AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Bigger Bedford Bus Chassis for 41-seat Bodies

19th August 1955, Page 61
19th August 1955
Page 61
Page 61, 19th August 1955 — Bigger Bedford Bus Chassis for 41-seat Bodies
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

rAA NEW Bedford 216-in.-wheelbase chassis for coach or bus bodywork has been introduced to replace the previous 206-in.-wheelbase model.

The increase of 10 in. on the wheelbase makes possible an extension of 15 in. in the length of the complete vehicle, which becomes the full 30 ft. permitted by present regulations; This puts up the capacity of a typical Bedford coach body from 36 to 41 seats.

Despite the increased wheelbase, the turning circle of the new chassis is unchanged at 641 ft. This necessitates a greater lock angle, provided by a new front axle of 11 in. wider track; a new steering box with greater sector movement and external adjustment to take up wear; and a new third-arm forging, Flat Frame The chassis [ratite, which is designed for coachwork either 7 ft. 6 in. or 8 ft. wide, is flat from the cab to the extreme rear. It is 21; in. higher than that of the previous chassis, thus eliminating the need for a kick-up over the rear axle. The frame ends behind the rear hangers of the rear springs, reducing the overhang behind the rear axle from 854 in. to 49 in. and saving weight.

The air-intake cleaner and the improved air silencer have been moved to allow a lower windscreen line. Balance is improved . by placing the batteries on the frame side member. Shear-type rear engine mountings on the oil-engined model reduce vibration.

The gross weight limit of the petrol-engined Chassis remains at 18,000 lb., but that of the oiler. now fitted with 8.25-20 12-ply tyres, goes up to 18,500 lb. Taxation weight is 5,700 lb.

Leading bodybuilders, includ Mg Duple, Plaxtort and Burlingham, have designed luxury coach bodies for the new Bedford chassis. Duple and Mulliner are also producing bus bodies.

Prices so far known are: Chassis only: Petrol engine, £855; Perkins R.6 oil engine, £1,248. Duple Vega 41-seat coach; Petrol, £3,010; oil, £3,453. Duple Super Vega 41-seat luxury coach; Petrol, £3,140; oil, £1583. (Foregoing prices are for 7-ft. 7-in. or 8-ft.-wide bodies.) Duple 40-seat metal-framed service bus: Petrol, £2,680; oil, £3,103, Burlingham Seagull 41-seat all-metal coach, 8 ft. wide: Petrol, £3,135; oil, £3,588.

NEW PLYMOUTH FUEL DEPOT

ANEWtermi nal of Western NEW Products, Ltd., Cattewater Road, Plymouth. began operations last week. Owned jointly by the Vacuum Oil Co.. Ltd., and local interests in Plymouth, the depot has a capacity of nearly 500,000 gal.

Depot tanks are supplied from one of the most modern coastal tankers, which berths at Cattedown Wharf and pumps the oil through more than 1,400 yd. of two 6-in. pipelines. The loading area has been designed to accommodate two road tankers at the same time, and the pumps are capable of filling them at the rate of 250 g.p.m.

• With three 2,400-gal. tankers and two smaller ones it is hoped to raise the throughput of the terminal by up to Kim. gal. a year.

NEW OSRAM BULB

A NEW Osram• 24v. bulb has been 1—k designed better to resist the vibration of heavy vehicles than usual types with a long filament. Two short 12v. filaments are connected in series in the new product, which sells at the same price of Is. 6d. Consumption is 6W.

Coventry Rally Now Two-day Event

BECAUSE the response to the Midi-flat-ids eliminating contest for the " Lorry Driver of the Year" competition has been so great. Coventry Road Accident Prevention Council have had to spread the event over two days ---September 11 and 18. They had intended to restrict entries to 200 vehicles, but applications for more than that number have already been received.

The Midland Division of the Traders Road Transport Association is presenting a trophy for the best woman driver. No woman took part in the first two contests in 1953 and 1954, but it is understood that one or two have been entered this year. The T.R.T.A. trophy carries with it a personal gift valued at £5.

AVOID YORK, IF YOU CAN

T NGINEERING work has necessi

tated the closing of Castle Mill's Bridge, York, for a year, and a oneway traffic system has been introduced. Coach operators who normally pass through York on their way to the east coast, especially at week-ends during summer, are being asked, if possible, to avoid the city. Alternative. routes are via Boroughbridee or Selby, where there is a toll bridge.

"DEFINE CREDIT FACILITIES" THE National Conference of Road 1 Transport Clearing Houses have asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to define Government policy on credit facilities to enable intending purchasers to tender for British Road Services' vehicles.


comments powered by Disqus