Advanced Design in a Long-distance Coach
Page 55
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A Luxurious A.E.C. Q-type Coach, with a Duple 37-seater Body. Exceptional Luggage Accommodation
(VE of the most modern long-N./distance coaches in this country has just been put into service by Elliott Bros. (Bournetnouth), Ltd. It is an A.E.C. Q-type 37-seater, with a luxurious body by Duple Bodies and Motors, ,Ltd., The Hyde, Hendon, London,
Every seat faces forwards, despite the fact that the engine is carried on the off side of the frame just behind the front axle. The two passenger seats on the near side of the driver are • mounted at the normal level, but the remainder are raised, so that all passengers are assured of an excellent view.
The seats are of particularly comfortable design. They are in pairs (with the exception of the full-width seat at the rear), and are equipped with arms and footrests, whilst the backs are moulded. The raising of the seats has also provided ample snace for the accommodation of luggage in lockers under the floor. Actually, 37 full-size suitcases may be carried, whilst there is room for parcels on interior full-length racks at cant-rail level.
The side and rear panels are concave, a design pioneered by both the bodybuilding and operating concerns. They merge into a dummy running board and valance panelled with Armco sheet steel. The windows are wide and Rawlings full-drop lights are employed.
Access to the vehicle is gained through a sliding door at the front, Which has special top and bottom guides and a Sunsaloon lock. The emergency exit is on the off side just in front of the rear axle and is of the standard coach type.
The interior is decorated in a style commensurate with the advanced design of the whole vehicle. The ceiling is lined with scratchproof Rexine, supplemented by two polished inlaid veneer panels. The lining boardS are covered with moquette. In addition to the usual equipment of coaches there is a double-type Clayton Dewandre heater.
Elliott Bros, (Bournemouth), Ltd., is always quick to take up new ideas in coach design, and was the first coach operator to test the merits of the A.E.C. Q-type vehicle, having purchased one of this model last year.