DESERT TRAVEL

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 676, 31 October 1933, Page 2

DESERT TRAVEL

SU.PER COACHES USED BY NcZ. BROTHERS IN SYRIA. : In Australia we probably have desert stretches as ibad as those in Syria. But so far as ground transP°rt is concerned, we have nothing comparable with that shortly to be put into eperation by t!he two New Zealand Ibrothers, the Nairns, says a motor writer in the Sydney Referee. ; Some years aigo they established a motor service between Baghdad and Damascus, a distance of nearly 600 miles across the desCrt. The service has^ proved so successful that the Nairns are adding to their fleet two super automotive ships of the desert. One is to be a 31-passenger semitrailer caravan coach, and the other a 20-ton semi-trailer freight unit. Both are of special design, and will be of the articulated type, drawn by sixwheel drive tra'ctors equipped with 6cylinder Diesel type oil engines, which at 1000 r.p.m. will develop 100 h.p. and 188 h.p. at 2000 r.p.m. This transmission will provide for a total of 12 speeds forward. Large sectioned halloon tyres will be fitted, enahling the vehicles to negotiate the loose sand stretches without trouble, and maintain the high average speed scheduled by the Nairn service across this desert route. The overall length of the caravan coach is 66 feet and the vehicle is equipped with all moderni conveniences. There will be accommodation for 31 first and second-class passengers and room for 64001b of baggage. Special metal bodies are to be fitted, positively dust-proof. The inside of the coach is unusually spacious, with ample head-room, wide aisles, and plenty of room between the seats. Special ventilation is provided and provision made to keep the vehicle as cooJ. as possible, which' is very necessary considering that the temperature in the Syrian Desert frequently exceeds 120 degrees. There is a buffet compartment, with a. special large ice-box, which keeps drinking water, beverages, and food cool. Cabinets are provided for serving trays, cutlery, and non-breakable dishes. The coach will also carry 80 gallons of water in an under structure, the tank beinjg connected to an air tank with pressure valve attachmcnt. The drivers' compartment in the cab of the tractor is so constructed that there is a full-sized bunk, so that the relief driver may sleep during the long trip across the desert. It is stated that the new coach "will be one ofl the most unusual vehicles of its kind ever built. It reads like it.