Stylish airside coaches from Sparshatt
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by Derek Moses • The first of a fleet of four airside coaches custom-built for British Overseas Airways Corporation by J. H. Sparshatt and Sons Ltd was demonstrated alongside a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet at London (Heathrow) Airport last week. Apart from being among the most substantial passenger vehicles built to date by this enterprising Portsmouth coachbuilder, the airside coaches embody a new conception in the shape of forward-facing front entrance doors leading to a covered platform to allow head-on loading and unloading of passengers in bad weather conditions.
Designed for use at outstations served by BOAC, the 70-passenger vehicles (35 seated plus 35 standing) are mounted on AEC Swift rear-underfloor-engined chassis, and are attractively styled despite the unusual appearance of the half-cab bodies. In addition to the front ' entrance the steel-framed bodies also employ wide side entrances, which are staggered to maintain structural strength. Facing bench seats are employed in the main part of the saloon which features a low floor, while overhead rails are fitted with straps for 22 standing passengers.
Two steps lead to the rear of the saloon, which can be fitted with either bench or transverse seating. Parcel racks are located in this rear part of the body, while additional luggage space is provided over the front offside wheel arch. Standard features include fluorescent lighting panels down the centre of the ceiling, a Webasto oil-fired heater to provide ample warmth via ventilation or heating ducts above the cant rail, and a fully insulated roof to cater for the extremes in temperature encountered in tropical countries.
The first vehicles were due to enter service at Karachi Airport, although they will probably be retained in this country until the Indo-Pakistan troubles are settled.