Is B15 the best ?
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Reference to the interesting article (CM April 9) by Martin Watkins headed "Is B15 the best ? " This article goes to show how far sighted the engineering teams employed by LT have been over the years.
It would be interesting to see details added to the list of comparisons of two additional vehicles, namely the Gardner-engined Fleetline and surely above all else the FRM. The rear-engine Fleetline which although a prototype was, and still is, in operation in a most advanced double-deck vehicle even by today's standards ; it must certainly stand comparison with thf. B15.
It is difficult to imagine that almost nine years have elapsed since FRM 1 went on the road with its advanced design and specification, carrying three passengers less than the B15, with an unladen kerb weight of 8 tons 141cwt, admittedly without a centre exit, showing a saving in weight over the B15 of 124cwt and capable of achieving a laden top speed published figure of 46mph.
The table of comparisons makes interesting reading, especially the maximum speed column showing that a Leyland-engined Fleetline (when flying) is capable of 77mph, presumably this figure should read 47mph !
A fuel figure of 7rnpg is quoted for Fleetlines ; I imagine this is a fleet average figure. It would be very interesting to know the separate mpg figures obtained with a Leyland-engined Fleetline and a Gardner-fitted vehicle, in London service. R. M. LEE, Ramsey.