Double-decker
Page 49
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enable the pre-loaded containers to be raised from ground level or vice versa. The wheels of the containers are guided by grooves in the upper " shelf " of the compartment and in the tail-lift platform. The hoist is electrically operated from the vehicle batteries, control being by means of a two-button switch on a wandering lead. The complete mechanism, when folded, is concealed by flush-fitting doors.
The complete vehicle weighs 9 tons unladen, the tyre size used being 10.00 x 20 all round, although the front tyres are of 14-ply rating and the twin rear tyres are of 12-ply rating.
A short demonstration run revealed that the orthodox suspension gave good riding characteristics, whilst appreciably less engine noise penetrated to the passenger compartments than is often the case on a forward-entrance vehicle. The interior decor was attractively carried out in shades of grey and white with coral pink hide seats, the standard of finish being generally very good apart from rather spartan treatment of the frameless front and rear dome panels, a common difficulty with this form of construction. The high level of the upper-deck waistline caused some restriction of visibility from the passenger seats. The external appearance has a somewhat harsh character due to the almost complete elimination of largeradius curves, but the grey and white finish with a square of red for the B.E.A. initials gives an attractive effect.—A.A.T.