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B.M.M.O. Develop

29th March 1957, Page 41
29th March 1957
Page 41
Page 41, 29th March 1957 — B.M.M.O. Develop
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Dual-purpose Single-decker

IMPROVED bodywork styling, special seats and ample luggage aeorrirnoda • tion are features of the S.I5 dual-purpose single-decker which was demonstrated for the first time last week by the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd. Based on the 5.14 44-seater bus, the new vehicle has 40 seats and will be used for private-hire work as well as stage-carriage and express services.

Running-gear components are identical to those fitted to the S.14 bus, and the same type of integral construction is used. The derated 8-litre 13.M.M.O. power unit develops 84 b.h.p. at 1,700 r.p.m., and the torque is transmitted through a constant-mesh four-speed gearbox to a hypoid fully floating rear axle.

I.F.S. and Disc Brakes

Other parts which arc common to both types include Metalastik independent front suspension and toggle-link rear springing (both incorporating rubber elements) and Girling disc brakes, which are used for both the foot brakes and the transmission hand brake. The foot-brake discs are of 154-in. diameter and are 1-in, thick, whilst the hand-brake disc has a diameter of 163 in. Wheel-brake pads have a depth of 2* in, and a thickness of 1 in., and their arc of contact is 55 degrees.

With overall dimensions of 30 ft_ by Ft and a wheelbase of 16 ft. 4 in..

the front overhang is 5 ft. 6 in., and the rear overhang 8 ft, 14 in., whilst the turning circle is 65 ft. The net weight of the bus is about 5 tans 18 cwt., the rear axle carrying a load of approximately 3 tons. Because of the ,extra weight of luggage that can bc carried, the vehicle is equipped with twin rear wheels in place of the single wheels fitted to the 5.14 bus.

Increasing the depth of the windscreen and driver's signalling windows by 4 in, has improved the forward visibility and front appearance, and a restyled front dome is another notable feature.

Luggage accommodation for privatehire work is provided by a rear luggage boot having a capacity of 32 Cuft., to which there is access from the rear and, the near' side. The plastics boot doors are held in the open and closed Fpacial Seats

Special Dunlopillo seats were designed to give a high standard of comfort with good lateral support. Ventilation is provided by doubledeflecting ventilators fitted into the standard window pans. The interior of the bus is heated by two ClaytonDewandre 5.12 recirculating units, which also supply warm air to demisters. Sliding shutters in the front grille can be adjusted to maintain the water temperature of the radiator in cold weather.

Including seat components, a total of 239, glasspol mouldings is used in the bodywork; 53 components are fabricated from Darvic unsupportedsheet, and 12 Formica window-pillar cappings are employed.

Commenting on the service given by .the S.I4 single-deckers after the demonstration of the S.15 bus, Mr. D. M. Sinclair, general manager, said that vehicles equipped with rubber suspension had covered a total of 15m. miles

and that the combined mileage of buses fitted with disc brakes was 9m. An S.I4 with an all-plastics roof had covered 10,000. miles in service and the roof had shown no signs of deteriora

tion. About 50 S.15 buses were being built.

Referring to the new double-decker, Mr. Sinclair stated that production would be started this year and that a large number would be built next year. It would probably have many of the features of the S.14, including rubber suspension and disc brakes. Up to 74 seated passengers would be carried. The en-trance will be at the rear, ard the engine will be located forward of' the front axle.

Tags

People: D. M. Sinclair
Locations: Birmingham

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