LT plans decker
Page 19

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
DEVELOPMENT engineers at London Transport are reexamining the concept of an under the staircase engined double-deck bus design along the lines of the unique pre-war Q-type. Confirming this to CM last week, an LT spokesman said that this was one of a number of "paper " designs which are continuously under assessment.
LT engineers regard the possibility of mounting the engine within the wheelbase as being particularly important following problems with load distribution on rear-engined vehicles. At the same time they are anxious to see a considerable reduction in an unladen weight and believe that something under 8 tons is much more suitable than the 91 tons common with many of today's rearengined buses. An integral structure, possibly assembled at LT's Aldenham works, is on the cards.
A Q-type configuration would also allow an open rear platform if this was required, and passengers research indicates that the ability to "hop on a bus" is considered desirable.
Engines which could be used in such a design, is the RollsRoyce Eagle, an example of which LT has had under evaluation for some months.