TE says Alexander
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ALEXANDER is making a bid for the independent coach market with its TE-type body, a development of the T-type launched in 1974, writes NOEL MILUER.
The TE is already in production for the Scottish Bus Group and National Bus Company and is available in normal height (3.25m) 11 or 12m versions on Volvo B101V1 and B57, Dennis Lancet and Dorchester and Leyland Tiger chassis.
The first vehicles to be completed are 47-seaters for National Bus subsidiaries Eastern National and Cumberland Motor Services and are fitted to Tiger chassis.
The body is framed and panelled entirely in aluminium alloy. Framing joints are by Avdelock bolt fixing method. The interior specification of the Cumberland vehicle is to NBC requirements with Warerite decorative laminate bonded directly to the body sides, although Alexander offers full soft trim if requested. Fixed Alexander made seats are standard and fitted to the NBC coaches although reclining seats from nominated makers can be fitted.
Similarly, the entrance doors on the Cumberland and Eastern National coaches are singlewidth air-operated folding doors, but power-operated plug doors are also available.
Standard TE heating is by three conventional underseat heaters, but NBC specified Webasto heaters.
Among the other standard TE features is a slide-out battery tray, large capacity rear-luggage boot and full-length luggage rack. Options include a side luggage locker and tinted windows. Laminated windscreens are standard with windscreen heater elements as an option.
Forced-air ventilation through the luggage racks and four ventilators are also standard equipment. A side window demister is also fitted in the coach as standard. At present the TE body is available direct from the manufacturer, Walter Alexander and _Company (Coachbuilders) Ltd of Glasgow Road, Falkirk. The company has still to appoint dealers and distributors for its coaches.
It is also considering developing a high specification luxury coach.
Prices of the TE range vary according to specification and are "highly competitive."