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STRIKING BODYWORK at Olympia

Many Indications of the Remarkable Progress Made in Design and Construction During the Past Two Years. An Expert Commentary on the Bodywork Exhibits THE display of bodywork at Olympia reveals definite improvements in many details, not only when compared with the Show .of two years ago, but when considered with last year's Glasgow Exhibition, Regarding passenger bodywork, one gets the impression that the industry is now confining itself to fewer leading types of body, and design and construction benefit alike by this concentration.

But with the van and lorry there does not yet appear to

be any real settling down to the perfecting of a restricted number of representative patterns. The introduction of larger chassis' with or without forward control, the increase in the number of six-wheelers offered for the heavier loads and the choice which may be made between a rigid and an articulated six-wheeler, as well as the almost unlimited possibilities of the trailer in its various forms, tend to make novelty characterize the present phase of this section of bodybuilding.

Improvements Made in Single-deckers.

During the past two years much attention has been given to the development of the nominal 30-seater, with its forwardcontrol cabin and a rear entrance or two side entrances. The upright screen has practically disappeared in favour of the sloping one, the well-domed roof has successfully ousted the plain, cambered pattern and the neat glass louvre replaced the hinged ventilating window.

The roof is not only domed, but it has now to be designed so as to embody a destination indicator because it is considered that the appearance of the vehicle suffers if this device be independently mounted.

The very large number of long-distance coaches which has been built since 1927 has had a marked effect on the quality and finish of iho service bus. Formerly ordinary plywood panels and a few strips of mouldings to conceal the edges sufficed to line the interior, but now such panels are often covered-in fabric to match or to tone with the upholstery of the seats, whilst the inside waist or garnish rail is inlaid, padded or otherwise finished in exactly the same manner as with a pleasure coach.

The underside of the roof is more often panelled instead of revealing the hoopsticks ; or the hoopstiacs may be shown only at the crown of the roof, giving the opportunity for a display of curved panelling on each side. The upper corner brackets are now much less obtrusive; in fact, the modern bua interior attracts by its neatness, detail finish and good taste, and there is less defiant display of construction and reinforcement.

The Evolution of the Long-distance Coach.

The designer of the earlier patterns of this type of vehicle was hampered by the fact that too much had to be attempted. To make a coach which should have a reasonable number of luxurious seats, an efficient kitchen or buffet, and a properly appointed lavatory, was an interesting experiment, and was to be commended for the amount of ingenuity displayed ; but it has to be recognized that a road vehicle has welldefined limits of accommodation, and its main function is adversely affected and its general improvement delayed if consideration has to be given to the allocation of special compartments.

As a result of simplifying the problem to the provision of well-arranged and comfortable seats only, the coach of to-day is often better equipped for a lengthy journey than many a private car.

During the past year or two the long-distance coach has had its luggage space increased. The lockers under the floor and at the side of the chassis still find favour, but in mole instances part of the roof is enclosed with a rail, and parcel nets are fitted above the windows. This is a feature which may be yet further daveloped, because it does not interfere with the seating accommodation. It is not suggested that locker space will be increased, but that the design of the lockers themselves will be improved in detail, particularly those which are fitted to the roof in place of the open rail and waterproof sheeting.

The best classes of moquette are much in favour for upholstering. As the patterns used are often somewhat elaborate the designer wisely exercises restraint regarding any roof decoration employed. Interior lamps and ventilator gratings are now artistically finished, and form in themselves a part of the general decorative scheme.

Progress Made in Double-deckers.

Although one is reluctant to make comparisons it must be admitted that the covered-top double-decker is the most interesting example of modern bodywork. In spite of its bulk it often has more balanced outline and better proportions than some singledeckers. It has usually only a single entrance; nevertheless, that entrance is unrivalled for ease of access. What could be more ingenious than the various ways in which the staircase is set out?

Recent improvements include the general adoption of the enclosed staircase, the removal of obstructions from

rl the front windows of the upper saloon, the instailotion of more scientific schemes of ventilation and the skill expended in devising new arrangements of the upper-deck seats, so that the overall height is economized 4ithout interfering with the comfort of the passengers. The latest phase is the attention which is being given to the provision of emergency exits for both saloons.

Double-deckers at Olympia.

On Stand 60 the English Electric Co., Ltd., is showing a 56-seater with enclosed staircase, which at once appeals by its blue-and-gold colour scheme. This trolley-bus has a particularly neat oak finish for the interior garnish rails. The easily negotiated staircase includes a convenient half-way landing. The adjustable windows are controlled by a small catch operating on top of the garnish rail, so that there is no projection to come in contact with the passengers' clothing. The driving compartment, following the usual practice with trolley-buses, is of full width.

The Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd., is exhibiting on Stand 22 an example of double-deck bodywork mounted on a Crossley chassis. The lower saloon seats 24 and the upper saloon 26 'passengers. One upholstery material is not „used throughout, the lower saloon being upholstered in moquette and the upper saloon in leather. The exterior colour scheme is grey with red belt, wings and mouldings. A single elliptical window is, used at the rear of each deck. g56 A special feature of the upper saloon is the sharply curved side of the roof, ventilators being inserted on each side above the gangway. The windows are controlled by winders, and there are single seats at the rear on both off and near sides. The upper deck has a sloping front only, obstructed by a narrow centre pillar. In the lower saloon there are lockers over each wheel-arch immediately forward of a long seat for two passengers.

Leyland Motors, Ltd., has again added improvements to its wonderful Titan double-saloon city bus. This 48-seater has accommodation for 24 _passengers on each deck. The convenient seven-step staircase is now totally enclosed with a single back window for each deck, the panelling being merged in the roof sweep with a dome which would do credit to a high-class private car.

There are emergency-exit facilities on both decks. In the lower saloon the emergency door is on the off side and immediately behind the front bulkhead, and may be opened from either outside or inside. The upper-deck exit, also on the off side, is opposite the third transverse gangway. It is of unique design and consists of a half upper glass door, hinged at the side to open outwards, and the lower, or panelled, half, which is hinged at the bottom. This flap has a short ladder attached to it.

The upper-deck seating is accessible from an off-side gangway. Entry to each row of seats is facilitated by shortening the alternate rows. The front seat holds four persons, the next one three and so on for six rows, the rearmost and seventh row being each for three passengers. A fine view is obtained from the front of the top saloon, as the panelling has two large windows only.

The Daimler Co., Ltd., shows an imposing '52-seater double-decker with bodywork by the Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd. There are 28 seats upstairs and.24 in the lower saloon, the rear platform and steps being of the open type. The colour scheme is red and white, the upholstery being carried out in an attractive pattern of moquette. The maximum amount of natural lighting is afforded, the front bulkhead of the lower saloau having only a central pillar.

Karrier Motors, Ltd„ exhibits two double-deckers, one 1.):•ing a 60-seater trolley-bus and the other a 68-seater mounted upon a forward-control model of 17-ft. 6-in. wheelbase. The bodywork is by Charles H. Roe (1923), Ltd. The lower saloon is divided about midway by a glazed partition, the seating at the rear of this division being longitudinal, so that there is an unusually, large area of gangway.

An imposing city-service bus is the Vulcan Emperor 51seater. The top deck has a sunk gangway on each side. Each row of seats holds three passengers and there is also a single seat in the near-side rear corner. The central roof stanchions are fastened to the backs of the seats.

An attractive 50-seater fully enclosed double-decker is shown by Crossley Motors, Ltd. The overall unloaded height is 13 ft. This is another instance of a central top-deck seating arrangement with gangways both sides. Each seat holds three, except the back one, which holds two passengers. In the lower saloon the first off-side double seat faces the rear and by the side of it is an emergency exit. The staircase is of unusual design, because it has only two " winders" (treads set at an angle). The hind platform is low enough not to require any outer step. The bodywork is bY the exhibitor.

The A.E.C. Regent low-loading 50-seater has an attractive colour scheme. The bodywork is painted primrose with upper •aad -lower belt and cant-rail panels in green edged With blade mouldings and a fine green line. Lomioners will be pnrtieularly interested in the 52 seater "Chocolate Express" shown by Christopher Dodaon, Ltd.. the bodybuilder. This is mounted on a Leyland Titan chassis. The seats in the top saloon are staggered, there being eight on the near side and six on the of side. The cushions have an unusual depth Of spring. Centrally disposed on the front bulkhead of the lower saloon is a large clock flanked on each side by a circular ventilator. The roof of this vehicle has inside panels.

The covered-top double-deck bus shown by Short Bros. (Rochester and Bedford), Ltd., is a "52-seater incorporating the A.E.C. type-661 chassis. The body is of patent all-metal construction, the main framing and floors being of aluminium alloy. The exterior panels are of aluminium and the interior panels are of plywood covered with leather-cloth to match the upholstery. The lower-saloon roof has an inner plyand-metal lining, so that there are no projections. The upper saloon has the roof-sticks outside, leaving the inside quite clear. The roof stanchions are of stainless steel. The 12 drop windows are of the Qttichtho N.S. type with a metal louvre above. , Lower-saloon seats are finished in moquette and the upper ones in leather. In addition to the roof stanchions, the staircase rails and other hand rails are also of stainless steel. Both saloon floors are covered with cork matting, The Gifford Motor Co., Ltd., is showing a 50-seater fully enclosed double-decker. The upper saloon has a gangway on each side. This body is constructed with duralurnin stanchions and rails and aluminium panels. The windows are divided horizontally, having a lower fixed half and the upper half arranged to drop.

