Not Bedford VAL: Obscure Twin-Steer Buses and Coaches of the UK [UK Bus History]

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  • čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
  • Many people know the Bedford VAL tri-axle twin-steer coach and bus that was made famous as the Magical Mystery Tour bus. Production ran from 1962 to 1975, and had many body styles in both bus and coach form. It was a great vehicle that is still admired today.
    But...there were numerous other twin-steer buses and coaches in the UK going as far back as 1922. And that's what we'll see in this video. Twin steers that existed before the Bedford VAL, plus two twin steers that never made it beyond the concept stage.
    See and hear the story of the twin-steers other than the Bedford VAL!!
    buymeacoffee.c...
    #buses #ukhistory #automotivedesign #automotivehistory #vehicledesign #vehicles #vehicles #londontransport #gerryanderson #motorcoach #autobus

Komentáře • 195

  • @Bobbob-qe7pf
    @Bobbob-qe7pf Před 20 dny +15

    This Channel is the very epitome of what CZcams should be about.I have absolutely no interest in buses but this guy makes it fascinating and a must watch.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello!! Thank you so much for the very positive comment and feedback!! That's great to hear that you like my videos!! Thanks for watching!

    • @richardbradley1598
      @richardbradley1598 Před 16 dny

      I'm exactly the same, I have a passing interest no more but Jeffrey just draws you in with his delivery. Hi this is Jeffrey😁

    • @johncourtneidge
      @johncourtneidge Před 13 dny

      Yes!

  • @phloxpe8868
    @phloxpe8868 Před 20 dny +13

    I discovered this channel a view days ago. I like these videos because the presentation is well done. Jeffrey is speaking fluently which is not common these days. ❤ those coaches.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny +6

      Hello! Thank you so much for the very nice comment and feedback! I really appreciate it! And thanks so much for watching!!!

  • @ml9867
    @ml9867 Před 20 dny +9

    These are so cool. I have always wondered why North American tractor trailers don't have 2 steering axles like some in Europe. It would have two additional brakes for much better stopping power. If a front steer tire failed the driver would still probably maintain control and never cause a crash or any injuries or deaths.

    •  Před 20 dny +3

      Those are the pluses but there are quite a few minuses.

    • @ml9867
      @ml9867 Před 20 dny +2

      What are some of the minuses?

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny +1

      Hello! Glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching!

    • @northernblue1093
      @northernblue1093 Před 20 dny +1

      Heavy tyre wear.

    • @crabbymilton390
      @crabbymilton390 Před 19 dny +2

      @@ml9867Constant alignment problems. NEOPLAN built a few of those huge double decker monsters for tours at the KENNEDY SPACE CENTER back in the 1980’s. Apparently they were impressive for the tours but the twin steer axle was a huge pain.

  • @bustersw1760
    @bustersw1760 Před 20 dny +5

    Funny you mentioned braking on a tri axle vehicle. I drove a VAL 14 for a while, which was a nice comfortable vehicle to drive, apart from the Turner "Chinese" gearbox, which was "different" and the brakes left a bit to be desired. apparently a common thing on the VAL, due to the 16 inch wheels and narrow brake shoes. Thankfully, the one I drove had a TELMA retarder, which came in handy on downhill sections.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! Thanks for the memories of driving a VAL! Thanks for watching!

    • @jamesfrench7299
      @jamesfrench7299 Před 20 dny

      No way a Beddy with a retarder fitted.
      They all needed one!

    • @JTA1961
      @JTA1961 Před 19 dny

      So as to not sound retarded...I did some research on these... not cheap... but then neither is liability for a bus load of passengers gone over a cliff.

  • @lloydpancott4987
    @lloydpancott4987 Před 20 dny +4

    Hi Jeffrey. Brilliant video mate. Very interesting. They look soo cool with the triple axel . They always remind me of thunderbirds children's programme with the string puppets

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello Lloyd! I'm really happy you liked the video!!! Yes, they look like something from a Gerry Anderson TV show!! Thanks for watching!

