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Smooth power is the trend

NORMALLY the Commercial Motor Show lifts the lid off new passenger vehicle models whose development has been widely rumoured, but whose ultimate secrets have remained hidden until opening day. By contrast the 1976 Show presents to the public for the first time the opportunity of inspecting a number of new models widely reported and demonstrated and in most cases already in service, but brought together under one roof for the first time at a major international exhibition. Such models include the Leyland 615 and Foden-Northern Counties double-deckers, and Leyland National Phase 2 integral single-deck buses and Seddon Pennine 7 single-decker chassis.

There are some surprises, however, notably the new Bedford/Marshall integral midibus while luxury coach builders have again face-lifted their premium models to meet increasing competition from overseas suppliers. And on the mechanical side, the trend towards turbocharged engines and fully automatic transmissions continues to accelerate.

Ailsa

Ailsa us td.

Staines Road, Bedfont, Fe!them, Middlesex.

DOMINATING the Ailsa stand is the largest capacity bus likely to be on show at Earls Court. Basically a standard Ailsa front-engined double-decker, it is fitted with an Alexander "jumbo" body for China Motor Bus Co, Hong Kong, and has no less than 107 seats. The 4.95m (16ft 3in) wheelbase vehicle is fitted with the Volvo TO 70E turbo-charged engine which has a maximum output of 150kW (201 bhp) at 2,400rpm, and a Self Changing Gears five-speed semi-automatic gearbox.

Ailsa Bus now offers a third optional transmission in the form of the Allison MT 650 fully automatic, and an opportunity to examine this new development is provided by another front-engined doubledecker fitted with only partly erected bodywork of the CKD type from Metal Sections Ltd; again the Volvo TO 70E engine is employed.

Also to be seen on the Ailsa stand is an example of the latest Volvo B58 5.64m (18ft 6in) wheelbase chassis suitable for full luxury or dual-purpose bodywork of 11m overall length. • Power is provided by the Volvo THD 100 D horizontal engine with a maximum output of 172kW (230bhp) at. 2,200rpm, and the transmission includes the Volvo K19 five-speed synchromesh gearbox and an Eaton two-speed rear axle. Other features include SAB automatic brake adjusters, automatic air tank drainers, Telma CA 135 brake retarder (now a factory-fitted option) and an anti-roll bar on the front axle to improve vehicle stability.

30

Alexander

Walter Alexander and Co (Coachbuilders) Ltd, 91 Glasgow Road, Falkirk, FK I 4J5.

AN S-TYPE 27-seat minibus based on Ford A-Series running gear is exhibited on the Alexander stand. This has the 3.5-litre six-cylinder diesel engine with an Allison AT540 four-speed automatic gearbox.

Floor height is only 0.76m (2ft 6in) and this gives headroom of 1.88m (6ft 2in). The overall height of the bus is only 2.7m (9ft) with overall length 7.2m (23ft 6in) and width 2.1m (7ft).

The subframe that carries the power train, suspension units, and steering consists of a 0.43m (17in) deep light alloy riveted assembly with continuous cross-members.

The Show model was built for Southdown Motor Services, but other options available include manual transmission, coach seats and extra luggage accommodation.

The double-deck on show is an AL type on an Atlantean AN68 chassis for Tyne and Wear PTE. This is a 79-seat vehicle with 31 seats downstairs and 48 upstairs. A glassfibre forward ascending staircase is fitted on the nearside with two separate doors of the glider type that are pneumatically operated.

Aluminium alloy makes up most of the body panelling with heavy-gauge light alloy truss panels on a frame of Alexander designed alloy extrusions.

The 7ft 10in pillar centre is designed to give maximum unobstructed vision for the passengers and to allow for the maximum of daylight to the • saloons.

84

Bedford

Vauxhall Motors Ltd, PO Box 3, Kimpton Road, Luton LU2 OSY. DESCRIBED as a "major departture for Bedford bus and coach. engineering", the psv exhibit on the Bedford stand is a must for operators interested in citycentre, rural, or dial-a-ride bus services. It is the prototype of a new completely integral rearengined 7.5-metre vehicle developed in conjunction with Marshall's of Cambridge, and combines neat, space-age styling with downright practicability.

The novel power train design consists of the well proved 5.4-litre Bedford 330 diesel engine mounted transversely at the rear, the transmission line consisting of an Allison AT 540 automatic gearbox, and final drive through a Morse Hi-Vo chain transfer box and spiral bevel angle box to an inverted rear hypoid axle.

