AEC Bridgemaster
AEC Bridgemaster | |
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![]() Park Royal bodied AEC Bridgemaster (forward-entrance) | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | AEC |
Production | 1956-1963 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 7,702 cubic centimetres (470.0 cu in; 7.702 L) AEC AV470 Inline 6 Turbo-diesel (first two prototypes) 9,668 cubic centimetres (590.0 cu in; 9.668 L) AEC AV590 Inline 6 NA |
Power output | AEC AV470: 120 brake horsepower (120 PS; 89 kW) @ 2,300 rpm 1,200 newton-metres (890 lbf⋅ft) @ 1,700 rpm AEC AV590: 128 brake horsepower (130 PS; 95 kW) @ 1,800 rpm 430 pound-feet (580 N⋅m) @ 1,000 rpm |
Transmission | 4-speed AEC synchromesh |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 16.5 feet (5,000 mm) |
Length | 30.0 feet (9,100 mm) |
Width | 8.0 feet (2,400 mm) |
Height | 13.55 feet (4,130 mm) |
Curb weight | 7,350–7,470 kilograms (16,200–16,470 lb) |
Chronology | |
Successor | AEC Renown |
The AEC Bridgemaster was a front-engined low-height double-decker bus chassis manufactured by AEC.
History
[edit]The AEC Bridgemaster was introduced by AEC in 1956 to meet the demand of low-height double-deckers from municipal and independent bus operators across the United Kingdom, which were barred from purchasing the Bristol Lodekka. It was designed as a fully-integral vehicle, utilising two sub frames like the contemporary Routemaster.[1] Four pre-production examples were bodied by Crossley with an aluminium body; production examples bodied by Park Royal were introduced from 1958 with steel body frames at the request of British Electric Traction.[2]
In 1960 a forward-entrance version with slightly different driveline layout was introduced.[3] A total of 180 were produced before it was superseded by the AEC Renown in 1963.[4] East Yorkshire Motor Services were the largest customer, purchasing 50.[2][5][6]
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AEC Bridgemaster initial styling concept.[7]
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Rear-entrance AEC Bridgemaster chassis layout.[8]
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AEC Bridgemaster body frame.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ Townsin, Alan (1994). Blue Triangle - AEC Buses. Venture Publications. pp. 198–202. ISBN 189843204X.
- ^ a b Companion to Road Passenger Transport History. Walsall: Roads & Road Transport History Association. 2013. p. 32. ISBN 978-0-9552876-3-3.
- ^ Bridgemaster With Front Entrance Commercial Motor 6 May 1960
- ^ Era ends Commercial Motor 19 November 1976
- ^ "Showstopper Bar None" Bus & Coach Preservation January 2018 page 12
- ^ a b c AEC Bridgemaster Bus Lists on the Web
- ^ a b c d A.E.C. Limited / Park Royal Vehicles Limited AEC Bridgemaster brochure No. 584.8.58
- ^ A.E.C. Limited / Park Royal Vehicles Limited AEC Bridgemaster brochure No. 676.8.60
- Brown, Stuart J (2013). The Lodekka Alternatives. Hersham: Ian Allan Publishing.