  • @tactikzzF1R3
    @tactikzzF1R3 Před 20 dny +5

    Another terrific video, Jeffrey. I absolutely love your channel.....thank you so much!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny +1

      Hello! I'm so glad you like my videos!!!! Thanks so much for watching!!!

  • @loverhood2016
    @loverhood2016 Před 20 dny +2

    You sir Know your stuff...
    WONDERFUL, memories for us older bus lovers and passengers. More PLEASE Geoffrey😮😮😮
    se

  • @glenjones6980
    @glenjones6980 Před 20 dny +4

    Although3 and 4 axle twin steer commercials carried more weight they did a lot of urban work. Given the low levels of car ownership in the UK, reliance on public transport and increases to permitted weights and dimensions, it always surprises me that multi axle bus designs were so rare.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny +1

      Hello! Interesting analysis!! Thanks for watching!

    • @davidjones332
      @davidjones332 Před 19 dny +2

      One major drawback of the twin rear axle design was excessive tyre scrub where stage carriage buses had to negotiate tight corners or turning circles at termini. Also, the side loading on the springs and shackles tended to result in excessive wear and the need for increased workshop attention. Six-wheeled trolleybuses enjoyed a vogue, especially in London, but on the whole, trolleybus routes tended to be confined to main radial roads which were generally reasonably straight so the problems were not so acute. The twin-steer layout was intended to overcome the rear bogie problem, but power steering wasn't yet available, so drivers weren't keen, and it meant eight tyres instead of six on each bus. Remember that nearly all stage carriage bus operators rent their tyres by the mile, and have done since before the First World War, so there was a major cost disincentive to having more wheels.

  • @grahamcannell9692
    @grahamcannell9692 Před 20 dny +4

    Fantastic research, thank you for putting this video together.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! I'm very happy you liked the video!!!! Thanks for watching!

  • @chrisnason8405
    @chrisnason8405 Před 20 dny +2

    What's interesting about the 3 axle designs is the continued debate about weight restrictions. It still features today. The Boris Buses with battery drives are at the limit of a 2 axle weight. I can't see how a fully loaded one of these keeps the right side of the law. If you look at many bus stops you see evidence of excessive weight by the amount of tarmac that is displaced in the vicinity of the stopping area.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! That's interesting about the Boris Bus! Thanks for watching!

  • @MelanieRuck-dq5uo
    @MelanieRuck-dq5uo Před 20 dny +2

    Barbara Castle was born just across the road from where we live. The house was clearly demolished some time ago and the site is now the car park of a branch of Tesco! Good, interesting video yet again.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello Melaine! Oh, that's interesting!!! Thanks again for watching!!

  • @derekantill3721
    @derekantill3721 Před 20 dny +1

    A great video Jeffery. As a kid I traveled with City coaches on their London to Southend service.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! I'm really glad you liked the video!! Thanks for watching!

  • @philjameson292
    @philjameson292 Před 20 dny +3

    I stumbled on your channel a few weeks ago. I am not a bus officianado but your reviews of UK buses and coaches take me back to my childhood in the 60s
    I never knew that the Bedford Val was what it was called but I remember many childhood holidays and day trips in these coaches
    Have you made any videos about the buses of the Lancashire United as that was the bus company in my local area as a kid?
    I liked the Northern Ireland bus in this video. It reminds me of the US Greyhound bus model that I had as a kid. Not sure what it was called
    Keep up the great work

    • @ANDREWLEONARDSMITH
      @ANDREWLEONARDSMITH Před 20 dny

      Tri Axle coaches are still built to this day but the modern ones being rear engined have the 2 axles at the rear & rear steer one the rear axle which is not driven.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! I'm very glad you like my channel!! Haven't done a video on Lancashire United yet, but I'll look into it for a subject for a future video. That American Greyhound bus model you had was most likely a Scenicruiser. Those big buses had the 1 1/2 deck design with two axles at the rear. Many European bus builders then designed their own versions of the Scenicruiser, and I'm sure the NI bus seen here is based on the Scenicruiser design. Thanks for watching!

