LIGHTER LEYLAND-ENGINED BUSES FOR STOCKHOLM
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AFLEET of five experimental Leylandpowered integrally constructed singledeckers has been introduced by Stockholm Tramways. Although 11.8 in. longer and seating three more passengers than the previous lightest buses in the fleet, the new vehicles have a service weight of 14,700 lb. (6,600 kg.) compared with 15,800 lb. (7,200 kg.) in the case of the latter. A different colour scheme from previous buses in the SS-fleet (as Stockholm Tramways are known) has also been employed on the experimental vehicles.
The buses were designed by Svenska Karosseri Verkstaderma (SKV), a subsidiary of Svenska Jarnvagsverkstaderna (Swedish Railway Works) and built at their Katrineholm works. Rear-mounted, 131 b.h.p., Leyland Power-Plus 0.400 vertical diesel .engines have been employed, driving through fully automatic gearboxes to hub reduction rear axles, also of Leyland manufacture. Equipment includes air-leaf suspension, powerassisted steering and handbrakes, and dual-line air brakes. The low-weight bodies are built almost entirely of light alloy, with exterior glass-fibre mouldings.
To facilitate ease of entry, the Boor of the new vehicles ramps slightly from a height of 22 in. (560 mm.) at the entrance, to a height at the central exit doors of 26 in. (660 mm.). Perhaps the most striking difference to the public of Stockholm from the older buses is the livery, which is a darker red below the waist, white from waist to cant rail, and
grey for the roof. F.K.M.
Ribble is Optimistic
cOMMENTING on the declining use 1,—, of stage services as private transport rapidly increases, Mr. George Brook, general manager of Ribble Motor Services Ltd., has a heartening message in the current issue of the company's Staff Bulletin. "I like to look on the bright side ", he says, "and we have a bright side in the form of our other operations: express services, excursions and tours, private party work and the expanding services available to the public through our booking and inquiry offices.
" At this time of year the public Ls subjected to the full blast of holiday advertising. We cannot afford, and do not intend, to be left behind in this battle for a share of people's holiday and pleasure spending."
To this end, Mr. Brook told the Press last week that Ribble was spending nearly £90,000 this year on sales promotion, or 60 per cent more than they spent five years ago.
Fifteen Double-deckers for Birkenhead: The transport committee of Birkenhead Corporation has recommended acceptance of the tender of Leyland Motors Ltd. for the supply of 15 double-deck bus chassis at a cost of £2.531 each, and the tender of Massey Bros. Ltd. for the supply of 15 double-deck bus bodies at £3,035 each, for delivery in 1966,