Wheel-away power packs
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• A wheel-away power unit for buses in which the engine, transmission units, radiator, heating units and fuel tanks would all be carried on a twin-axle power-pack (CM May 211971) is mechanically possible and likely to be a viable proposition.
Atkinson Seddon Ltd, which has been carrying out experiments for SELNEC PTE along these lines, has indicated in a report published this week, the feasibility of the power-pack bus, and consideration is now being given by SELNEC to the next stage which is likely to be the construction of a prototype for experimental purposes.
The power pack is the brainchild of Mr
G. G. Harding, director of operations at SELNEC. It was felt to be so promising that the executive patented the idea earlier this year. Mr Harding conceived it when considering methods by which the 20 per cent spare vehicles carried in SELNEC's fleet of 2500 singleand double-deck buses could be reduced.
Aim of the experiment is to produce a power-pack wheel-away unit that is capable of being changed on a bus within minutes. It is felt that considerable economic benefits would be gained by large-scale production, including a reduction in workshop space.