Phases of PASSENGER TRAVEL
Page 79
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Notes on a Variety of Aspects of Coach and Bus Development, URING the past motor-coaching 1.1 season the type of vehicle incorporating it sliding head has won considerable favour, and this is not surprising when one considers that a •coach sO equipped provides complete protection, whatever the weather conditions. Several types have made their appearance and one of the first coaches to be equipped with the Sunrayn head is shown in accompanying illustrations.
The aims of the inventor of this equipment have been to provide a sliding roof which, whilst being easy to operate, does not present an untidy appearance in the open position, or obstruct the vision to the rear of the machine. . The actual roof covering is not fixed to any of the hoop-sticks, but to the front member, the ends of which run in guides fitted to the fixed sides of the roof, whilst the rear end is secured to a spring-balanced roller built in the domed back.
, The hoop-sticks are connected to each other by means of lazy-tongs mechanism, spring balanced to counter the effort of pulling against the spring roller when the roof is being closed. • The interior hood lining is attached to the sticks, and when the hood is opened it folds neatly into the space between the false roof in the domed back and the roof proper. Incidentally, to ensure that the lining is kept taut when the roof is closed, press buttons are provided along the edges.
To ensure that there shall be no complaint on the score of weatherproofness, a false roof is used over each side of the fixed portion, whilst the hoop-stick channelling incorporates a drainage section of such dimensions as to make it impossible, for any water to leak through into the interior.
The first member of the sliding roof is clamped to the front bulkhead when the roof is closed, but this is not essential as the roof mechanism is so balanced as to allow the head to be opened to any desired extent, without the necessity of special locking devices.When the sliding portion of the roof is out of use it is completely hidden from view, as reference to one of the accompanying pictures clearly shows.
Apart from the special headwork, the body of this coach is of a type which conforms with the standard de luxe allweather coach marketed by Lancia (England), Ltd., Lancia Works, Alper