Ventilation of the engine compartment is provided by an electric fan, air being discharged through high-level louvres in the rear quarter panels. The radiator is mounted at the front of the vehicle and engine panels are well insulated to minimise noise.

• Suspension is by four, rubber-bushed multi-leaf semielliptic springs, with rigid Ibeam front axle and double-acting shock absorbers on both axles. Other features include power-steering, turning circle ,wall-to-wall of only 15m (50ft) and dual circuit air/hydraulic braking with spring parking brakes on the rear axle.

Specially designed grp front and rear modules are employed in the body design, together with a grp roof, aluminium side panels and large glass area all round. Low step heights of 340mm (under 13.5in) and 215mm (8.5in) for the first and second steps respectively are an important feature of the design.

A choice of interior layouts can be employed, two examples proposed consisting of either 24 seated passengers, 11 standing, and a luggage pen, or, without pen, 27 seated and 11 standing. According to chosen layout, seats will be located longitudinally in the front half of the saloon, and forward facing in the rear portion (two rows of doubles, plus full-width scat across the back).

74

Dormobile

Dortnobile Ltd, Tile Kiln Lane, Folkestone, CUB 4PD.

TWO MINIBUSES with psv applications are among the five Dormobile-bodied vehicles on this stand. The first is an example of the 0/25, a 25-seat psv based on the Ford A-Series 4m (156in) petrol or diesel chassis, and has an all-steel styled body complete with large panoramic windows.

The second exhibit is an example of the familiar Dormobile SL Utilabus, and is based on the Bedford CF 18cwt petrol engine van. Despite its title, the vehicle is well finished,

and incorporates a dashboard of simulated Rosewood, fUll floor covering in black mottled vynolay, and seating (11 forwardfacing seats plus driver's seat) finished in red with black centre panels in soft marvelon ventilated pvc.

36

Duple

Duple Coachbuilders Ltd, Vicarage Lane, Marton, Blackpool FY4 4EN.

HIGHLIGHT of the three exhibits on the Duple stand is a prototype of the new Dominant II coach body (CM September 10). Based on an AEC Reliance 11-metre chassis, which remains in production, the body incorporates the welded jig-built structure with steel square tube sections, reinforced by a full length steel truss panel, first introduced in 1974 on the Dominant service bus, and now employed on all Duple models. Ziebart treatment protects the

structure . against corrosion, while also reducing the noise level.

Offered in both coach and express (grant eligible) forms, and suitable for all underfloorengined chassis, the show.exhibit is a full luxury version for Smiths Happiway Spencers, a member of the Blundell group,. and is finished in their distinctive yellow, ivory and orange livery. The extra large heated laminated front windscreens have a tinted top section; below the screens are twin rectangular quartz-halogen headlamps separated by a ribbed stainless steel grille.

A new feature is the pedestal-mounted instrument binnacle, while the Chapman MK188 reclining seats are trimmed in Firths striped moquette, and standard Duple tables with reading lamps are provided. When the tables are not required, the coach will have a seating capacity of 47. Full draw curtains are fitted to all side windows, and run on aluminium tracks fitted above and below the windows.

Alongside the Dominant II is a 29-seat Dominant I coach on Bedford VAS chassis for Corvedale Travel, a member of the Whittle Group. While remaining in production, the Dominant I has also undergone some styling changes, and is now also of all-steel construction.

New features include a completely new front grille, new wrap-round front and rear rubber bumpers, and relocated indicator flashers. Other improvements include electrically operated pantograph screen wipers, larger exterior mirrors, and gas stays fitted to the main servicing side valance panels. Standard Duple GA224 luxury seats are fitted in the show model, and a radio/ public address system is fitted, with the aerial built-in to the underside of the roof dome panel to facilitate washing and cleaning.

The final Duple exhibit inside Earls Court is a Dominant service bus body on a Ford R1014 chassis for South Wales Transport. This example seats 43 passengers and features a large pram pen at the front nearside; normally the 10m body would accommodate 46 seats. Finished externally in standard poppy red livery with white waistband, the bus employs an interior colour scheme to the latest National Bus Company specification. Ceiling panels and pillar cappings are in Warerite Mistletoe, side lining panels and seat backs in Warerite Rhino Donegal, and the seats are trimmed in Karnak Brown Ambfa,. incorporating a welded pattern. The bus is one of a contract for 50 similar bodies currently being supplied to NBC.

