AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Maximum Utility in

5th April 1935, Page 63
5th April 1935
Page 63
Page 63, 5th April 1935 — Maximum Utility in
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Advanced Bodywork Design

I.N May of last year, Birch Brothers, Ltd., the well-known bodybuilding and coach-operating concern, of 20, Cathcart Street, London, N.W.5, created considerable interest by the introduction of its Airflo design of streamlined coach body. The primary object behind the design was maxi

mum utility, combined with a modern and attractive appearance.

The principal features of the boc13, were the full-width cab for the driver, in the roof of which was built a commodious luggage locker, accessible from the main saloon. The highest point of the body was at the front, the roof sloping gently to the rear. The Birch concern is operating a number of the vehicles with bodies of this type, which have been the subject of favourable comment in many quarters.

The company has now developed the design and is at present producing .six bed lea of this type mounted upon Leyland LT7-type four-cylinder oil-en gined chassis. The accommodation has been increased from 35 to 39 seats, and the highest point of the body is now situated behind the driver's cab. In this way, the appearance has been improved without materially affecting the capacity of the luggage compartment aoove the cab, whilst the total overall height has been reduced by a few inches.

The bodywork incorporates several interesting features, On the near side there is a flash-fitting central sliding door, upon the inside of which a strip of Ferodo material is mounted and contacts with the exterior stainlesssteel waist moulding in the recess into

which the door slides when it is opened. An electric lamp built into the step well and is illuminated by the opening of the door.

All the high-backed seats face forwards, and those to the rear of the entrance. are mounted on platforms. On the back of each seat is a substantial rail, which curves upwards on the gangway side to provide a convenient grasp.

Alongeachside is a substantial par• cels raidc, 20 ins, wide, and merging into the forward luggage locker. The deep cant panels are extended below the top of the windows to form continuous louvres, whilst, at the same time, presenting a flush exterior. The two-section Q.T. Rasiway laterally opening roof permits the entry of the maximum amount of sunshine and fresh air.

Amongst the other features are the Neatolin fabric curtains—a product of Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd..— which may be sponged without being removed, and a Clayton heater mounted on the forward bulkhead., By means of the artistic treatment of the exterior side panels, the apparent height of the vehicle is reduced_

Tags

Locations: London

comments powered by Disqus