A Folding Head
Page 59
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Double -deckers
A Type of Walman Allweather Roof now Available for Doublesaloon Buses
WE have frequently in the past explained and referred to the Walman folding head for motor coaches,
etc. It is made by Messrs. Wilfrid Overton, of Marsh Street, Walsall, Staffs., and this firm have made rather remarkable progress during the Vpast year or so, having at present on hand a contract for 100 units for the Boyal Body Corporation, Ltd., Weybridge, and another contract for 150 units for Thomas Barrington, Ltd., of Brighton, quite apart from other good business.
They have now brought out a modification of the Walman head suitable for the roofs of double-saloon passenger vehicles, and Southdown Motor Services, Ltd., of 5, Steins Street, Brighton, in placing an order with Short Brothers (Rochester and Bedford), Ltd., Seaplane Works, Rochester, for new vehicles, has specified that 31 doublesaloon bodies shall be equipped with this new device. The Rochester bodybuilding concern has made thorough tests of it, which have proved the absence of rattle and vibration and freedom from any tendency for the degree of opening to vary intordinary running conditions. Tests as to the waterproof qualities of the head have been made with satisfaction.
The principle of the Walman head involves the use of flexible fabric, or other waterproof material, which covers a folding frame composed of wood or metal cross-sticks and short steel longitudinal links. The frame is propelled fore or aft by means of a chain on each side, this being attached to the end cross-member, and the chains are actuated by two hardened-steel sprockets attached to a cross-shaft and driven by revel gear. The chain is guided between rails and by its own tension is prevented from rattling wjhen cpen, and by a spring which butts against its end when closed. Wheh the head is being closed, the last half-turn of the handle locks all the crot-sticks down to the side rails, thus pre enting rattle, and a recent improvement in the device gives a more positive closure.
In the case of double-saloon vehicles the head is operated from the top deck at the front, and the driving shaft has two universal joints which give a flexible drive.
The pictures reproduced on this page show the new Walman fitting as applied to a Leyland Titan double-saloon vehicle for Southdown Motor Services, Ltd., the bodywork of which was produced at the Rochester works of Short Brothers (Rochester and Bedford), Ltd. In this case, the opening is 4 ft. 6 ins. wide and 15 ft. 6 ins. long. When the head is fully open the folded material stands up at the rear only 10 ins., and is not unduly noticeable or unsightly.
When first the covered saloon was introduced for the upper deck of the double-deck motorbus, there was considerable criticism of it anti, of course, there are undeniable advantages to the uncovered upper deck. Designers of all-weather head equipment have been rather wary about tackling the doublesaloon vehicle, and we are glad to see a go-ahead %firm like Messrs. Wilfrid Overton produce a straightforward type of head which will give this class of vehicle the advantages of both the covered and the uncovered upper deck.