BUILT FOR OPERATION BY A COACHBUILDER, A Well-equipped Long-distance Coach
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Having a Body Constructed by the Company which is to Run the Vehicle.
filHE growth of the long-distance
.1 travel-by-road movement has brought into use a high-grade type of vehicle, which is vastly different from its prototype of a few years ago, and it is as well that it is so, for the fre
quent and protracted journeys on which such machines are now operated demand not only the utmost mechanical efficiency, but also a high degree of comfort for the passengers, if harm is not to be done to a growing branch of the industry. 4. well-appointed coach which we have recently had an opportunity for inspecting can certainly be said to meet these requirements , in a satisfactory manner, for it has as its basis a Leyland Lioness chassis equipped with a distinctive and welldesigned 24-seater body, built by Birch Bros., Ltd., Cathcart Road, Kentish Town, London, N.W., which, incidentally, is the operator of the coach.
Buoyant armchairs are used and these are upholstered in blue moquette with a large cream-coloured floral design.
On each seat-back is a Beelawat ashtray and a wide table extends across each pair of seats; the table has a framework of wood and its top is covered with glass, below which is a fancy lace strip. The table top works on a pair of hinged arms and when not in use can be folded into the seat-back, with which it forms a flush fitting. Ample legroom is provided between each of the seats.
The interior panels have been executed in a combination of burred walnut and moquette, the latter matching
the seat upholstery. Along the centre of the roof is a panel of burred walnut, which strikes a tasteful note, whilst at the sides white Lincrusta is employed, its use giving a clean and neat appearance. All metal fittings are chromiumplated, this aiding materially the pleasing decorative scheme.
Interior lighting is effected by eight lamps, all of which are concealed in the head and are under the control of the driver.
The important point of securing efficient yet draughtless ventilation is negotiated by using three Airvac .ven
tilators in the roof and drop, windows at the sides, the main lights having louvre ventilators of frosted glass above them. The fittings for the operation of the windows are of Rawlings make.
There are entrances at both the front and rear for the use of passengers, the doors being of full length; each is provided with a step-well to facilitate mounting and dismounting. A flap covers eaeh recess when the door is closed. The front door is under the control of the driver.
The vehiele is mounted upon pneumatic tyres of 88 in. by 7-in. dimensions. Its overall length is 25 ft. 11 ins., whirst the overall width is 7 ft. 5 ins. The headroom is 5 ft. 10 ins., and the gangway, at the narrowest parts, is 1 ft.
wide. The top of the seat squab is 1 ft. 8 ins, above floor level.
The coach presents a smart appearance with maroon lower panels, a vermilion waist rail edged with gold, cream-topped bonnet and scuttle and white head. It is interesting to learn that the vehicle has been built to meet the requirements of Scotland Yard and can, therefore, be used for plying for hire in London.