38

Eastern Coach Works

Eastern Coach Works Ltd, Eastern Way, Lowestoft, NR32 2HG. BOTH EXHIBITS on the stand of this joint NBC/British Leylandowned company are examples of standard current production for the National Bus Company. One is a 35-seat single-deck stage bus body on an 8-metre (26ft 3in) Bristol LHS chassis for Trent Motor Traction, the chassis featuring a Leyland 401 horizontal six-cylinder diesel engine, five-speed synchromesh gearbox and single-speed rear axle.

The body is of standard ECW

alloy-framed construction mounted directly on to the chassis frame, supported on steel-flitched bearers and longitudinal members. Seats are of thestandardtubularsteel-framed type with stainless steel double top rails, and foam cushions and squabs upholstered with Vinylcoated fabric. The seat backs and casing panels are of decorative laminate, and Melaminefaced roof lining panels are employed. Open mesh parcel racks are fitted on each side of the body, and the front entrance door is of the air operated Glider

type, with full depth windows to each wing.

The second exhibit is a standard double-deck Bristol VAT 3 "city bus" for Lincolnshire Road Car with Gardner 6LX engine and Leyland five-speed pneu mocyclic semi-automatic transmission, with double reduction spiral bevel rear axle. Again standard ECW alloyframing is employed, the body mounted semi-integrally to the chassis.

A rearward ascending staircase is fitted at the front offside, and the bus seats 74 passengers, with similar trim and interior finish to the singledecker, apart from polished stainless-steel handrails and stanchions in place of polished alloy. Air-operated twin jackknife entrance doors are employed, and additional luggage space is provided over the front nearside wheelarch.

66

Foden

Fodens Ltd. Elworth Works, Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 9HZ. ALTHOUGH the 1976 Show has few surprises in the psv field, it does provide the opportunity for inspecting a number of promising new models for the first time at Earls Court. Not least of these is the new rear-engined ,Foden double-decker, developed in conjunction with Northern Counties. An under. frame of the new model, though not strictly self-supporting, is nevertheless on view on this stand, and provides an excellent opportunity to examine beneath the surface of the new vehicle.

Designed with the aim of low fuel consumption, high passenger comfort and low driver fatigue, prominent features are an underframe easily adaptable to low or full-height integral bodywork; Gardner 6LXB engine; Foden transfer box; Allison MT 640 fully automatic gearbox with automatic torque converter lock-up in third and fourth, and spiral bevel gears to' transmit the drive to the rear axle in the normal way.

Output from the engine is a maximum of 140kW (172bhp) at 1,750rpm, and tomake the performance compatible with the Allison box, the Foden transfer box, with integral pressure lubrication and power-take-off for cooling fan and alternator, converts from 1,750 to 2,300rpm. The transfer box also allows the transmission to run parallel to the engine. Rubber couplings connect the engine to the transfer box and gearbox to bevel box, with heavy-duty 1600 series main shaft.

The engine itself is located in a sealed enclosure purged by a cooling fan, and a thermostatically controlled cooling system, is employed. Looking to the future, the entire power-pack has been designed to accommodate .Cummins or RollsRoyce engines, and Voith or SAM transmissions as optional alternatives, to the standard, Gardner/Allison combination.

Suspension is by conventional semi-elliptic leaf springs, with lever-type dampers on each axle; full air braking featuring SAB automatic brake adjusters is supplemented by an air-operated oil-cooled Ferodo brake retarder with heat exchange to the cooling system; and Burman fully integral power-steering is standard.

65

Ford

Ford Motor Co Ltd, Eagle Way, Warley, Brentwood, Essex CM13 3BW THE ACcENT at Earls Court certainly seems to be on automatic transmissions, and Ford's psv chassis displayed on ,this stand is no exception. Standard transmission on the R-Series psv chassis is Ford's all synchromesh six-speed unit, with the similar four-speed unit becoming increasingly popular with stage bus operators. Now the company is offering the Allison AT543 four-speed' automatic unit as a Special Vehicle Order (SVO), and is showing a sectioned R1014 10-metre chassis equipped with this unit. The gearbox is operated by.a Morse range-change gear selector, and the chassis is fitted with the Ford 6.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine rated at 105.1kW (141bhp) at 2,400rpm.

