"All-in" Specification for Luxury Coach Body
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A NEW product of Associated
Coachbuilders, Ltd., ,Southwick, .Sunderland, has many points of special interest to operators of excursions and tong-distance tours. In construction it is characterized by thoughtful detail and the inclusion of a wide variety of luxury fittings. ' The price is apProxiinately f.1,50. including radio and a range Of 'desirable equipment. Instead of taking a basic price and building up by means of extras, an all-in quotation is given, hut custemers can obtain variations from the specification with appropriate reductions when any of the major items is omitted.
Compared with Certain other designs, the weight, which is slightly over 3 tons
2 cwt., is a little high, but is counterbalanced by robust under-frame construction and many points which should ensure a long trouble-free life. Bulkhead design is arranged so that the pull of attachments at the base is distributed up to the waist-line.
Metal Luggage Locker The luggage locker is a unit-built allmetal compartment with a capacity of 60 cubic ft. and it is automatically illuminated when the doors open; the fitting of this box-form unit at the rear acts as a bracing element at the back of the body.
Hiduminium panels are employed below the waist-line, with aluminium above, the shaped panels being of stouter gauge. Panels, pillars and other fittings are standardized in this design, so that, in the case of need, they can be replaced without delay. With the exception of modifications for cab and wheel-arches, the basic design is instantly appticable to eight of the most popular coach chassis.
The cab on a design demonstrated last week to the Press is of the fullfronted type, built integrally with the body, and has a courier's seat beside the driver; this is equipped with a hand microphone set for making announce ments to the passengers. In addition there is a Romac radio with three amplifiers spaced about the saloon. On the near side above the chassis is a spare-wheel compartment with a traversing cradle carried on a rear roller. Below is a tool locker with an inspection lamp for fitting to the waterproof plug point and sufficient cable to reach all parts of the vehicle. On opening either saloon or cab doors, automatic lights come into action.
A Weathershields sliding roof, consisting of a rose-tinted translucent plastic panel, is fitted in the passenger saloon. Coach seats with metal frames and full Dunlopillo upholstery are mounted on light-alloy castings and provide comfortable accommodation for 33 passengers. The floor, which rises no more than about 3 ins, at the wheel-arches, is rubber-covered, with a sponge-rubber underlay.
Fresh air is drawn into saloon and cab by Clayton Dewandre heating and air-conditioning units, the air being distributed through six inlet grids in the interior. Metal fittings in the saloon are enhanced in appearance by gold anodizing.