Mobile Libraries Built on P.S.V. Chassis
Page 47
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
PASSENGER chassis have been selected by two local authorities for the building of mobile libraries. Barrow in Furness have converted a Leyland Royal Tiger bus formerly used by the transport department, whilst St. Albans City Council have bought a Bedford petrol-engined chassis with bodywork for up to 4,000 books from Garlick, Burrell and Edwards. Ltd., Renshaw Street, Liverpool, 1.
Twenty people can be accommodated inside the Leyland, which also has two fixed seats for staff. In the body are two Calor-gas heaters and illumination is provided by fluorescent lamps. The roof structure includes translucent Perspex panels. as well as three Weathershields ventilator panels.
The first mobile library to go into service in Barrow was based on a
This Leyland Royal Tiger was previously a bus in service in Barrow in Furness. It now does duty as a mobile library, and has space inside for 20 people ana a staff of two.
1933 Leyland Tiger TS.3 bus with a rear entrance. The new vehicle has a front entrance.
The Bedford chassis was extended to be able to take a body 30 ft. long. The exterior is of Plymax and the interior lining of plywood. Between these two skins is a layer of insulation medium.
In the roof are six windows measuring 2 ft. square, and three of these are of the opening type. Artificial illumination is supplied by fluorescent lamps working directly off the batteries, which are kept fully charged by an in-built mains rectifier.
Two heating systems are installed. One works off the mains electricity supply and employs two fan heaters, whilst the other is a self-contained unit installed in the chassis and controlled from the switchboard in the driving compartment. This supplies warm air through a grille slightly above floor level. On the near side is an entrance with an overhead canopy. Double doors and fixed steps are provided. The driver's and the librarian's seats are adjustable and fully swivelling, and immediately behind them is a full-width counter. Cupboards and ticket drawers are fitted, as well' as a tall wardrobe and mirror for the librarian's use.
The uprights for the shelving at the rear of the vehicle were made as integral parts of the body to ensure rigidity. Shelving is fitted on both sides of the body, and metal kicking plates are suitably placed.
All i n terior woodwork is shellacked and polished, whilst the ceiling has an ivory finish. Various interior fittings are in chromium plate, and there is a clock at the top of the central windscreen pillar to face down the whole interior of the vehicle. An emergency exit is incorporated in the rear, windows.
The exterior of the outfit is painted in blue and cream with gold-leaf lettering and polished aluminium mouldings, Accessories provided include two fog lamps, a demister, flashing-light direction indicators, rubber floor mats and an engine-cowling cover.