War-time Bus Bodies to Official Specification
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
WITH the object of facilitating pro, W duction and effecting economies in labour, time and materials, a standard specification for double-deck bus bodies for urgent war-time requirements.: as been. prepared to the instructions of the Ministry of Supply. . It is for the . use of all coachbuilders engaged in this class of work.
Notable for the fact that it is based on simplification of design and standardization of fittings, the specification has been ptoduced by a joint committee comprising technical representatives of the National Federation of Vehicle Trades and of the Joint Passenger Transport Operators' Organization. Vehicles built to this specification will be issued through the Ministry of War Transport to p.s.v. operators having the most urgent needs for buses for essential services.
A slumber of vehicles, constructed to this war-time specification, has now been completed and the first is going into the service of London Transport. We were enabled to inspect two of them last week.
Whilst the expert eye can hardly fail to observe points of difference between the official and the normal designs, we doubt whether the average member of the bus-using public would be aware that he was travelling in a vehicle that was in any way a •departure from previous types, unless he was partici), larly observant • or had his attention drawn by chance to some specific item peculiar to the new design. Comfort is good, finish pleasing, equipment adequate and layout orthodox, but there is certainly nothing describable%as luxurious, highly decorative, lavish or extravagant.
A1.6
One feature that would be fairly quickly noticed is the absence of side • and rear destination indicators. Another is the provision of only two opening side windows in each saloon. A third is that the emergency door is metal panelled instead of being glazed as is customary.'No aluminium is used at all in the construction of the body, but this would hardly be detected by the casual' observer.
This Standard War-time Specification for double-deck Bodywork, as it is officially designated, and as approved by the two Ministries concerned, actually applies to two types, described as " high-bridge " and " low-bridge," respectively. Having a seating capacity of 56-26 downstairs and 30 upstairs—the former type has the usual central gangway in the upper saloon. In the case of the other, there is a sunk side gangway and seats for 27 on deck, whilst 23 sitting pa'ssengers can be accommodated . below, the total thus being 55.
Of composite construction. the body may have framings of oak, ash, mahogany or teak, excepting the longitudinal rails which may be of pitch pine. 11111€1 flitches and gussetsmay be Used in accordance with standard practice and the front bulkhead may be strengthened and braced with steel plates.
Both floors—of approved deal or hardwood—are covered with 3-mm. linoleum with light steel treads in the gangways and between the seats.. Ash hoop sticks are specified for both roofs and the upper-saloon roof is panelled exclusively with 20-gauge sheet-steel. . There is a drip moulding around the front and sides of the roof, drain out
lets must be provided from the upper saloon and a gutter over the platform entrance. Exterior panels have to be of 20-gauge steel. Neither saloon has ititerinr, side casing, panels, but both are • equipped with bulkhead lining panels. The exterior panels, betwee.p windows and seat rails, are painted on the inside _to match the upholstery, whilst cove -panels, linoleum covered, run from the seat rails to the floor. In the lower, saloon the 6eiling has 22-24gauge steel 'side'. coving panels with pressed-board centre panels. Extending from.entrance-platfolin to canopy is a central stanchion, whilst a tubular grab handle is provided on each side. These are cellulose-acet.::tz ceVered, a white finish being used for visibility at night.
Similarly finished stanchions are provided in the lower saloOn and there are hand poles above the longitudinal seats. All transverse seats have plated grab handles. The former are carried on light steel legs at the gangway ends and have sponge-rubber cushions. On one of the buses we-inspected brown leather twholstery was used, whilst on another green moquette conveyed an impression of greater refinement..
For ventilation of the upper saloon there are adjustable opening ' top windows in the front bulkhead and four extractors in the• roof. In the tower saloon a variable ventilatbr is fitted it) the front bulkhead.
Along upper part of -are rear end and extending for practically the full width is the steel emergency door.
There are 10 and 14 shaded electric lights within the lower and upper saloons, respectively, and anotber for platform illumination. A sfaircase mirror is provided, on the bodies we inspected, above the specified half-way landing. There is the us,ual waste-ticket box beside the platform entrance.
It is estimated that 550 direct manhours per body are saved with this wartime specification and design, besides a further saving in ancillary Industries.