  • @vlt14
    @vlt14 Před 20 dny +1

    Fantastic video Jeffrey, the Titan pictured in your video BCK 706R was converted to single door and was tried by my local operator Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive (MPTE), I remember riding on it in the early 80's. The successor to MPTE Merseybus eventually bought 100's of second hand Titans from London Transport

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! I'm happy you liked the video! Thanks for the info abou that Titan! Thanks for watching!

  • @2002barneyf
    @2002barneyf Před 16 dny

    Cracking video again from your good self - keep 'em coming!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 16 dny

      Hello! I'm very glad you liked the video!! Thanks for watching!

  • @geebs76
    @geebs76 Před 20 dny +2

    Another interesting video Jeffrey. I enjoyed it.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! I'm really glad you liked the video!!! Thanks for watching!

  • @PeterPangsc
    @PeterPangsc Před 14 dny

    Thanks Jeffrey on this fascinating topic.
    Talking about twin steer buses/coaches, there are a few more modern examples that worth noting---
    Japanese Mitsubishi-Fuso MR430..............twin steer single decker with an attempt to increase overall load.
    Australian Bustech CDi.................................twin steer double decker.
    An even more interesting example, is the IKEBUS in Tokyo.
    A 5 axle electric bus on 10 small wheels with 4 steering axles!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 14 dny

      Hello! Oh yes, the MR430...may do a video on that bus! Will look into the others! Thanks for watching!!

  • @haweater1555
    @haweater1555 Před 20 dny +2

    They must have been hell to drive without power steering.

    • @dukwdriver2909
      @dukwdriver2909 Před 20 dny +1

      Why?. As a 20 year old I learned to drive an AEC Militant MK2. You just roll the front wheels a little as you steer and the tyres happily change direction. Makes me cry to see people use power steering to wrench the front wheels around when stationary now but, keeps mechanics in a job and tyre fitters replacing unnecessarily worn out parts. Lack of experience will be the death of many vintage vehicles from the Show scene. If the steering is geared properly, twin steer should be lighter than single axle.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Maybe they were! Thanks for watching!

    • @robwilde855
      @robwilde855 Před 19 dny

      @@dukwdriver2909 Absolutely right. My experience too, and with eight-legger lorries. The steering linkages are designed with the correct geometry, so that there's no additional tyre wear.
      I remember that rigid lorries, because their front wheels steer through a greater angle, began to have power steering long before any driver thought that it might be useful for tractor units. And if, in a unit, there were times when one had to exert one's strength, well, that's what muscles are for, and one was proud of one's strength, and enjoyed putting it to use.
      To give power steering to small cars is one of the most ridiculous things in this increasingly crazy world.
      Any power-steered vehicle takes away part of the joy and a good bit of the ease, confidence, and skill of driving.
      People are sadly ignorant nowadays, and don't even try a bit of theoretical thinking to compensate for lack of experience.

  • @jeffclark2725
    @jeffclark2725 Před 20 dny +1

    Very good video, the 4 wheel steer concept was a real inovation from 1922,and still being used in the 1970s, lots of research on the information,Even today You only see Twin Steer on Monster tow trucks or construction equipment, Thumbs up

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 Před 20 dny +1

      Don't forget the tyrell F1 car

    • @jeffclark2725
      @jeffclark2725 Před 20 dny

      @@highpath4776 I remember seeing that car in Popular Mechanics, and Popular Science as a kid, that was a cool car and turned a lot of heads in the day

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! Very happy you liked the video!! Thanks again for watching!!

  • @the_lost_navigator
    @the_lost_navigator Před 15 dny

    "This is Gary Gnu saying no Gnuws is good Gnuws"... - Newscaster on 'The Great Space Coaster' (old children's TV program)

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 14 dny +1

      LOL, i think I remember that from the 80s! Thanks for watching!!