Griase, Ltd.; shows a 54-seater Guy six wheeler. The Grose body is of the covered-top pattern and has a recessed gangway on the lower deck. The upholstery is in brown antique leather and the colour scheme is vermilion and white with gold and chocolate lines.

Long-distance Coaches.

There are several luxurious long-distance coaches in the Show, but none rivals in tastefulness the interior of the 18-seater built by the English Electric Co., Ltd., and mounted on a Kanier JKL chassis. The off-side seats are for two passengers and the near-side seats for one only, so that, with a maximum width of body, the gangway is of ample proportions. This is covered with a bordered pile carpet. The moquette of the armchair seats has a neat hairline pattern, which harmonise a well with the walnut panelling that extends from the cant-rail to within about 8 ins, of the floor, where there is 411 aluminium skirting. The folding tables built into the backs of the seats have unsplinterable glass tops, all the metal furniture is chromium plated and the roof is finished in lincrasta with a restrained display of walnut mouldings. There are narrow panels between the side windows, equipped with mirrors, which make a most pleasing deviation from standard practice. On entering the front door there is a walnut sideboard, which conceals the heating apparatus, and there are doors on bath sides of the enclosed driving seat. This coach is painted yellow with lake . upper parts.

The Waveney" Co., Ltd., shows two long-distance coaches. The "example rnOunted on an A.J.S. chassis has a forwardcontrol cab of striking design. The cab has a spring-mounted flexible roof with hinged celluloid side screeigs. Lockers for luggage are provided alene the skirts of the body." There is also a special enclosed luggage compartment fitted to the roof. Parcels racks are mounted inside at the cant-rail The roof and upper parts are painted light grey with a dark grey belt and bright blue main panels. Connolly quadrantshaped rubber bumpers are fitted at the rear.

A 26-seater coach body mounted on a G.M.C. chassis is allow)/ by the /loyal Body Corporation, Ltd. It has moquette-covered semi-bucket• seats. The exterior is halfpanelled in cellulose finish and there is fabrie facing .above the waist rail. The interior woodwork is in walnut' with

nickel fittings. The Wilton Carriage Co., Ltd., has on view a 24-seater coach. bod3a on a 'Vulcan . Duchess chassis. This coach is upholstered in blue moquette, the main panels, dome of roof and pillars being painted blue, with a cream belt. Heating equipment is installed.

The example of luxury coachwork shown by the Arlington Motor Co. is mounted on a Gifford chassis. The seats are of generous proportions and incorporate head-rest as well as being staggered in relation to one another. The roof is pleated in sunray style. Newtex safety glass is used and all fittings are chromium plated. The cellulose colour scheme 1,;J in two shades of blue.

Weymann's Motor Bodies, Ltd., shows an example of the special Weymann method of construction' this being a 30-seater Daimler coach. The exterior colour acheme is carried out mainly in cream, the roof and back 'quarters being blue. A special feature of the body is the waist line, which is swept downwards at the front bulkhead. The armchair seats have sprung head rolls. All interior fittings are oxidized copper. A fulheized transverse unit of a Weymann body is also exhibited, so that the method of construc

tion may be easily understood. Two out of the three vehicles shown by Strachans (Acton), Ltd.. are long-distance coaches. The 32-seater front-and-rear-entrance Thornyeroft six-wheeler fins luggage lockers under the floor and each side of the interior of the roof, as well as a large locker under the rear seat accessible from the outside. This well-ventilated coach has a large oval skylight provided in the roof. A particularly interesting feature of the seats is their lengthwise adjustment. The interior equipment includes two cigarette machines, chocolate cabinet and dock incorporated in the front bulkhead. The 26-seater. mounted on an Albion chassis is fitted with seats which have a variable head-rest and arm-rest and arc suitable for day or night travel.

Grose Ltd., has on view a 20-seater Coach mounted on a Star Flyer chassis. The armchair seats are upholstered hi furniture hide with moquette on the seat backs: • There is carpet to the centre gangway mid a sloping footrest and coco-nut fibre mat to each seat. The special features of the 28-seater Daimler coach with bodywork by John Bucking,ham, Ltd., are the luggage lockers between the outer panels and chassis and the vertical aluminium mouldings at the pillar joints. The two doors have folding-step covers which lift automatically. Silk rope pulls and a mirror strip are fastened to each pillar. This handsome coach is painted saffron yellow and cherry red and upholstered in fawn moquette piped with red leather.