Meanwhile, the Ford Transit range, still popular as a midibus, has been revised for 1977. The Transit 75 is redesignated Transit 80, the Transit 90 becomes the 100 model, and has an uprated gvw on petrol models of 2,350kg :2 tons 6 cwt), and 2,450kg (2 tons 8 cwt), on diesel models. The Transit 115 and 125 models remain unchanged. Front disc brakes and self-adjusting rear brakes, introduced on short wheelbase models last September, have now been extended to the 125 and all long-wheelbase models.

33

Jonkheere

Jonckheere Carrosserie, Schoolstraat 50, 8800 Roselare, Belgium

THREE Belgian-built coaches for the British market will be exhibited by Jonckheere — one Leyland Leopard and one .Bedford YMT inside and another YMT outside the Show.

These are of the Bermuda type with steel tube section frame. The small curved side windows are glued to the body to form an integral load bearing part of the frame. The solid front bumper has rubber inserts. Heat is distributed from the underflow heaters by two channels in the floor. Diplomat seating is featured.

62

Leyland

Leyland Truck and Bus, Leyland, Preston PR5 1SN THREE integral buses, and two psv chassis, one for export are. featured on this stand. Literally dominating the Leyland exhibits is the much heralded B15 double-decker, at last on show to the public for the first time at a major international exhibition, the vehicle, is in fact, the prototype which recently completed two month's trial with LT on route 24.

The B15 as shown is a two-doorway model with rearset-forward ascending staircase,44 seats in the upper saloon, and 27 in the lower. Overall length is 9.6 metres (31ft 4%in), overall height 4.4m (14ft 51/sin), and the wheelbase is 5m (16ft 6in), the vehicle having a swept turning circle of 19.6m (64ft 8½ in). Considerable headroom is provided in the deep lower saloon which is 1.94m (.6ft 43/ein) high; the upper saloon has a height of 1.8m (5ft 11 in).

Fully internal construction is employed, with aluminium framing and additional steel parts; the main fastenings are either collared rivets or bolts. Grp mouldings are used for the .roof domes, entire front-end and rear panelling down to upper saloon waist level.

Power comes from the Leyland 501 tubocharged six-cylinder fixed-head diesel mounted transversely at the rear, the engine providing a maximum output. of 127kW (170bhp) at 2,000rpm, with a maximum torque of 713Nm (530Ibft) at 1,20Orpm.

However, the B15 is to be offered with the Gardner 6LXB engine as an optional alternative, and an example of such an engine, with the starter motor moved from the exhaust side to the fuel side of the engine is on display on Gardner's own stand.

Transmission is via a fluid coupling and five speed hydrocyclic close-ratio gearbox with G2 fully-automatic control. A fully floating double-reduction drop-centre rear axle is fitted first stage spiral bevel gearing and second stage helical-reduction. Independent front suspension is employed with torsion bars and self-levelling air suspension with twin-hydraulic telescopic dampers to each wheel.

Full self-levelling air suspension using an H-frame and four bellows is fitted at the rear axle, the N-frame located by three radius rods and a Panhard rod.

Other features include low, constant step heights at the entrance and exit of 313mm (1ft 5/16 in), power-hydraulic braking, and power rack and pinion steering.

Making an interesting comparison with the B15 are two examples of the Phase 2 Leyland National fully-integral single-decker, also making their Earls Court debut. One is a 44-seat two-door city bus and the second a single-door dualpurpose urban/city bus, both with an overall length of 11 ,3m.

Major modifications from the earlier Nationals are batteries relocated at the front, -where the increased space allows the fitting of the optional, alkaline batteries; air-brake systems to

meet the EEC Directive concerning performance of service, secondary and parking brake systems; and, internally, re-designed stanchions and stanchion fixings, with additional vertical stanchions; increased rake on passenger seats; and additional bell pushes. Coach-type seats and luggage racks are features of the express vehicle; the longitudinal seats over the front wheelarches can be folded down to provide additional luggage accommodation.

Both vehicles are fitted with the Leyland 510 turbo-charged horizontal engine mounted longitudinally at the rear. That in the city bus has a maximum. output of 119kW (160bhp) at 2,000rpm, while the express version has an output of 149kW (200bhp), also at 2,000rpm. The city bus features a five-speed close ratio gearbox with G2 fully-automatic control, and the express bus .a five-speed wide-ratio semiautomatic gearbox, a fully charged fluid coupling is common to both.

