Luxury Canteens for London Busmen
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RP-TO-DATE semi-trailer mobile V canteens are to be put into service by London Transport at points where no refreshment facilities exist. The first of a fleet of 13 will shortly go to Argyle Road, Ealing, at the terminus of bus route 65. With a length of 30 ft. and a height of 10 ft., the new canteen is drawn by a Bedford tractor with Scammell coupling gear.
An outstanding feature is an ultramodern kitchen which would delight the heart of any housewife. In a space of just over 7 ft. square are a gas-stove, refrigerator, hot-water heater, larder, cupboards and sink. Electric fans are fitted to take away the cooking fumes. There are a dining room to seat 16, a snack bar, hat and coat racks, wash basin for customers, and hot and cold water.
Double-skin water tanks packed with anti-frost cork insulator are fitted into the floor and roof. Liquid-gas containers supplying stove, refrigerator and heaters are located in the side of the canteen.
The interior has a headroom of 8 ft., and is attractively decorated in cream and green, with brown leather seats and rubber flooring. Bus-type windows are fitted.
An added example of clever use of space is the storage in the back of the vehicle of a petrol-driven battery charging set for the lighting system, which is in frequent use and has to be of a high standard of efficiency.
These latest vehicles, smart in their " Green Line " livery, will add to the high welfare standards already existing in London Transport.