A FINE JOB

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 3, 5 January 1926, Page 8

A FINE JOB

CORPORATION BUILT BUS BODY

OFFICER AND MEN CONGRATU-

LATED.

The first of the new Daimler buses equipped with a Corporation-built body is now in commission, and this morning was inspected by the Mayor (Mr. 0. B. Norwood) and officers of the Tramways Department. There is no question about the excellent appearance of the machine, for the body compares very favourably indeed with the buses imported ready for the road from the makers. The upholstering, in red leatherette, is not of the limcusine class, for that is not required upon a vehicle intended for steady and heavy work, but it is certainly thoroughly comfortable, seats and bacjcs being both deeply sprung. A good deal was said when the bus purchases were being debated of the particular virtue of the American bus in having a low swung chassis, making for greater ease in boarding and alighting, but the double step provided is in no way inconvenient. The fact still remains that the .chassis is on the high side, but the skirt placed round the Wellington body at least gives the impression that the body floor is nearer the roadway than in the imported Daimler buses.

Apart from the more comfortable seating several departures are made from the English pattern in the metal work and in staying. American maple is used practically, throughout in the woodwork, and heavy plate glass is used in the windows. It has been considered wise to design the windows so that they can be raised and lowered only by the driver. No smoking is allowed in Corporation buses, which will appeal to some passengers and not to others.

Another bus is almost ready for the road, and: others will follow in the course of a few weeks. ' There may be slight alterations in detail of body design, but the standard of workmanship will be maintained. ■ •

Considering the severely cramped conditions under which the body work is being done at the Newtown workshops, the machines are being got ready for service with very fair expedition. The actual woodworking is, of course, carried out in a • fullyequipped shop, but the assembly room is hot much more than a passage way. Tramcar body and repair work is also carried out under unfavourable conditions at Newtown, but the difficulties will, fortunately, be removed 'in •-■ a few months, ■when the new workshops at Kilbirnie are completed. The Mayor expressed himself ■ as very well pleased with the appearance and riding comfort of the new bus, and congratulated the Boiling Stock Superintendent (Mr. H. Leah) on the pleasing design and excellent work done by the Newtown workshops department. ..