One of the chassis on the Leyland stand is a Bristol LHS

coach chassis for the home market, with a wheelbase of 3.8m (12ft 6in) providing a nominal overall length (with body) of 9.5 metres. The specification includes a Leyland 401 horizontal engine rated at 103kW (138bhp) maximum at 2,600rpm; 381mm (1 Sin) single dry-plate clutch with air/hydraulic actuation; Turner T5-400 five-speed synchromesh gearbox; single-speed rear axle; full air split-system brakes; and Burman recirculating ball steering with integral power assistance.

Finally, a Leyland (formerly Guy) Victory MK2 VRL7 PRL export chassis with Leyland 690 turbocharged engine can also be seen. The engine is mounted vertically at the front of the 6.25m (20ft 6in) wheelbase chassis, and has a maximum output of 157kW (210bhp) at 2,000rpm. Transmission is via a 483mm (19in) diameter fluid coupling to a five-speed pneumocyclic wide-ratio gearbox and Rockwell R170 single-reduction rear axle, and the chassis features conventional leaf springing, dual-line full-air braking and ZF integral-power-steering.

29

Marshall

Marshall of Cambridge (Engineering) Ltd, Airport Works, Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8RX BY COMPARISON with the very promising project on the Bedford stand, Marshall's own exhibit is a normal service-coach of the type popular for welfare services, schools transport, and so dn. Based on a 5.5m (18ft) wheelbase Bedford SB chassis, the body is of standard Marshall metal-framed construction employing totally immersed, phosphate-treated steel sections. Twin-panel glider doors are fitted at the entrance, and other features include grp panelling at all non-strength-resistant parts, Stelvatite ceiling panels, Melamine lining panels, Smiths 3kW saloon heaters and forced-air ventilation.

37 mcw

Metro-Cammell Weymann Ltd,

PO Box 248, Leigh Road, Washwood Reath, Birmingham B8 2YJ HIGHLIGHT of the two doubledeckers from MCW is one of the latest Metropolitans destined for service with London Transport, and part of an order for 164 similar models for LTE. Though representing The second generation of rear-engined doubledeckers, the Metropolitan is making its second appearance at Earls Court. The mechanical specification of the 9.7m bus remains virtually unchanged, with Scania D11C06 149kW (200bhp) engine, running units and sub-frames supplied by Saab-Scania, Sweden, including the HR501 fully automatic transmission and full air-suspension. The specification includes the now standard -quiet packencapsulated engine installation

The body is of all-metal, fully integral construction, and is of the two-doorway type with seats for 72 passengers, and eighttread forward-ascending staircase constructed as a separate unit. Air-operated single-folding doors opening to the front are provided at the entrance, with double-glider type exit doors; the entrance doors are opened by a driver's foot-switch and closed by a push button unit to the driver's right, which also operates the exit doors; a transmission interlock is provided to prevent the bus moving away vhile the doors are open.

General specification is to .TE standard, and includes irovision for two-way radio ,ystem and later fitment of lutomatic fare collection equipnent; a Smith's public address ;ystem and crew assault warnrig device embodying a "Klaxin" horn are also incorporated.

The second MCW exhibit is a itandard metal-framed doubleleek body mounted on a 4-.95m 16ft 3in) wheelbase Daimler leetline chassis for West Midands PTE, and accommodates ?6 seated passengers in the iingle-doorway body. A sevenread rear-ascending staircase is itted, and the general specificaion is to VVMPTE standard, ncluding Dean's direct]ir-operated double jack-knife loors, seats trimmed with ICI 'ire retardant Vynide and iquabs fitted with double stainess-steel top rails, saloon heatng by Smiths 2400 system Nith Danfoss automatic control /alve, and full length Cronearess bell strip in each saloon.

Provision is also made for 'Autofare' fare-collecting and icket issuing equipment; PYE .adio communication equiprient; and a crew alarm switch merates the horn -through a lasher relay in the event of Issault.

42

Moseley

Koseley Continental Coachwork .td, 140 Knightthorpe Road, Loughwrough LE11 OJY DNCE AGAIN the Moseley stand 3xhibits the wares of the Oporto ;oachbuilders, Salvador Caeano IMVT, built to the _oughborough company's spe;ial requirements, and including brand new venture. This is a Noseley Continental Faro Ill 25-seater dual-purpose coach aody on a 396m (13ft) wheelaase Ford A.0609 Series chas;is, powered by the Ford 3.5-litre slx-cylinder diesel ?,ngine.

