New Single-Deckers for Halifax
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}ME idea of what the new generation ,-)1 buses will look like-single-deck ies oil Daimler Fleetline extendedelbase, rear-engined chassis (The ercia I Motor, last week).---can be ned from these drawings showing the inc and seating plan of three examples ig purchased by Halifax Corporation. buses are based on Fleelline chassis the wheelbase extended from the nal 16 ft. 3 in. to 18 ft. 6 in.. enabling nly with an overall length of 33 ft. to itted. Two 15-in, steps at the entrance I to a level floor opposite the driver's partment. the gangway then ramping r gradually towards the rear of the The rear bench seat is mounted r the engine compartment, and the
seating complement in this case is )assengers. The power unit is that of standard Fleetline employing a dner 6LX diesel engine.
!though these buses initially will be dearer than the normal underfloorengined single-decker. Mr. Hilditch, Halifax general manager, told Tire Commercirif Mohn. that he felt they had the basis of a very good vehicle. Horizontal power units did not work very well in Halifax, and he expected a much better service from the vertical 6LX engines, whilst the improved power-toweight ratio would be appreciated by the drivers.
A factor of the new configuration is the greatly improved access to the power units for maintenance and standardization with recent double-deck units in the respective fleets. This is well appreciated by all three operators (the other two are Grimsby-Cleethorpes and Bury, not to mention Birmingham City Transport and Great Yarmouth Corporation Transport, which are also employing single-deckers based on rear-engined double-deck chassis).