Big-capacity Fleet Beats War Conditions
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Multi-wheeled A.E.C.s Figure Prominently ,• in the Fleet of General Roadways Ltd., Which Undertakes Arduous Long-distance Work
CIA LARGE fleet of A.E.C. machines, ranging in age from a few months to 12 years, principally of the eight-wheeled type, are included in the busy fleet of General Roadways, Ltd., London. Outstanding among them is a Matador fourwheeler which has been engaged on strenuous, long-distance work since 1933 and is now estimated to have travelled at least 400,000 miles. Like many of the older machines, this vehicle has recently been completely reconditioned in accordance with the operator's war-time policy of ,bringing all suitable vehicles up to a standard of mechanical fitness that will ensure their remaining at work for the maximum period.
Pre-war-A.E.C, machines now working in the company's fleet include two 1936 Mammoth Major eight-wheelers, a 1937 eight-wheeler and a Matador four-wheeler, and two 1938 eightwheelers. Subsequently, a -four-wheeler and six eight-wheelers, of which three were purchased second-hand, have been
put into service. The latest eightwheeler was acquired this year under M.O.VT. licence and is specially .equipped with Tecalemit lubrication.
MI these large-type vehicles are engaged on the trunk services which General Roadways, Ltd., operates between the major towns in Britain where Transport Services, Ltd.—of which this company is a subsidiary—
has branch offices. In many provincial towns it maintains its own depots. This means that the A.E.C.s rarely travel less than 1,000 miles a week. The smaller machines in the fleet, working on "local '-' services, i.e., within a 60-70 miles radius of London, mostly average 800-900 miles weekly. 'All A.E.C.s are sent to' the manufacturer's own service department for reconditioning, and while this is being done the bodies—in most cases built by the operator—are repaired and renovated. In pre-war years excellent work was done in this sphere, and complete platform bodies have been turned out within three weeks.
War conditions have affected the normal overhaul programme which is based upon having four machines, or about 10 per cent, of the total fleet, in the garage at any one time. This work takes a fortnight. Ordinary maintenance routine includes the greasing of each vehicle weekly, 'two men being retained solely for this purpose.