C-:m. Leyland Bus Orders
Page 43
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BRITISH bus operators have recently ordered Leyland chassis to a total value of over £1 m. One of the two largest orders, that placed by the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., for 100 Leopard 36-ft.-long single-decker models, was mentioned in our issue of January 26.
The 36-ft. version of the Leopard also figures prominently in an order placed by Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., which calls for 65 chassis of this type and 36 Titan PD3.5 double-decker chassis with Pneumo-cyclic transmission. Of the Leopards, which will be of the PSU3.1 type. 40 are to have single-speed rear axles and will be used on stage carriage services: the remaining 25, intended for coach duties, will have two-speed rear axles and air suspension. Other orders include one for 10 of the recently introduced Leyland Group Lowlander lowfloor double-decker chassis with air suspension at the rear for Southend Corporation, and one standard Lowlander for West Wales Motors, Ltd., of Ammanford.
Of the total of 78 Titan double-decker models placed on order recently 57, including the Ribble chassis quoted earlier, are of the 30-ft.-long PD3 type. The Yorkshire Traction Co., Ltd., has called for 12 PD3A.1 models with synchromesh gearboxes and air brakes, and six similar chassis are to be supplied to Leicester City Transport. Three mechanically similar PD3.4 models having exposed rather than concealed radiators are ordered by Stratford-upon-Avon Blue Motors, Ltd.
The Titan PD2 model, intended for 27-ft.-long double-deck bodywork, is favoured by Wigan Corporation (who have ordered eight PD2A.27 models), Colchester Corporation (whose order is for seven PD2A.31 chassis). and Hudders• field Joint Omnibus Committee (who are to place six PD2A.24 models in service). The Wigan vehicles are to have synchromesh gearboxes and air brakes; those for Colchester will have similar transmission but are to have vacuum brakes and will be 7 .ft. 6 in. wide, whilst the Huddersfield order calls for Pneurno-cyclic transmission and air brakes. Recent batches of double-deckers placed in service at Wigan and Huddersfield have been of 30-ft.-long type.
Leopard chassis for 36-ft.-long bodywork have been ordered by the following operators in addition to Ribble; East Yorkshire Motor Services, Ltd. (4 chassis); East Midland Motor Services, Ltd. (2 chassis), and Gliderway Coaches, Ltd., Birmingham (2 chassis).
In addition to the Titan models, Leicester City Transport has ordered three Atlantean double-decker chassis which will be the first rear-engined models in the fleet. • Wigan Corporation has also called for one Tiger Cub PSUCI.1 chassis as well as the Titan models mentioned above.