PASSENGER TRAVEL NEWS.
Page 67
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The Latest Doings and Developments in the Bus and Coach World.
SIX-WHEELERS FOR LONG-DISTANCE SERVICE.
Brief Details of Two Karrier 32-seater Vehicles Constructed for Newcastle Passenger-vehicle Proprietor.
ALTITOUGH the six-wheeled vehicle has hitherto been principally employed on regular bus services of limited mileage, it may not be long before this type of vehicle finds favour for use on long-distance routes. As a matter of fact, Karrier Motors, Ltd., Karrier Works, Huddersfield, has recently supplied two vehicles to Mr. George Galley, of Coquet Street, Newcastleon-Tyne, -whieh were originally intended for use between Newcastle and London. For the moment, Mr. Galley is concentrating on a new route between Newcastle and West Hartlepool and the service to the Metropolis has been temporarily laid aside. Incidentally, it may be of interest to readers to note that this established coach proprietor and haulage contractor has recently amalgamated with the Eastern
Express Motors, Ltd., of West Hartlepool.
The vehicles to which we refer are shown in an accompanying illustration, and the type of chassis employed for them is the Karrier CL6 type, which is the smallest of the company's sixwheeler range. It incorporates in its design a six-eylindered engine, which develops 47 h.p. at a normal engine speed of 1,250 rpm. and 56 h.p. at the maximum number of revolutions. All the wheels are shod with pneumatic tyres of 34-in. by 7-in, dimensions, and they are mounted on Leper-roller bearings. The rear driving wheels are power-braked in an effective manner by means of the Westinghouse system, which, as Many of our readers well know, is employed as standard on all Karrier six-wheeled passenger models. We lay stress on these facts because efficient braking and smooth running are vitally essential on vehicles used on a fast long-distance service. The bodies of these vehicles are built to seat 32 people and they were constructed by Davidson (Trafford Park),
Ltd.. of Manchester. The type employed has the passenger entrance at the front ou the near side and its equipment is intended to make for comfortable and convenient travelling over long journeys. There is a compartment at the rear in which a neat folding washbasin and a porcelain chemical commode are fitted. All the side windows are of the drop pattern and can be lowered to the fall extent, but when they are completely closed, adequate fresh air is ensured for the interior by the two Airvac ventilators which are fitted in the roof.
The seating layout is quite conventional. All the seats face in the forward direction with the exception of those over the arches of the rear wheels. Cushions are deep and well sprung, whilst the seat back a have semi-bucket spring cases. There is an emergency door at the rear, and so soon as this is opened a step automatically falls and facilitates the dismounting of passengers. All interior fittings are of a high quality and Doverite is used as ft covering for many of them.
Efficient lighting is provided by a 12volt set. A neat destination indicator is built into the roof, at the rear of which is a covered luggage rack, this being reached by means of a ladder fixed on the back pauel.
The driver is accommodated alongside the engine in a fully floating compartment, which is draught-proof and hie comfort—like, that of the passengers— has been properly attended to. He is provided with a spring tip-up seat, having an upholstered spring back, thus ensuring that he shall suffer as little fatigue as possible on long journeys.
The finish of the vehicieS, both from the interior and exterior points of view, is distinctive, the colour scheme which is favoured being saxe blue, Wandle blue and white.