  • @ROCKINGMAN
    @ROCKINGMAN Před 20 dny +1

    Nice mini-documentary. Bedford VA series had short, medium and long chassis. The VAL 14 was long type, with what was known as 'Chinese-Six' wheel configuration. London's Trolleybuses were withdrawn from 1959 to 62 and replaced by the Routemaster. The XRM stood for Xperimental Routemaster, why? Supposedly having in common with the RM a monocoque body albeit 'tumble-home', OPO, body shape. I saw the Leyland Titan, shown here, BCK 706R circa 1975, on route 24, it was one of two known as the B15.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! I wondered about the XRM designation myself. London Transport Scrapbook 1980 has a big article on the XRM, but doesn't allude to the Routemaster designation. Thanks for watching!

    • @ROCKINGMAN
      @ROCKINGMAN Před 20 dny

      @@JeffreyOrnstein Gotta to say, love these videos. Would like to see more. Loved buses since childhood. Have many books. Visited RM 70 open day a few weeks ago. XRM described in top Routemaster book 'Routemaster' by Ken Blacker - top authority on bus types.

  • @richmausner
    @richmausner Před 19 dny

    I remember when visiting England in 1966 I saw quite a few twin front steer tourist busses. I remember them because I had never seen them before in the US and found them unusual and interesting. They seemed modern to me at the time so they could be of a group of buses not covered in this video. I do not recall the manufacturer of those busses.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! Oh yes, you probably saw all those great Bedford VAL buses! I did a couple of other videos about them recently. Glad you liked the video, and thanks for watching!

  • @marksinthehouse1968
    @marksinthehouse1968 Před 20 dny +2

    I can’t remember what buses annual it was in but it was an 8 wheeled coach I think from 68 and on the description it said the best ride of them all it could be buses 1980 ,can’t for the life of me find my copy ,shame the XRM didn’t get built. But ironically a DMS was used to test certain ideas for it 😊
    As for LT buying the metrobus I drove them when I was at LT (S and V) garages lovely to drive good drivers bus
    Cheers
    Mark

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! Thanks for the info! I'll look up that 8-wheeled bus! Thanks for watching!

    • @StephenAllcroft
      @StephenAllcroft Před 20 dny

      @@JeffreyOrnstein It's the Moulton coach prototype, now in the Science museums reserve collection centre.

    • @StephenAllcroft
      @StephenAllcroft Před 19 dny

      It was the Moulton coach prototype, built by the people who invented the small wheeled bicycle and designed the suspension for the Mini. It's owned by The Science Museum.

    • @marksinthehouse1968
      @marksinthehouse1968 Před 19 dny

      Thanks team. 😊

  • @crabbymilton390
    @crabbymilton390 Před 19 dny

    I hate to be repetitive Jeffery but you just made another great one.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny +1

      Hello! LOL! Hopefully you will continue to be repetitive like this! I'm really glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching!

  •  Před 20 dny +1

    I bet the tyre companies really liked those four axle designs.

  • @davidalvearmartinez4258

    Hi! I still remember when Leyland double decker buses arrived to Ecuador (1983). 🚌🇬🇧🇪🇨

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 12 dny

      Hello! Wow, didn't know Ecuador had Leyland double deckers! Thanks for watching!

  • @ml9867
    @ml9867 Před 20 dny +3

    Those double decker British busses have intrigued me, but I always worry about it being so tall. Have any ever rolled over?

    • @neiloflongbeck5705
      @neiloflongbeck5705 Před 20 dny +7

      British buses can lean over further without falling over than you can. With a fully laden top deck, a British Double Deck must return to its wheels from a lean of 28 degrees before it can even go on the road. You can only lean over, without bending, to an angle of 20 degrees.

    • @stevenclarke5606
      @stevenclarke5606 Před 20 dny +3

      No remarkably stable
      There are many videos of double deckers negotiating skid pans

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 Před 20 dny +1

      Yes , including high speed coaches.

    • @dukwdriver2909
      @dukwdriver2909 Před 20 dny +4

      Harry Potter's triple decker night bus would not pass the tilt test. The rest have to pass before being allowed to enter service. London Transport tilt test is available on CZcams.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny +3

      Hello! Good question, but it's very rare that those double deckers would fall over. Thanks for watching!

