Fleetlines toughens up body parts
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THE CURRENT vehicle shortage hitting London Transport has not been helped by the need to return Fleetlines to the manufacturers to have some chassis and body parts strengthened.
At present two a day are being sent to Metro Cammell to have the front outriggers under the passenger entrance reinforced and a stronger pillar put in on the front offside. It is understood that the outrigger trouble is particularly hitting vehicles fitted with turnstiles for one-man operation.
Some of the single-deck AEC Merlins operated by LT which have been stored for some time are now being returned to service. During their few years of use these needed extensive chassis strengthening and were not favourably regarded by London Transport engineers. But now they are being repainted and recertified for short periods of time at the lowest possible cost for return to service.
The prototype " quiet " Fleetline is also about to enter LT service in advance of the production run due to start in April. Of the 679 Fleetlines on order by LT, 400 will be fitted with the 690 engine (a turbo version of the 680). Other detail changes are the use of a. fluid-driven fan and independently mounted radiator.