Two new psv • • •
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Re-styled midi and 1-type dual-purpose coach
THE TWO NEW designs are among the eight psv at the Show, both exhibited by Walter Alexanders (Coachbuilders) Ltd, of Falkirk. The new integral midibus is based on Ford running units ; and the T-type dual-purpose coach body on Seddon chassis.
Since the midi was restyled by Ogle, interest has been very apparent from operators and the first production batch — of 25 vehicles — has been sold. Additional to the orders by West Midlands PTE for its dial-a-ride service and by the Hants and Dorset, are three for Aberdeen and a batch for Dumfries County Council.
The West Midlands vehicle on view has seats for 25 and standing space for 11. The low floor of the passenger compartment has resulted in a slightly awkward interior front layout as the passengers have to go forward to the driver and then return to passenger space. A map of the service area is shown on the driver's cash tray, which should help to cut down the frequent cause of delay as the driver explains where the bus is going.
The front appearance is now neater but I would guess that the prominent engine stop knob might prove too great a temptation for some of the young passers-by.
First T-type
The other Alexanders exhibit is the first T-type body — one of a current order for 92 for the Scottish Bus Group. Seven National Bus Company divisions also have T-types on order.
The exterior styling is straightforward and functional, but the arrangement at the front of the roof to accommodate the destination box is rather clumsy. The final pre paration of the coach was outstandingly good and showed the sober Eastern Scottish green and cream to the best advantage.
The specification of a heavy engine (Gardner) and manual four-speed gearbox seems rather a regressive step. The cab layout is also oldfashioned, complete with enormous handbrake lever on the driver's right.
The third Alexanders' body on show is on the Leyland stand — the 1,000th Atlantean AN68 for Greater Glasgow PTE. This has Alexanders standard double-deck layout making use of a great deal of glassfibre mouldings—not only for the driver's cab-surround but also for the complete stair unit and the rear seats in the lower saloon over the rear wheels.
Alexanders are currently supplying a batch of 200 double-deck bodies to Greater Glasgow at a rate of 15 per month. Glasgow now has the largest Atlantean fleet in the world.
The outside look of the bus is perhaps spoiled by the small opening windows inset into the large panes.
Also on the Leyland stand is a 10.3m Leyland National bus destined for Grampian Regional Council transport department at Aberdeen. The striking new livery of Grampian looks particularly good on the National. The green roof and skirt and cream side section are highlighted by a bright orange strip above the lower green panel.
This two-door National hap 40 seats and room for 22 standing. A very neat luggage compartment is included immediately to the rear of the exit door.
A Ford R1014 six-speed chassis is shown on the stand of S. and N. Motors. This coach is destined for Garelochhead Coaches after the close of the Show.
It has 37 seats plus four tables, and tO cater for the rearwood facing passengers television sets both at front and back.
The provision of a Telma retarder, radio and tape recorder although necessary add to the awful clutter of the dashboard. This has warning lights sprinkled apparently haphazardly among the gauges with virtually nothing marked with its function.
The Ford chassis price is £5,536 and the body £11,688 with a further £686 for the Telma and £265 for chassis lubrication.
Exhibited by McLays of Kirkintilloch Ltd is a welfare version of its Wayfarer psv body mounted on a Leyland 550 FG chassis. This vehicle has been produced by McLays for about three years and about 250 have been sold. The same company also produces a psv body for the Leyland Terrier chassis.
Impressive
The Wayfarer is an impressive vehicle, only marred by the intrusion into the driver's compartment of the engine cowl on the left and the front wheel arch on the right.
Two crew-bus versions of the Leyland Sherpa are on show. On the stand of John Mitchell of Greenock is a petrol version in the distinctive colour scheme of Scottish Gas. This seats nine in the .back plus room for two more beside the driver. A full psv version is produced by Deansgate and was described fully in CM last week.