The 26-seater shown by A. J. Stevens and Co., Ltd., is mounted on the 36 h.p. CoMmodore chassis and painted brown..

Some Single-deck Service Buses.

Of hth-class finish is the 32-seater mounted on a Daimler chassis and shown on the Willowbrook -stand. This bus has three glass-panelled ventilators in the roof. The inside lining boards are covered in antique leather and the garnish rails are inlaid. The curved roof panels are of burr walnut. A partition divides off the rear of the bus into a smoking compartment.

The 32-seater Crossley, with bodywork by W. H. Knibbs and Son, Ltd., has a front-entrance body. It is constructed on the Knibson patent system with armoured plywood

framework and duralumin brackets. The painting is distinctively carried out in two shades of red with black belt and white uppers.

The 82-seater Thornycroft shown by Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., has two near-side entrances both having folding doors. The front seat is for three passengers• and faces the :rear. Strachans (Acton), Ltd., exhibits a 32seater front-and-rear-entrance saloon mounted on a Dennis E.V.-type chassis: The front folding doors are ileehanically operated. The semi-bucket seats have sprung backs and are upholsteret in red antique leather. This bus represents a repeat order from Rochdale Corporation. The body and bonnet are painted in grained walnut with alight-brown belt and red mouldings. The roof is specially constructed throughout with very narrow boards.

The 31-seater exhibited by Short Bros. (Rochester and Bedford), Ltd., mounted on a Tilling-Stevens chassis, has rear eir.,et:nce. The clear headroom inside is 6 ft. 3 ins. In lie/ of the usual glass louvres a continuous metal eave is fitted the full length of the windows: The 'bottom edge of the eave is turned up to form a water gutter—quite a good

feature. • • • . One-of the three exhibits on the stand of Northern Counties Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd.; is a 32-seater frontentrance Albion. The panels are painted vermilion with a lake belt. • The seats are of the rigid-back semi-bucket type and are upho'stered in leather.

Amongst six-wheelers there is the 20-seater shown by the British Longframe Six Wheeler Co., Ltd. The chassis is an extended Chevrolet 30-cwt. model and it makes a nice frontentrance bur: with Wide emeigency door at rear.

All-weather or Sunshine Coaches.

• London Lorries, Ltd., has on view four examples of saloon coach fitted with the Plein-Azur flexible Sliding 'pot The roofs of the 19-seater Albion and 20seater Gifford are operated by turning a handle, whilst that on the 14-seater Chevrolet is opened and closed directly by hand. . Of special interest is the 26-seater Mandslay which has an electrically operated roof. This coach has double-floor luggage accommodation, roof rail and ladder. The seats are upholstered in moquette and are equipped with folding tables. All metal fittings are chromium plated.

Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd., has an iniposing array of Parlour coaches. The 28-seater Mandslay is a registered and patented design With concave panelling, with a series of four steel buffer mouldings arranged along the valance. All the side windows are of the .Quicktho NS pattern with chromium-plated metal frames. There is a clerestory-type roof incorporating a Barwatt one-man-operated head.

The 23-seater all-weather saloon coach shown by Herbert E. Taylor and Co., Ltd., with sliding roof, mounted on a Reo chassis, is upholstered in leather. All side windows are operated with Rawlings fittings.

The Dennis 26-seater sunshine saloon with bodywork by the Royal Body. Corporation, Ltd., is "covered . with black fabric above the waistline. The main panels are stone coloured with a Ain belt panel. Two of the coaches shown by E.-W. Plakton are of the all-weather pattern. One is a 14-seater mounted on a •1Villys-Overland Whippet chassis. The body is upholstered in fancy grained -Ieather'and painted

apple .green and ivory white. . • , • Willowbrook, Ltd., is showing an 18-seater Sunsaloon_ allweather coach Mounted on a Bean chassis.. This coach has a grey belt and wings and primrose panels. The sloping screen and scuttle are compactly arranged.

The 20-seater domed-back coach with bodywork by John C. Beadle, Ltd., is.mOunted on a Morris-Commercial chassis. The opening hood is of the exhibitor's own design. The upholstery is carried out in grey antique leather. The louvres above the main windows are of ground glass.

Thos. Harrington, Ltd., has on view a 22-seater coach with Walman sliding head. The painting and lettering. are in accordance with the L.M.S. Railway Co.'s scheme. Acetex safety glass is used.