A new departure is the 3mployment of module-type aodywork of composite construction utilising lightweight alloy framing with substantial sound and temperature insulation, laminate and aluminium sections, and grp front and rear panels. Interchangeable contoured and angled one-piece front and rear screens are also specified, and alloy side window frames are glazed with tough

ened glass with top sliding units fitted in the central bays.

Saloon heating Is provided by two KL underseat units with independent, ducted front-end heating/demisting system, and moquette trimmed, pre-formed, foam filled passenger seats incorporate a unique grp support diaphragm. The specification includes large capacity rear locker with lift-up, slam-type flap, destination indicator in the front roof canopy, single rectangular headlamps, and twin-leaf entrance door.

The two vehicles exhibited with the new Faro are the latest version of the more familiar Moseley-Continental Caetano coach. Both are 11-metre 53-seaters, one each on a Bedford YMT and Ford R1114 chassis. These "Estoril II" bodies are of the normal all-metal arc-welded jig-assembled construction with heavy gauge stressed steel outer panels from waist to saloon floor line.

A new Continental exterior colour layout is employed, and other features include fully automatic, thermostaticallycontrolled saloon heating and ventilation systems, moquette and pvc-trimmed seats with contour foam fillings to cushion and squabs, improved individual ashtrays, neatly grouped, easily accessible instruments and switches set into a newly designed facia panel, and twin circular headlamps.

28

Northern Counties

Northern Counties Motor & Engineering Co Ltd, Wigan Lane, Wigan, Lancs Will 2L0 AT FIRST glance just another Daimler or Leyland rear-engined double-decker with screened engine compartment, the most interesting of the two exhibits on this stand is, in fact, a completely bodied example of the new rear-engined Foden. Only the second Foden to be completed, it, too, is designed to the specification of Greater Manchester PTE, which already operates the prototype, and makes interesting comparison with the underframe on the Foden stand.

Apart from the integration with the Foden underframe, the 9.6m (31 ft 7in) 75-seat body is of standard NCME construction, with welded steel tubular construction employed for the lower saloon framing and alloy framing for the upper saloon, and is

to the maximum height of 4.4m (14ft 6in). In common with current GMPTE policy, the bus is of the single front entrance/exit type, with a forward ascending grp staircase over the front offside wheelarch.

The specification includes Formica ceilings, window surrounds, casing panels and rear seat squab panels. Dunlop squab and cushion fillings of a special reduced burn rate type are trimmed with Firths moquette in each saloon. Smiths heating and demisting is provided, comprising three 1,200 units with filtered air intakes.

Triplex Laminated curved electrically-heated windscreens are fitted, and the driver's seat is supplied by Chapman, with horizontal and vertical adjustment, together with adjustable backrest. Deans air-operated double folding doors, Cronepress ceiling bell strips in each saloon, satin finish stainlesssteel handrails and stanchions (apart from those in the platform area which are black plasticcoated) and hopper-type opening windows complete the specification.

The second Northern Counties exhibit is another double:decker, based on a Daimler Fleetline chassis for West Yorkshire PTE, and of the low-height type with an overall height of 4.2m (13ft Bin) and overall length of 9.4m (30ft 10in). The 74-seat vehicle resembles the Foden/NCME bus in many ways, with deeper windows than often found on low-height vehicles enhancing its appearance, although no screening. is employed around the rear .engine bustle.

Again of the single front entrance/exit type, the bus shares many features with the body for Greater Manchester, the principal exceptions being a rearward ascending staircase, M 'amine lining panels, and sli ing window units.

34/39

Park Royal/Roe

Park Royal Vehicles Ltd, Abbey Road, Park Royal, London NWIO 7SL ALMOST inevitably, one of the four double-deckers on the stand of this Leyland Truck and Bus subsidiary company is again a vehicle destined for London Transport. One of the rapidly growing DMS-class (one-man-operated doubledecker), the body is based on a Leyland B20 chassis — in short, a Daimler Fleetline "quiet Pack" chassis. Apart from the Leyland 690 engine and special sound insulation trays, the chassis is to standard Daimler specification, with four-speed Daimler epicyclic gearbox, 'Daimatic' fully-automatic gear selection and Daimler two-stage 'drop-down rear axle.

The body is of standard Park Royal alloy and steel-framed construction, with modified appearance to LTE requirements, and is a two-doorway 68-seated plus 21 standing model. Interior specification is also to full LIE standard specification, with recent modifications such as glider-type twinleaf entrance doors opened by driver's footswitch.

