A New
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central-entrance
Trolley -bus
WE are able this week to give details of a newcomer in the trolleybus market, this resulting from the combined efforts of the Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd., Falcon Works, Loughborough, and John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., 'Basingstoke. The vehicle is a single-decker with a central entrance on the near side, and it has a full-width cab. Seating accommodation is provided for 32 passengers.
The Thornycroft ED chassis, of 17 ft. 4 in. wheelbase, forms the basis of this new vehicle, and is suitable on account of its low frame height. The frame longituclinals are set wide apart, and give an excellent support to the body framing. The Brush motor is of the lightweight type, having roller bearings and windings that are insulated with heat-proof material, as well as being adequately supported to withstand mechanical shock and vibration. A special ventilation system is provided, supplying a constant stream of air independently of the speed of the vehicle, so that, even when the trolley-bus is standing or running slowly, the motor is well cooled.
The latest type of B.T.H. electrical control gear is fitted, this comprising a pedal-operated, master controller, a hand-operated reverse lever and the usual safety gear. The motor and control gear are arranged for regenerative braking, whilst, additionally, there are vacuum bra.kes on all wheels. A speedometer and distance recorder are fitted.
The body has pleasing lines which make the vehicle resemble a petroldriven bus, but, of course, the framework is specially designed to support the trolley booms, these being fitted on Brecknell-Willis lightweight trolley
ley bases, mounted on the roof a little behind the cab.
Transverse seating is employed, and a generous floor space allows for free movement in the neighbourhood of the central doorway; a sliding door is fitted. Pains have been taken to provide ventilation without draught, even when, because of bad weather, the windows are closed. Half-drop windows are adopted and there are seven of them.
The main interior lighting of the vehicle is supplied from the trolley circuit, and an emergency lighting service is provided at 12 volts by means of a dynamo and batteries. The vehicle is in use by Bournemouth Corporation.