla boration with the coachbuilder, are several new features. A double floor is used in the construction, which is
of the composite type, bringing the floorof the -interior almost on a level with the top of the . A.E.C. . 9.61itre engine. :Visibility is thus. excellent.
The space betvveen the' floors, some 10 ins, deep beneath the upper floor
members and 12. ins, at its deepest,
extends the Whole width of the body. A hinged panel on the near side permits this large locker to be filled with luggage, so that, in conjunction with the big rear locker, an exceptional amount of baggage can be carried.
To facilitate entry and exit on the Continent, where this and seven more vehiCles of the type will be used, a neat step has been incorporated in the hinged off-side emergency door. A folding step which is let down automatically as the door opens is _connected to the door by means of a rod.
hr,the coach examined last week by a representative of "The Commercial
Motor," 28 seats were fitted. .These were of -a new type, manufactured by
Howard Graham, Ltd., Addlestone, and
adjustable over a range of. four positions. A feature which will be com
mended by operators is that the seats are located on chromium-plated channels fixed to the floor, and removal of
a T-headed bolt enables them to be moved longitudinally along the body.
Thus the coach can be easily adapted for a smaller number of passengers by removal of the unnecessary seats.
. Deep windows, all but those in the, rear quarters being of Quicktho fulldrop type, are masked by grey silk blinds. In the roof there are two sliding sections fitted with Perspex panels, and. the interior lining of white leathercloth presents a pleasant contrast with the Firth's red non-crush velvet upholstery.
The floor is fitted with fawn carpet, and 'woodwork is mahogany. In . the Centre. of the .front .bulkhead is the mit-. let for the Clayton. AVH heater, which. draws air from the forepeak of the roof above the centre of the cab. Fluctuating lighting appears when the heater is in use, on a reflector panel fitted at floor level.