In contrast to the DMS bus, the second Park Royal exhibit is a 10m (33ft) double:decker on a Leyland Atlantean chassis, and. is one of a large export order from Baghdad Passenger Transport Service, Iraq. The.chassis is fitted with the Leyland 680 engine, with a maximum output of 156bhp, and a Leyland five-speed automatic close-ratio gearbox.

Body framing is of alloy and steel with interior stress panels incorporated below the waist in both saloons, with . special impress pattern finish on • the saloon face. A special section waist stiffener of extruded aluminium alloy is fitted full length in both saloons. Of the front entrance, central exit layout, the bus seats 86 passengers, and incorporates a single step riser at the entrance giving a higher driving position; a forward-ascending staircase: flat windscreens and front end upper saloon windows.

The second two double-deckers are built by Park Royal's associate company Charles H. Roe Ltd, in Leeds, and are both 9.4-metre buses to Roe design, with metal-framed construction, large saloon side windows, specially-shaped front and rear grp domes, and deep. two-piece angled windscreens. One is a single-doorway model on Daimler Fleetline chassis with Gardner 6LXB engine for West Yorkshire PTE, seating 76 passengers, and the other a two-doorway model with 72, seats on a Leyland Atlantean chassis for Ipswich Borough Transport, incorporating the Leyland five-speed close-ratio. .pneumocyclic gearbox.

The former is basically to the same layout and specification as • continued overleaf the Northern Counties model for VVYPTE, though built to maximum height of 4.4m (14ft 6in), and with some minor differences, mainly with regard to interior trim and finish. A for

ward-ascending staircase mounted opposite the central exit is fitted to the Ipswich bus, which features saloon heating provided by Clayton U28 heat exchange units with external. fresh air intakes.

35

Plaxton

Plaxtons (Scarborough) Ltd, Castle Works, Seamer Road, Scarborough Y012 4DQ.

IN COMMON with Duple, Plaxtons have also introduced a new, Continental-style coach body making its debut at Earls Court, and have also introduced all-metal constructicm on all models for greater strength.

The new model, designated the "Viewmaster-, is based on an 11-metre Leyland Leopard chassis, and in common with the two other models with no intrusions by the wheelarches has been achieved by raising the body design by 300mm (11.811 in); this not only improves visibility for driver and passengers alike but also provides about 60 per cent additional luggage space. The front screen has been enlarged by 300mm and a newly-styled driver's seat is provided as standard to all models, with deeply contoured seat and back squab for increased comfort.

The parcel rack has also been redesigned, and is of the suspended type, with twin ventilation units and a light unit recessed into the underside of the rack, to provide a neat appearance without protusions. A variety of seats are fitted to the show model; those in the front section are standard double seats, followed by eight "E"type double seats with two tables, while a conference area is provided at the rear with a special table and L-shaped couch seats — different moquette trimmings are also featured. The entrance is fitted with an extra low retracting step below the first entrance step, controlled from the driving position in conjunction with the door opening mechanism.

Both of the other models are 10-metre 45-seat examples of the latest metal-framed Supreme body, one on a Bedford YLQ and the other on a Ford R1014 chassis. They also incorporate the new parcel racks and feature a larger instrument panel and improved switch panel with illuminated switches. Firth moquette upholstered seats are fitted in the Bedford model and Holdsworth moquette is employed in the Ford. Radiomobile public address systems are supplied, together with radio and four roof-mounted speakers.

7

Rootes

Rootes (Maidstone) Ltd, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent ME15 6YD.

THE LATEST 12-seat psv minicoat.fri based on the Commer PB2500 2,468kg (2.43-ton) passenger shell is one of the exhibits from Rootes of Maidstone, and is a petrol-engined model. Salient features include full-length grp roof extension incorporating built-in .luggage container (access by steps fitted to exterior of the body) and front name/destination glass; 12 single and double passenger seats trimmed in . PVC; hinged front doors with recessed step to passenger entrance; trimmed side panels and doors; and pvc roof lining.

68

Seddon

Seddon Atkinson Vehicles Ltd, Seddon Division, Woodstock Factory, Oldham 0L2 6HP.

