The Daimler Saloon Bus.
Page 16
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A Paying Type for Jobrnasters.
On the occasion of the last C.M.U.A. Parade, which took place on the Thames Embankment, in the vicinity of the Tate Gallery, on Whit-Monday, the facility with which the judges were able to move about was greatly increased by the use of a handsome saloon omnibus. That vehicle is a happy combination of the standard Daimler three-ton chassis, which is now doing so well in London and provincial motorbus servile, and one of the latest creations in body-work by Christopher Dodson, Ltd., of 81, Page Street, Westminster, S. W. The general lines of this vehicle will be evident from the two illustrations which we reproduce, but we desireagain to draw attention to it, as a type, by reason of anticipations which we have reason to entertain with regard to an incrtasing demand for this class of conveyance in the trade of all jobmasters of good standing and resources.
It is not every party that is content to hire an ordinary motorbus, from a public-service company, in' order to travel together, in privacy and with despatch, on any one of the various occasions that create a demand for departure from the old and no longer universally accepted means of travel, either in summer or winter. Vie are not surprised to learn that a number of enterprising jobmasters, both in the Metropolis and in different provincial towns, have been making active inquiry, during the past few months, concerning first and working costs of saloon motorbuses.
A vehicle such as this Daimler example can be purchased for £1O'25: the chassis with tires is V700, and the body, which possesses a. high degree of finish, both internally and externally, accounts for the balance of $325. We are quite satisfied to endorse the experiences to date, as regards running costs, inclusive of all maintenance, running, depreciation and capital charges, by agreeing that 9d. per mile run is a liberal figure. It might well come down to 7tid. The Daimler example, to which we are immediately referring, has comfortable provision for a dozen passengers. It is well upholstered, and adequately lighted by a C.A.V. installation. There is, in addition, an electrical self-starter for the engine. There are capacious racks for personal wraps and other small articles, and a hinged drop-table is accommodated behind the driver. The entrance doors are wide, and everything about the body conveys a sense of ease. The body is of mahogany, with ash framing on steel, and with aluminium panels. All the inside seats or divans are upholstered in delicate French grey figured cloth and laces, and the floor is covered with carpet to match.
The unique points of a Daimler sleeve-valve engine tell in favour of this vehicle, its equipment and scope of use, by reason of the smooth and even pulling at all times, and of the wonderful elasticity in top gear. With a full load, the vehicle will soar up a gradient of 1 in 18, and it is able to maintain an average, on giveand-take roads, of not much below 20 m.p.h.