New Dodge-Strachans Coaches for Charles Rickards
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AFLEET of six luxury coaches
currently being delivered to Charles Rickards (Tours) Ltd., the well-known London coach operator, is of particular interest on two counts. First, the new vehicles are based on Dodge S.307 190-in.-wheelbase chass:s, permitting an overall length of 30 ft. 9 in.; secondly, they have new bodies by Strachans (Coachbuilders) Ltd.
Dodge chassis were chosen by Rickards to provide a "medium duty" vehicle, namely one heavier than a Bedford or Thames, for example, whilst not as heavy as the A.E.C. or Leyland range. Although a Leyland engine is normally specified for this chassis the Rickards coaches are fitted with Perkins 6.354 diesel units, and a modification to be incorporated in the light of operating experience will be the fitting of higher-geared rear axles, which, in conjunction with the five-speed gearboxes, are expected to give a top speed of more than 70 m.p.h. Although the engine is mounted at the front of the vehicle, the axle is set back to provide an entrance ahead of the front wheels.
A plain style of body has been chosen to provide a practical vehicle not depen dent on embellishments for its looks, whilst providing maximum window space for passenger visibility on sight-seeing tours. The resulting vehicle, having wide side windows with hopper-type opening lights, high cant rails and slight peak over the front and rear deep screens, is a very commanding coach in a distinctive maroon livery. The equipment includes 39 full-luxury seats with moulded polyether foam double cushions and indivi dual squab fillings, and trimmed in moquette, embossed quilting below the
waist, Formica window facings and panel
reliefs, guide seat, and public address system.
Initially, the new coaches will be employed on medium-distance tours; ;n their later years they will be converted to 41-seaters, and employed on the cornpany's airport services.
Liverpool Transport Survey : Liverpool Corporation development and planning committee has recommended the appointment of Traffic Research Corporation Ltd., of Toronto, Canada, as consultant adviser on the transportation survey, at a fee not exceeding £.7,000, inclusive of expenses.
Poznan-Ostend Bus Service : A regular international bus service between Poznan and Ostend has been opened by agreement between the West Belgian Coach Co. and the Polish " Pekaes " transport enterprise. The bus runs from Poznan through West Germany, Liege and Brussels and arrival at Ostend is timed to connect with the ferry to England. The service will operate on an average of four times a month all the year round.