SEEN for the first time in bare chassis form at a major exhibition is the Seddon Pennine 7 mid-underfloor-engined psv, introduced initially to meet the requirements of the Scottish Bus Group. Of straightforward, robust design, the chassis incorporates a number of wellproven units including the Gardner 6HLXB horizontal diesel with a nett installed output of 137kW (184bhp) at 1,850rpm. Adequate cooling is provided by a block-type radiator with large-diameter fan, mounted ahead of the front axle, though behind the major front chassis crossmembers.

Power is transmitted via a hydraulically-operated LipeRailway 14-2LP twin-plate clutch to a ZF fouror six-speed all-synchromesh gearbox. Final drive is by way of an Eaton 18100 single-speed, single-reduction, spiral-bevel rear axle. Power-assisted steering and split-system air-braking are provided, the latter employing

Girling cam brakes with a total friction area of 848sq in; all piping is zirrekopper coated both inside and out to give maximum corrosion resistance. Conventional leaf-dpringing is fitted, supplemented by double-acting telescopic dampers on both axles. Nominal overall length is 11m, with a wheelbase of 5.64m (18ft 6in), or 12m, 6.10m (20ft) wheelbase; maximum gross weight is 13,818kg (13.6ton).

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Van Hool

Van Hool & Zonen (Belgium) and Van Hool McArdle Ltd, Spa Road, Dublin 8, Eire.

TWO FULL luxury coaches compete with two new stage buses for attention on the adjacent stands of Van Hool of Belgium and its Dublin-based associate, Van Hool McArdle. All four bodies share the standard solid-welded steel tube framework method of construction favoured by this company; conventional truss panels are replaced by welded tubular struts and ties eliminating all rivetting and bolting, and one-piece steel roofs are employed on both coach and stage bus bodies to provide high resistance to accident damage or roll-over collapse, whilst the side panelling is of alloy.

Both coaches are to the latest '300-line' design, a Dublinbuilt llm on Ford R1114 chassis for Waites of Altrincham displayed alongside a 12m Belgian-built model on Leyland Leopard chassis for Biss Bros, Bishops Stortford, the latter a prototype of the 12-metre body later to be built in Dublin for the UK market. The Ford model is fitted with 49 reclining seats, and the Leopard has 50 fully reclining seats; both models have power-operated entrance doors.

Among the items specified as standard fittings on all Van Hool coaches are side lockers with 5.6cum (200cuft) total capacity; laminated top-tinted windscreen; driver's suspension seat; pavement window; two fog lamps; and roof and bodyside insulation. Radio, P.A. and cassette players are featured in the show models, while the Biss Bross coach has a 'Continental' door in lieu of standard emergency exit, and side windows of anti-glare toughened glass.

The first service-bus is tl new Van Hool-style double-de, body shown as a prototype on Leyland Atlantean for Sou Yorkshire PTE. A two-doorw; body with 70 seats it has r overall length of 9.6m (31 7in), and overall height of 4.4 (14ft 6in), and incorporat new styling with an unusual large front upper saloon wi dow incorporated in the vertic 'line of the curved front-end ar an inset centre-piece to the re panelling which blends into tt body sides with deep windov for maximum passenger vi sion. Alloy engine doo arranged over the rear engir compartment are hinged fro the body framing.

Double-folder glider doo are fitted to both entrance ar exit; Melamine lining panels a employed in the interior trir fire-retarded latex foam-fillE cushions and seat squabs a trimmed with pvc; and seat tc rails and all rails and stanchior are coated with mild steel epo) finish.

Alongside is a new "mull purpose" single-deck boc mounted on a Bedford S chassis, with an overall lengi of 9.5m. Designed for a varie. of chassis, a "purposefi cleanappearance has beE achieved by using careful chosen front screens (nearsic stepped-down for kerbside vi bility), large glass areas ar dome shapes. Front and re; bumpers are provided; an ai operated two-leaf folder door ;

the entrance; two Claytc QH17 saloon heater units pit Clayton U28 front demiste twin headlamp system wii added fog and spot lamps, an 43 seats of similar type to th; employed on the double-dec model.

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Walter

B. Walker & Son Ltd, 1 Gammor Lane, Watford, Herts W02 58Z. ANOTHER van-based vehic with psv applications is Walkerbus 12-seat Personn Carrier on Bedford 22cwt C 2.7m (8ft 10in) wheelbase va with petrol engine. Fully 'JOG stered luxury seating is provi( ed, all seats facing forwarth adjustable ventilating windolA are fitted each side; the vehici sides, roof and doors ar fully-lined with washable Vim surface; and polished moulde window surrounds, full floc overlay and interior light corr plete the specification.