American 60-footer Demonstrated in London
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THE largest coach to run on public roads in Great Britain was demonstrated in London last week before a I,000-mile publicity tour around the country. Powered by a Rolls-Royce C6.SFH 275-b.h.p. supercharged oil engine, this 63seat Itixury tourer is the third of four built specially for Continental Trailways, U.S.A., by the German
concern. •
Because the coach is articulated and the rear wheels of the semi-trailer section are steered from the turn-table, the coach is as controllable as any normal-length British coach, Driven through the thick of London traffic, the outfit was shown to lack nothing in manoeuvrability andcaused no disruptions to the normal flow of traffic. Basically a Kiissbohrer Super Setra light-alloy integral design, the new coach is known as the Super Golden Eagle, and fully laden weighs about 22 tons. The Rolls-Royce engine is unit mounted with a ZF six-speed semiautomatic gearbox, the complete assembly being carried in a quickly detachable sub-frame. The radiator is mounted vertically in the left of the body, the large-diameter fan being Shaft-driven.
Torsilastic r u b her suspension is used throughout, the front and trailer wheels being independently suspended. The highratio rear axle is a "Timken-Detroit unit which gives a speed approaching 100 ',m.p.h., although this ratio is to be reduced for actual service. Air brakes are fitted to all wheel's, with a "light-laden" valve controlling the trailer brakes, and the steering is unassisted, the front axle loading being light.
The interior layout follows normal American practice for this type of vehicle, the floor line being raised to give space beneath it for baggage, running units, air-conditioning equipment and other items. Food and refreshment storage cabinets are above the turn-table, there is a toilet towards the rear of the trailer, and the rearmost nine seats are formed into an observation lounge with two tables. Individual reading lights and. radio loudspeakers are provided for the reclining seats.
During the demonstration run through London and its suburbs, the quietness and liveliness of the vehicle were noteworthy, whilst the suspension coped ably with varying types of road surface. Noise insulation is provided by foam plastics around the engine compartment and sponge rubber floor covering. The complete vehicle costs approximately £10.000 as supplied to the operators, and is expected to return at least 7 m.p.g. in service.