  • @johncourtneidge
    @johncourtneidge Před 13 dny

    Very lovely, Jeffrey. Thank-you!
    I wonder if you might like to do an episode on Double-deck Express Service Coaches like the Bristol FLF DD Coaches that Crosville etc ran? Likewise the Scout and Standerwick fleets and the more recent, equally beautiful and well use north Kent versions run by various operators.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 12 dny

      Hello John! I'm glad you liked the video! Maybe I'll do a vide on one of those topics in the future...thanks for your suggestions! I do like the Standerwick double deckers. Thanks for watching!

  • @douglasvick9703
    @douglasvick9703 Před 14 dny

    Beverley in East Yorkshire had "Deckers" built with a domed/rounded roof to pass neatly under The Arch in Beverley Town Centre!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 13 dny

      Hello! Oh yes, I even covered the Beverley Bar buses in my Bridgemaster video. Thanks for watching!!

  • @graemekeeley4497
    @graemekeeley4497 Před 20 dny +2

    As a younger person in the late 1960's I drove the Bedford VAM series as a route bus it was the single-steer variant of the VAL
    They were a great bus to drive being smooth and quiet with a smooth operating gearbox and the easy access front door was loved by the elderly

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! Thanks for bus driving memories!! Thanks for watching!

  • @scottyg7284
    @scottyg7284 Před 20 dny +1

    3.02 that picture was taken less than a mile from my house.

  • @christopherfranklin972
    @christopherfranklin972 Před 20 dny +1

    Terrific video Jeffrey!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello Christopher!! I'm really glad you liked the video!!!!! Thanks for watching!

  • @Therealroutemaster
    @Therealroutemaster Před 20 dny +1

    I don't know if I'm 100% certain, but i think the city of ipswich in England had twin steer double decker buses years ago. However they were all electric I think?

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 Před 20 dny +1

      I think the David Kaye books on buses trolleybuses shows them

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny +1

      I'll look into that! Thanks for watching!

    • @Therealroutemaster
      @Therealroutemaster Před 20 dny

      @highpath4776 I haven't seen that, I'll have to look out for it thanks

    • @Therealroutemaster
      @Therealroutemaster Před 20 dny

      @JeffreyOrnstein this is off topic Jeff, but have you ever heard of the Bedford VAS2? We had a 1959 VAS2 for our boy scout bus in the 90's it was great! Beautiful old machine.
      Drove like a house with wheels, although I think houses are a bit faster than these 🤣

  • @trevorhorton8472
    @trevorhorton8472 Před 20 dny

    Good work as always. Thank you.

  • @gregorm9183
    @gregorm9183 Před 20 dny

    Excellent videos Jeffrey, always top class.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! I'm really glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

  • @Phil-oj5nr
    @Phil-oj5nr Před 20 dny

    About 28 Bedford VAL’s were sold in New Zealand. After the original owners sold them on many became motor homes. I am not aware of any still being in running order, but took a photograph of one of two owned by Edwards Motors in Hastings many years ago. It was in very good condition, and was well away from its base in Tuakau in South Auckland/Waikato area.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! Thanks for the info on the NZ VALs! They look quite interesting, maybe a good subject for a future video! Thanks for watching!

  • @mootpointjones8488
    @mootpointjones8488 Před 19 dny

    Very interesting, thank you!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny +1

      I'm very glad you liked the video, and thanks for watching!!!

  • @chaam4736
    @chaam4736 Před 20 dny

    Excellent work Jeffrey, very interesting.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching!

  • @highpath4776
    @highpath4776 Před 20 dny +1

    I wonder if two front axles would have helped the guy wilfrainiam

  • @tango22ah
    @tango22ah Před 20 dny +1

    Great stuff as always Jeffrey 👍. Where ARE you finding these coaches???

