Atlanteans for Paignton
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AFLEET of six new Leyland Atlantean buses with Duple/Willowbrook bodies were put into service last week by the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co. Ltd. The buses were purchased primarily for use on local services with severe gradients in parts and special features are incorporated to assist in the operation of these tortuous and hilly routes.
They are fitted with the large Leyland 0.680 engine with a capacity of 11.1 litres developing 150 b.h.p. at 2,000 r.p.m. and replace Leyland Atlanteans with the 9.8litre engine which were fitted with superchargers in order to deal with the steep gradients.
An improved steering lock has been provided giving a ratio of 34.5-1 as compared with the previous models of 28.5-1. A safety device has been fitted so that the engine cannot be started unless the gear selector is in the neutral position.
The vehicles have 75 seats and ample space for luggage. Fluorescent tube lighting, suitably spaced, gives good all-round illumination. Much thought has been given to the front entrance and the platform has been designed so as to provide a level space instead of immediately sloping upwards from the step edge. The attractive bodies, with their new front look by means of raised sections and air intake grilles, make these vehicles readily distinguishable from earlier models.
For easier maintenance the engine canopy at the rear has been designed in three sections instead of one as hitherto; for normal engine inspection it is only necessary to lift the centre section.
The axle ratio is 6.074-1 as compared with Devon General's normal specification for Atlanteans of 5.334-1.