Seddon Rear Engined Bus
Page 47
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ABASICALLY new rear-engined passenger chassis has been introduced by Seddon Diesel Vehicles, Ltd., Oldham. The prototype, equipped with special coaohwork, is ready for shipment to Bangkok, and further models, having a shorter wheelbase, are being prepared for Bermuda.
In both instances a Perkins P6 oil engine is employed, maximum output being 83 b.b.p. at 2,400 r.p.m. Underslung between the main frame members, the poliver unit is located by means of hangers. The radiator is mounted at the extreme rear and has a large-diameter fan which draws cool air from an intake on top of the bus body. An air cleaner is accessibly located at the rear of the chassis and is fed by an additional pre-cleaner mounted on top of the bus.
In the case of the Bangkok vehicle, the wheelbase is 16 ft. 4 in. Front overhang is 4 ft. 11+ in., that at the rear being 7 ft. 11* in. The side members are tapered and have a maximum depth of 8+ in. Frame width is 2 ft. 9 in.. at the front, 2 ft. 11 in. at the rear, and 3 ft. 14 in. amidships. Front track is 5 ft. 10 in. and rear track 5 ft. 7+ in., whilst the width over the rear tyres is 7 ft, 21 in.
Flat Fuel Tank
To aid weight distribution, a 33-gal. flat fuel tank is placed between the main members at the front, with the tiller projecting through the front body panel. To the same end the steel roof luggage rack is placed centrally, being approached from the rear of the vehicle by a steel ladder and cat-walk.
The driver's seat is on the right, with a central remote gear control. The five-speed gearbox gives ratios of 6.61, 3,75, 2.41, 1.47 and 1 to I forward, and . 6.28 to 1 in reverse. The single proPeller-shaft mechanism has tubular link members turning and sliding in three long self-lubricating bushes which have additional lubricators incorporated where needed.
Positive in action, the gear change and the control tube joints allow for a calculated amount of frame flex without interference with the working of the mechanism. Universal joints and bearing supports are provided with leather gaiters.
A Chapman pedestal is used for the driver's seat, which is adjustable in two directions. A 21-in.-diameter steering wheel is employed and there is a full instrument panel attached to the' steering column, whilst to the driver's left is the hand brake which operates mechanically on the rear wheels.
T 11 e hydraulic two-leading-shoe brakes are assisted by a tandem Hydrovac. Front brakes measure 16 in. by 3 in., and those at the rear, 15+ in. by 4+ in., the total facing area being 3761 sq. in.
Semi-elliptic springs are used, those atthe front having 11 leaves and 43-in. eye centres, and those at the rear 15 leaves and 59+-in, eye centres. At chassis level, the laden height over the front axle is 2 ft. 81 in., whilst over the rear axle it is 2 ft. 10 in. On the Bangkok bus the tyres are of 8.25-20-in. section (12 ply), with twins fitted at the rear.
With equipment specifically designed to meet the requirements of express operation in Siam, the coachwork of the Bangkok vehicle was built at the Seddon Woodstock factory. There are 12 semi-luxury seats with two-position adjustment within the 30 ft. by 7 ft. 6 in body.
Two Jack-knife Doors
There are two manually operated jack-knife doors, and on each side of the saloon there is a Cronapress fulllength bell strip which is easily reached by any of the passengers. Special side windows of Northern Windscreens design are made in a three-position halflift form, which gives a large aperture at the bottom. Curtains are provided.
Ready access to the power unit for maintenance purposes is obtained through a lift-off cover between the back seats.
Pick-up ducts at the front distribute fresh air to the saloon. In addition there are adjustable ventilation flaps below the curved windscreen. Further provisions for air intake consist of permanently open scoops in the cant-rails that give a direct feed to gauze-covered apertures in the interior.
Illumination of the passenger saloon is provided by jelly-mould 'lights, of which there are 12.
Whilst the chassis for Bermuda is generally similar to that for Siam, the wheelbase is 13 ft 10 in. There is also a slight difference in the tyres.