REVEALED—HOW BRISTOL HAVE CAPTURED NON-THC ORDERS
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SINCE Bristol Commercial Vehicles Ltd. was freed from the restriction of selling bus chassis to THC companies only, in July 1965, no fewer than 169 Bristol buses had been ordered by non-THC undertakings up to December 31 last. Further orders are, I understand, in the pipeline.
It is, perhaps, significant that all orders placed so far are for the successful Bristol RE rearunderfloor-engined bus or coach chassis. However, the new VR single/double-decker chassis, with its vertical rear-offside engine, may well become popular once proving trials with the two prototypes have been completed.
Recent orders for the Bristol RE include one from Newport Corporation Transport for eight RESL 16 ft. 2 in.-wheelbase chassis fitted with Leyland 0.600 engines, semi-automatic transmission, and leaf-spring suspension. Two most interesting orders received from independent coach operators are from Flights Tours Ltd. and E. Byng and Sons Ltd. who have each ordered one RELH 36 ft. coach chassis. The Byng vehicle will have a Leyland 0.600 engine, synchromesh gearbox and leaf suspension while the Flights chassis will have the Leyland 0.680 engine, semi-automatic gearbox and air suspension.
The remaining orders received may be summarized as follows: RELL chassis, municipalities: Sunderland (10), Hartlepool (3), Luton (5) and West Hartlepool (9); BET companies: East Midland (12). RESL, municipalities: Accrington (3), Coventry (6), South Shields (5) and SHMD Board (6); BET companies: North Western (40), Southdown (40); independents: Lancashire United (20).
Of the above orders, the Lancashire United order, 15 REs for North Western and 7 REs for East Midland have not previously been revealed in COMMERCIAL MOTOR The first nonTHC Bristols to enter service will he three of the Coventry buses, which are due for delivery on January 12 and are expected to enter service the
following week. DEREK MOSES