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 Před 20 dny +1

      Alan Whitton book Twin Steer

    • @highpath4776
      @highpath4776 Před 20 dny +1

      Plus Gavin Booth book on 1930s buses

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny +1

      Hello! I'm really glad you liked the video!!! Research on one bus leads to another, which leads to another, LOL. Thanks for watching!

  • @johnmontgomery9149
    @johnmontgomery9149 Před 20 dny

    Another excellent video. Another rarity suggestion I would suggest is short lived the double deck Dartford Tunnel buses based on the Ford Thames Trader chassis.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! Oh yes, the Dartford Tunnel bus looks interesting! Could be a good subject for a future video! Thanks for watching!

  • @biker683
    @biker683 Před 20 dny

    Another xcellent informative video!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Thank you, I'm really glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching!

  • @FTW523.
    @FTW523. Před 20 dny +1

    How lucky i live very near kirkstall and Bradford not many trolly buses sbout now

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny +1

      Hello! Yes, too bad the trolleybuses are gone!! Thanks for watching!

  • @andrewwoolner9845
    @andrewwoolner9845 Před 19 dny

    Any chance of a video of the history of Blue Bird buses? They have been around for a long while and were quite popular at one time, 70’s to 90’s. They did everything from City Buses to School buses which was their main product

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny +1

      Hello! Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into Blue Bird! Thanks for watching!!

    • @douglasvick9703
      @douglasvick9703 Před 14 dny

      I live in Cheltenham and as a little lad I sat with my notebook at The Busy ""Black and White "" coach station noting the 2 pm departures .Bluebird was numerous ...1950s.....Gliderways also (Big Fin )...No motorways so Cheltenham was Halfway House as it were!!...Despite being an International lorry driver .Holidays are by Coach...Europe.U.S.A.and beyond ..Love them ...Now from Paris(Bercy)...run to Russia...Turkey etc etc...Wonderful.....

  • @stanleybest8833
    @stanleybest8833 Před 20 dny +1

    Most of those busses are pretty hard on the eyes.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny +1

      Hello! Yes, and I guess it's all quite subjective! Thanks for watching!

  • @alejandrayalanbowman367

    I have ridden on the London City Coach Co's six wheelers between Southend and Brentwood

  • @57629589
    @57629589 Před 20 dny

    The Magical Mystery Tour!!✌️😎

  • @blissy1
    @blissy1 Před 20 dny +1

    Wondering why an American would be interested in UK bus’s but that’s cool !!!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny +1

      Hello! Why wouldn't an American be interested in UK buses?? They're awsome! Thanks for watching!

  • @ml9867
    @ml9867 Před 20 dny +1

    Can you do a video about busses with a third axle that is just a single wheel and steers? I'd like to know just how much tighter they can turn, how much the braking is improved, & how much more weight they can carry. I also wonder at what speed they stop turning.

    • @neiloflongbeck5705
      @neiloflongbeck5705 Před 20 dny +2

      Turning radius equals half the tire width plus the wheelbase divided by the size of the steering angle. Where there are multiple steering axles, the wheel base is measured to the mid-point between the steering axles.
      I hope that this helps to answer your question.

    • @ml9867
      @ml9867 Před 20 dny

      @@neiloflongbeck5705 that's so cool, thanks. I didn't realize there was a mathematical answer to this, but it makes sense that there is.

    • @ml9867
      @ml9867 Před 20 dny

      @@neiloflongbeck5705 For the "half the tire width" part do you mean just the tire or the track width (the distance between the center of each tire on the axle)?

    • @neiloflongbeck5705
      @neiloflongbeck5705 Před 20 dny +1

      @@ml9867 the equation said tyre width.

    • @neiloflongbeck5705
      @neiloflongbeck5705 Před 20 dny +1

      @@ml9867 engineers like the precision maths.

  • @JTA1961
    @JTA1961 Před 19 dny

    I Wouldn't want to arm wrestle any of those old twin steer bus drivers

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! Thank you so much again for the super thanks!!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it! It was so nice to see it this morning!!! I'm so happy you liked watching my videos!! Thank you so much again!!!!!

