New Lightweight Double-decker
Page 58
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A 58-SEAT metal double-deck bus body weighing 2/ tons has been built by Associated Coachbuilders, Ltd., for Sunderland Transport Department. Mounted on a forward-control Daimler chassis, it is the first of its type to be placed in service, and was handed over at Sunderland on Monday.
Framed in metal, with hardwood inserts, the body shell was supplied by Metal Sections, Ltd. The sections are bolted together and the complete body is bolted to the chassis, insulation being provided by Balata packings. Main side pillars are. of 18-g. steel channel section, whilst the roof sticks and the longitudinal members are of light alloy.
Panelled throughout in 18 s.w.g. aluminium sheet, the body has aluminium mouldings to cover the joints. Pressed metal facias arc fitted around the win
c20 dow apertures inside, casings being covered with leatbercloth to match the general colour scheme.
The enclosed staircase has a half-way landing, and the treads are finished with aluminium nosing which has a white plastic filling. Stanchions and handrails are in stainless steel.
Built integrally with the body, the driver's cab has a full-length door bung on three self-aligning hinges. To facilitate signalling, a Hilbus double-sliding aperture is provided. The windscreen and escape window are of Auster manufacture.
. An adjustable mirror fitted to the cab roof, working in conjunction with a window in the bulkhead arch panel, gives the driver a view of the rear platform. Two-way adjustment is provided for the seat.
Lightweight seats with Dunlopillo cushions and Hairlok squabs are provided. Upholstery is in hand-buffed leather, Simplastic aluminium-alloy external glazing pans are provided for the fixed windows, whilst the sliding sections are of Widney Fainco design. Triplex toughened safety glass is used throughout. Open-type reflectors are used for the lights of both saloons, and a cleaner's switch actuates off-side lamps in both saloons.
The vehicle is the first of a contract for five. It is 27 ft. long and 7 ft. 6 in. wide, and carries 25 passengers in the lower saloon and 33 on the upper deck. Ventilation is provided by Ashanco fittings in the roof, with the addition of hit-and-miss grilles in the upper saloon. Louvres with baffles on the inside are incorporated in the lowerdeck bulkhead.