The 2S-seater Sunsaloon coach with Tilling-Stevens chassis and bodywork by' Davidson (Trafford Park), Ltd., has Splint& safety glass. The upholstery is blue-grey With grey wood interior mouldings.

Light Delivery Vans.

Garner Motors, Ltd., shows en insulated van mounted on the A.J. chassis. This hygimi..i meat van has a thick layer of insulating material with an inner shell of galvanized steel. Rounded corner fillets are used. A very interesting exhibit on the stand of the Wilson Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd., is a side-loading van body mounted on a Morris light chassis. it has two doors on each side for easy access and is fitted with skeleton wooden racks suitable for the display of food products. On the same stand is a Morris-Cowley Normandy art with Cape hood and well-arranged side screens. The X.ton Morris furniture van with built-over cab has a large tailboard which forms a convenient loading ramp. Carter Paterson and Co., Ltd., shows a 2i-ton Garner van

with sides covered with large aluminium panels. The special feature of the 4-ton Albion overtype is the steelframed tray fitted to the chassis behind the driver's cab to take detachable containers. '1 he angles are mounted on inverted-channel cross-bearers supported On cprved-shaped brackets. John C. Beadle, Ltd., has on view an imposing boxvan mounted on a Dennis chassis with fully enclosed cab having a sloping screen.

Glover, Webb and Liversidge, Ltd., shows a box body mounted on a Reo chassis. Specially designed for carrying biscuits, the construction is of a particularly light nature and arranged for easy attention. The Thornycroft boxviin on the stand of Challands, Ross and Co., Ltd., has exterior panels of Sundeala. The rear doors open the full width and fold right back to the body sides, where they are held by spring catches. A very attractively finished van shown by BonaRack and Sons is mounted on a 3i-ton A.E.C. chassis. The body is streamlined from the radiator to the back of the. driver's seat with the double moulding of the bonnet continued the full length of the body.

Hinge-sided Lorries.

Automobiles AI. Berliet shows both a 2-ton and a 5-ton drop-sided lorry. Thomas Harrington, Ltd., has on its stand a hinge.sided lorry mounted on a Earlier S.K.5, chassis. This lorry is painted and finished in the Southern Railway colours. All the vehicles shown on the stand of Guy Motors, Ltd., are painted cream and black. Included in the colour scheme is a drop-sided lorry.'

Ambulances.

W. and G. tin Cros, Ltd.. has on exhibition an ambulance built for the Harrogate infirmary. The chassis is specially designed for this class of work, is of extra width and has an offset differential. The rear step is neatly concealed when not in use. General Motors. Ltd., shows a Chevrolet twostretcher ambulance. Provision is made for storing the Ica) stretcher when not in use. The exterior is finished in a varnished-wood effect.

Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., displays an example of the R-type ambulance, and the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., exhibits both 12 h.p. and 20 h.p, ambulances.

Horseboxes.

Horseboxes are well represented at this year's Show, in all sizes, both as trailers and as self-contained vehicles. Eccles Motor Caravans, Ltd., has on view a one-horse

trailer which will make a special aPPeal t;trheliiiin'tling man. In the Eccles six-wheeler box the horses are carried in a lowloading semi-trailer portion which can be super-imposed on any 25-30-cwt. chassis. There is also a Re() horsebox to accommodate two animals.

It. A. Dyson and Co., Ltd., shows a trailer horsebox to carry two animals. The padded internal fittings are skilfully arranged.

Elkiugton Carriage Co., Ltd., has a well-designed horsebox mounted on an A.E.C. chassis. It has accommodation for four horses. The body has outside framing.. Messrs. Vincents, of Reading, exhibit a three-horse box body mounted on a Star Flyer chassis.

Taxicabs.

There is a 12 h.% Austin landanlet taxicab on ths _land of Eikington Carriage Co., Ltd. This is painted blue and upholstered in leather to match. Three taxicabs are shown by Beardmore (Paisley), Ltd. The three-quarter landaulet body to seat four passengers has frameless unsplinterable windows and is trimmed in hand-huffed leather. A taxi is also shown with a sliding roof. On the stand of Citroen Cars, Ltd., may be seen a provincial-type taxi. The windows operate by winders and two occasional seats fold into the back of the partition.

Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., has on view a London-type taxicab. This four-seater has a 9-ft. wheelbase.

This article could not be closed without reference to the particularly interesting Expando travelling-showroom body seen on a 30-cwt. Chevrolet on the chassis company's stand. The side portions and roof are expanded apart by an electric motor, making a comparatively large showroom, well lighted and equipped.