MCW Metroliner
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MCW Metroliner | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Metro Cammell Weymann |
Production | 1983–1988 |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Coach |
Doors | 1 or 2 |
Floor type | Step entrance |
Chassis | Integral |
Related | MCW Metrobus |
Powertrain | |
Engine | Cummins L10 Gardner 6LYT |
Capacity | 47-69 seated |
Power output |
|
Transmission | Voith DIWA D864G 4-speed automatic ZF 6-speed manual[1] |
Dimensions | |
Length | 9.7–10.5 metres (32–34 ft) |
Height |
|
The MCW Metroliner was an integral coach manufactured by Metro Cammell Weymann (MCW) between 1983 and 1988.
Launched by MCW in April 1983 ahead of the 1984 tourist season as the company attempted to diversify its manufacturing business away from orders by the passenger transport executives of the United Kingdom, the Metroliner was available as a standard single-deck coach or a tri-axle double-deck coach based on the tri-axle MCW Metrobus chassis, predominantly for service in the United Kingdom with nationalised bus operators National Bus Company (NBC) and Scottish Bus Group (SBG) for their long-distance coach National Express and Scottish Citylink express services.[1]
Variants
A total of 172 Metroliners were built across four different variants:
CR126
Only 21 of the original style of single deck Metroliner were built between 1983 and 1984, with 15 delivered to NBC subsidiaries
DR130
The most numerous type of Metroliner was the double deck DR130 design. This was designed specifically for express coach services in the United Kingdom and thus differed from contemporary double-deck coaches in its height: most double-deck coaches are built to under 4 metres (13 ft) in height as this is the maximum permitted in continental Europe, but this severely limits the interior headroom. The DR130 was higher, allowing a much more spacious interior but making the design unsuitable for continental tours and limiting its appeal on the secondhand market.[1]
In total, 127 Metroliner DR130s were built between 1983 and 1987, with the first DR130 delivered to the SBG as a demonstrator for Scottish Citylink services between London and Glasgow;
Due to the limited demand for older double-deck coaches and the high seating capacity on the upper deck, many double-deck Metroliner DR130s were converted to
HR131 'Metro Hi-Liner'
Marketed by MCW as the Metro Hi-Liner, the single deck HR131 was built on an integral
DR140 'Metroliner 400GT'
In an effort to broaden the appeal of the double-deck coach, a 4 metres (13 ft) high version was offered with sleeker styling. Marketed by MCW as the Metroliner 400GT, this was the rarest Metroliner variant with only three examples built between 1987 and 1988. Two went to Central Coachways, one of which had initially been a demonstrator, whilst Yorkshire Traction took the third.[citation needed]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Millier, Noel (16 April 1983). "MCW gets ready". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. p. 16. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "SPTE cuts Metroliners". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 12 January 1985. p. 20. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ a b Millar, Alan (24 August 1985). "Leyland DAB for SBG". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. p. 15. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
Northern Scottish gets three MCW coaches, two Metro Hi-Liner 48-seat toilet-equipped 12m models and a 69 seat Metroliner double-decker.
- ^ Cross, Patrick (18 July 2019). "When Citylink last ran double deckers". Buses. No. 773. Stamford: Key Publishing. p. 40. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "£8.5m new NBC order for MCW". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 21 September 1985. p. 16. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "'Crucial' work for LRT". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 22 March 1986. p. 44. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "Liner is lost". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 14 March 1987. p. 21. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
London Coaches initially operated three Daf MB Duple Caribbean-bodied coaches on the service, leased from Daf dealer Stanley Hughes, and later switched to MCW Metroliner double-deck coaches.
- ^ "North East-London overnight express". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 7 July 1984. p. 22. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "Ensign flies the flag with Dennis". Coachmart. No. 581. Peterborough: Emap. 29 March 1990. p. 7.
Although one will be retained short term, Ensign is currently converting the first of six MCW Metroliners to open-top. Four former North Western vehicles with 89 seats will be in service [with London Pride] for Easter.
- ^ Millier, Noel (24 December 1983). "MCW coaching". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. p. 9. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
External links
Media related to MCW Metroliner at Wikimedia Commons