The Luggage Problem Solved
Page 65
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THEproblem of finding sufficient room for luggage in coaches and long-distance service buses has become acute, and, generally speaking, it has not been relieved by the increasing use of the sliding head or folding roof. Both these devices either restrict to some extent, or prevent entirely, the use of the roof for accommodating baggage.
Various methods have been evolved to cope with this problem, and in some cases successful arrangements have been made to accommodate a number of small suitcases. On long-distance coaches, however, there is often insufficient room for luggage, and Mr. Keith Davies, managing director, Keith and Boyle (London), Ltd., the well-known operator of Orange Luxury coaches, has now designed and patented a new form of locker which meets modern needs. The basic feature of the design is the use of a dropped. frame extension on a coach chassis, similar to that generally employed for double-deckers. In addition, the popular ramp floor is utilized, so that there is available, for the storage of baggage, a considerable space beneath the floor and the rearmost transverse seat.
, Access is gained to the locker by two large double-locking doors in the rear of the body. The built-in number plate and rear light, which can be situated immediately above the doors, provides ample light for storing purposes.
The space available naturally varies according to the size of the vehicle, but, as an example, it may be mentioned that on an A.E.C. Regal 32-seater coach, shown at Olympia last November, the luggage locker had a capacity of about 100 cubic ft. This is equal to the space available in an average 10-12-ewt delivery van,
Many coaches are now being fitted with the K.D. luggage locker, and it is of interest that it is incorporated in the standard Bedford K.D. coach, the body of which is a product of the Duple concern. This vehicle is provided with the Sunsaloon " full-open " head, and the luggage locker accommodates 25-26 full-sized suitcases. The spare wheel is, in this instance, housed beneath the rear locker. In other cases, however, the use of the ramp floor enables the wheel to he housed in a side compartment between the floor and the frame.
We understand that the principal chassis makers have now made arrangements to supply a drop-frame extension for their coach chassis, and particulars regarding royalties for the incorporation of this design in coach and bus bodies may be obtained from Mr. Keith Davies, 30, Harleyford Road, London, S.E.11.