A Search Continued Low Weight and Good Accessibility are Features
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Sought by N.G.T. in the Design of its Vehicles SEEKING continually to improve the efficiency and comfort of its vehicles, Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., Gateshead-on-Tyne, is this summer running a fleet of 20 coaches in which the qualities of economy, comfort for the passengers and good appearance have been fully combined. Although these vehicles are 8 ft. wide and 30 ft. long; and are fitted with heavy luxury seats for 35 passengers, the unladen weight is only 6 tons 19 cwt., an easy load for the A.E.C. 7.7-litre oil engine.
The chassis, built from standard A.E.C. units and lengthened to carry 30-ft. bodies, were built by N.G.T. at its works at Bensham. The engine is mounted on rubber and the shaft between the engine and the Wilson preselective gearbox is supported by a pedestal bearing. The change-speed lever has been transferred from the floor to the steering column, to provide extra space between the column and the engine for the soundproof box which
encases the engine. Tyres of 9.00 by 20-in, size are fitted all round.
As there is no bulkhead in the body, which is a full-fronted design, particularly careful measures had to be taken to reduce engine noise. After much experimenting, it was decided to enclose the engine in a large box extending from the driver's seat to the near-side panelling, with a heavy layer of insulating material around the inside. Passengers in the vehicle declare that the noise level is less than that found in a conventional design.
Having thus enclosed the engine, special attention had to be given to accessibility.. Here, again, an unconventional approach has been adopted • with great success.
Two large traps above the engine compartment provide access from inside the vehicle where this is necessary. For normal maintenance purposes, however, the 'entire panel from the waist rail down, on the near side of the body above the front wheel, lifts up
complete with a large section of the wing. With the near-side front wheel removed, the accessibility of the engine is excellent.
On the chassis is mounted composite bodywork by the Picktree Coach and Engineering Co., Ltd.,Chester-le-Street. Conventional in outward appearance, the body has a number of unusual details calculated to add to the passengers' comfort.
The interior is 7 ft. 7f ins, wide and the seats are spaced so that passengers' shoulders do not rub against the pillars. The floor is ramped slightly, so that visibility at the rear is as good as that in the front. Large glazed panels in the roof and a sliding section provide natural illumination, and roller blinds are available to cut out glare. Fulllength parcel racks extend along each side of the interior.
On the right of the driver's cab there is a small cabinet matching the engine cover, in which are mounted the control panels and a first-aid box.