Bristol Introduce AirSuspension
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A IR suspension for the rear axle is one of " the main features of the latest Bristol Lodekka double-deck bus announced this week. It is to be introduced also on the new MW-type single-decker chassis.
The Bristol AVW engine has been redesigned for these two new vehicles. Emphasis has been placed on ease of maintenance. By increasing the cylinder bores by 5 mm. the'cubic capacity has been raised from 8.14 litres to 8.9 litres. The power output is now 105 b.h.p. at 1,600 r.p.m., with a maximum torque rating of 380 lb.-ft. at 1,150 r.p.m.
Six new 30-ft. by 8-ft. Lodekka buses are to be placed in experimental service shortly to establish the desirability of the use of such vehicles. These 18-ft. 6-in.wheelbase vehicles have 70 seats and dual-circuit air brakes, with 161-in.diameter drums.
Improvements to the chassis and floor layout of the Lodekka eliminate the steps on each side of the gangway. This is now wider and the floor is virtually flat.
Air Brakes—
Air brakes are fitted and Cave-BrownCave fresh-air heating will be provided for both saloons. This has been developed by Bristol and Eastern Coach Works, Ltd., in conjunction with Prof. Cave-Brown-Cave.
The new MW single-decker differs mainly from its predecessor in that a separate chassis frame is now used, as opposed to the integral-construction subframe formerly employed. Gardner 5HLW or 6141W engines can be supplied instead of the new Bristol BHW unit. All units have roof-mounted air intakes to reduce engine wear.
A double-reduction axle with spiralbevel and spur-reduction gears is fitted to the MW chassis. Triple-vacuum-servo braking is retained, but a special Clayton Dewandre relay valve is incorporated to reduce the time lag in the operation of the front brakes.
—And Exhaust Brake
A Clayton Dewandre-Oetiker exhaust brake is supplied with the MW. It has a vacuum-operated fuel-cut-off device and a Bristol-patented centrifugal switch to prevent the use of the brake when the engine speed is low enough to cause it to stall.
An air -by-pass valve is included in the system to eliminate all exhaust brake noises. Cave-Brown-Cave heating is provided for the saloon.
Dennis Bros., Ltd., make a version of the Lodekka for the open market (Bristol manufacture only for the British Transport Commission) and it is passible that some of these developments Will be included in a future model.