PASSENGER TRAVEL NEWS.
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Latest Doings and Developments in the Bus and Coach World.
THE FORWARD DASH AND ACCESSIBILITY.
An Interesting Test Carried out with a Leyland Bus to settle a question of Time for Engine Removal. A New Bus Described.
SHORTLY after the introduction of the forward-dash or side-type Leyland bus, which was brought out nearly two years ago, it was suggested by one of the principal provincial bua companies that accessibility had been sacrificed in order to obtain a combination of short wheelbase with maximum passenger space. In their opinion, the forward projection of the body would tend
to complicate removal of the engine in the event of an emergency—so much so indeed that six hours was the time which they estimated would be occupied by the removal and replacement of a power unit.
As the estimate of this company differed very considerably from that thought reasonable by the makers of the vehicle, it was arranged to hold a decisive test. The conditions were those of an ordinary emergency job, such as a bus company might find necessary to carry out at their depot. Two men were to be employed and their equipment was to 'consist of the ordinary toolkit supplemented by a jack, a sling, a pair of blocks and two straining bars. The vehicle for the test eonsisted of a 4-ton G.H.7 type chassis, with a 36-40 h.p. engine, fitted with a Crosville type 40seater body, the whole vehicle being standard in all respects.
The times of the operation were carefully noted, and the following is a precis of the performance:— 1,34.—Machine running under own power.
2.18.—Engine on ground, this and the chassis being examined by officials of the bus company.
Time worked, 44 mins. 2.20.—Examination completed, work of replacement begun. 3.58.—Replacement completed arid machine running under own power.
Time worked, 1 hr. 38 nuns. L40 Thus, the total time covered be the operations and examination was 2 hrs. 22 mins., this being a conclusive proof that the side-type arrangement can in no way cause tbe vehicle to be characterized as being inaccessible, and it ie for other reasons that Leyland Motors, Ltd., have introduced a modified pattern, which is now being adopted as standard for their largest single-decker.
This product may well he called a " half side-type." The off side of the vehicle closely resembles the largecapacity model, with the difference that a drop window is fitted in front of the driver's entrance instead of behind it, as formerly. Forward of the driver's compartment is a hinged portion of the bonnet, which enables adjustment of the magneto to be conveniently carried out.
The near side of the bonnet is identical in appearance with that of a standard Leyland bile To achieve this, the dash is divided into two -Parts. On the off side it is in the forward position, and on the near side it is behind the engine, this arrangement providing immediate
access to the Sulex carburetter and valve tappets, one pair of inspection covers, the oil-level indicator and the oil filler, so that these details can receive attention with a minimum of delay and the Maximum of ease.
A further result of this 'arrangement is the improved conditions provided for the driver, as the, exhaust of the engine is at the near side; additionally, the drop window, being placed at a slight angle to the direction of travel, induces a draught which finds its way out through two hinged lights at the near side.
Five of these machines are being supplied to the Ribble Co., in addition to further orders from other concerns, and the chassis are known as the 8.0.9 type, which is identical with the S.G.7, except in so far as the dash and bonnet in each conform to the requirements of the body design.
Several interesting features are to be found in the body interior. For example, greater camber has been given to the roof, Which, whilst further strengthening the sides against vibration, gives an increase of headroom. Forward, on the off side, a sliding glass panel permits communication with the driver, who can also he signalled to by means of an electric bell provided with two conveniently located pushes. On the left of the front is a route indicator, which is situated high up close to the roof, and which, whilst being out of the way of passengers, is clearly visible from outside.
Additional comfort for passengers is provided by means of e new design of seat-hack support. Each consisting of two leaves Of spring steel riveted together, one reaching from below the front of the seat to the top of the squab, and the other to the top of the pilfering board (which, perhaps, it would be as well to mention, is a board provided to prevent the possibility of thieves obtaining access to the pockets of passengers in front). By this means adequate strength is provided without undue rigidity.
We feel that we may congratulate ourselves on the increasing use of the spring-supported seat-back, because this is a little detail which has long been advocated by The Commercial Motor as providing a considerable measure of comfort without causing undue complication, and it is now becoming a standard fitting on quite a number of passenger vehicles.