LONDON TRANSPORT SETS NEW STANDARD FOR DOUBLE-DECKERS
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ANEW design of double-deck bus, which is intended to set a standard for the next few years, was put on the road yesterday by London Transport. Whilst the general layout of the new machine is orthodox, the whole of the frontal design has been changed with the express view of improving the driver's visibility. The radiator has been lowered considerably and with it the bonnet, and as the steering column has been moved forward and the seat raised the driver obtains a considerably increased angle of vision. • The double-sectioned windscreen can be opened fullyoutwards. if necessary, and there are two -large ventilators, sliding glasses in the near-side cab emergency window and a sliding. door on the off side. so arranged that when open vehicle movement will not affect it Draught is excluded from the cab by a new design of floor plate and of pedals.
A compressed air system provides power operation of both the braking and gear changing controls, whilst the gear control on the steering column works in a gate. Preselector gears and hydraulic transmission are employed. The engine, which is of new design, is of the direct injection type and is provided with a fully flexible form of mounting.
An interesting feature lies in the installation of a complete chassis lubrication system which is operated by compressed air in conjunction with the brake pedal.
In the design of the engine compactness has been studied, with the result that it has been possible to bring the body farther forward to provide a more roomy platform and increased leg room on the upper deck.
Body construction details are new, so far as double-deckers are concerned, and follow the principles employed in the Board's single-deck machines, in which the use of both wood and metal is carefully intermingled to promote rapid repair after accident and to enable work to be strictly localized.