Good riding on the little big MAN coach
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FOR COACH operators the 25 to 29-seat category of vehicle is one that many manufacturers have long seemed to neglect. Only the faithful old Bedford VAS (PJK) has filled the gap between the 12/21 mini/midi range and the full-size 35-seaters — that is until the last NEC motor show when Reeve Burgess unveiled its first "big" coach The RB26 is also the first British psv to be based on the MAN-VW 8.136 commercial chassis.
I recently had the chance to take the prototype coach out for the day and I found its potential impressive.
Despite being suspicious of freight-derived coaches — people must warrant higher standards of comfort than parcels — the R826, far from being like a parcel van, although it is derived from the MAN-VW MT goods vehicle, offered ride and comfort standards every bit as good as some full size vehicles on the market, I took the coach on a route designed to be as gruelling as possible for both vehicle and driver. Small coaches are often harder work to drive than their full-size counterparts. Was the RB26 any exception? It was.
Pulling out of MAN-VW's new Swindon complex, the steering felt light and responsive and driving on down the road I found this responsiveness applied at high speeds too. Leaving Swindon on the M4 there was an impression that the front tyres were not correctly balanced at about 85km/h (50 mph). MAN engineers were aware of this, I was told, and were taking steps to cure it.
But this did not in any way cause problems with handling — the coach proved stable and predictable on the motorway.
As for speed, the MAN-VW is capable of 110km/h (70mph). But that's pushing things somewhat. It's at its best cruising at 90-100 km/h (60-65mph).
Leaving the M4 I headed towards Bath and then on to the A39 towards North Devon. As the road became increasingly tortuous and narrow, the more I appreciated the excellent visibility and handling afforded by the "big" little coach.
Porlock Hill, with its one in four gradient was taken easily in first but I got the feeling that it would have been capable of taking it in second if I had put the coach to this test.
The coach is fitted with a fivespeed all-synchromesh gearbox. The ratios are: first 6.67:1; second 3.54:1; third 2.07:1; fourth 1.36:1; and fifth 1:1. First gear is very much a crawler — sixth over-drive gear would have been an advantage for sustained motorway cruising.
We continued to Lynmouth on what must be one of Britain's most spectacular roads, then on towards Barnstaple
The many gradients and F. bends provided a good teE the coach, and the brakes — circuit air/hydraulic drum with dual servo operatio continued to prove reassur progressive.
The park brake is an controlled spring brake \A acts on the rear wheels. lever, however, is situated ward to the right of the d and sends rather disconce (or pleasurable?) gusts of ai the driver's right trouser when operated.
But these are quibbles ra than serious criticisms. body of RB26 shares the s square lines as its integral SF stablemate which gives former a distinctly "big coach" appeal.
Exterior panelling is of ( piece alloy steel sheets tinted side windows are fitte black anodised alumini frames.
On this prototype, the driv window seemed a little h and rattled slightly in v■ otherwise seemed a very s coach body. I understand • this has been modified on fuI production bodies and window will incorporate • separate openings one signalling and one for mt. needed driver ventilation.
For passengers, full forced ventilation is fitted with both dividual vents above passen seats and at the side of the ra to provide side window dem ing.
The insturment panel incor rates much of the stand. MAN-VW MT equipment gether with two banks switches for the extra fights a heater equipment. A drivE face-level vent from the origi MT equipment is used.
Inside the coach has a defir Continental ambience with centre aisle carpet and matchi moquette used on the seats a underside of the luggage ra Felt-type material on the inter trim, together with black r trim around the engine cm and facia extension, adds furtt to this impression.