  • @BenWalker3
    @BenWalker3 Před 20 dny +1

    I see Jeffrey, I click.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! I'm really glad you like my videos!!! Thanks so much for watching again!!!

  • @keithammleter3824
    @keithammleter3824 Před 20 dny

    I've never seen a twin-steer bus (or truck) with only a single rear axle, so the bait image caught my eye. I was hoping Jeffrey would tell us why there were such things, but he only hinted at it, saying it was due to legal requirements about length and weight. That would make sense in a 4-xle vehicle but what is the sense of a 3-axle vehicle with 2 axles at the front? Did they use super-heavy engines?

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! Glad you found the video interesting!! Thanks for watching again!

    • @robwilde855
      @robwilde855 Před 19 dny

      The advantage of the 2-1 set-up, having two axles at the front and one at the rear, instead of the 1-2 [which is commonly seen in lorries], is that there is no tyre scrubbing when cornering, the steering geometry being designed so that the wheels of the second axle turn a little less that those of the leading axle. A 1-2 vehicle, in contrast, scrubs its front tyres trying to overcome the tendency for the rear wheels to maintain a straight direction, and also scrubs its rear tyres when that tendency does get overcome.
      Also, when motorways came into use people were worried at the chances of a serious accident to a long-distance high-speed coach carrying a lot of people, if one of the front tyres blew, at speed. A double-leading axle design was thought then to be much safer, so that there would always be at least one front wheel under control on each side of the coach. That concern is much diminished now, though, with better quality tyres being standard.

    • @keithammleter3824
      @keithammleter3824 Před 19 dny

      @@robwilde855 Your first para does not seem right to me, as while the non-steering rear wheels in a 1-2 vehicle will fight with the turning front wheels, the front wheels are on a longer lever arm and will win - thus is it the rear wheels that will scrub.
      A friend of my father operated a goods delivery service and had a 1-2 configuration truck. I asked him once about tire wear and he said all tires wear about the same - the 2 rear axles wear because of the load and scrubbing during turning, and the front tyres wear out because during braking, load is thrown on the front wheels, and because the front wheels are singles and all 4 rear wheels are duals (ie 8 tyres).
      In any case, why did a bus need 3 axles anyway? Seeing as most only have 2, and are just as long, carrying just as many passengers.
      Protection against blow-outs makes some sense. When I was a kid, 70 years ago, one used to occaisonally hear of tyre blow-outs. It happened in my father's car - gave us a heck of a fright. Blow-outs never seem to happen now though - tyres must be better made.
      I was wondering if the 2-1 configuration in busses was a way to make the chassis lighter by spreading the engine load. the sort of diesel engines used are very heavy - well over a tonne.
      Vintage commuter buses are very heavy for the passenger weight carried - 6 to 8 tonnes empty. It would seem that for tourist coaches seeing lighter duty, getting the weight down and thus reducing fuel consumption would be a priority.
      Passenger weight in a typical bus is about 4 tonnes - very small compared to the load permitted a truck with the same empty weight. Modern commuter busses are even heavier, but only have 2 axles.
      Here in Australia, we have a local bus manufacturer Denning. Denning make very large busses, 11 tonnes weight, 56 passengers plus luggage plus on-board toilet, popular with tourist lines, as they stand up to coast-to-cost coast trips (8,000 km) day in day out with little trouble for years and years. They are a 1-2 configuration. From memory, only one rear axle has dual wheels, and the reason for the extra pair of wheels is to improve the ride.

  • @douglasvick9703
    @douglasvick9703 Před 14 dny

    In Europe now .and Beyond I see 8 wheeler with a trailer(Wow) Coaches.Neoplan ""Deckers""....Bercy(Paris)is CoachspottersParadise!!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 13 dny

      Hello! Wow, that must be awesome to see!!! Thanks for watching!!

  • @nigelfarley814
    @nigelfarley814 Před 18 dny

    I’m sure I read somewhere that this wheel arrangement reduced tyre wear over twin rear axles. Is that the case?

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 17 dny

      Hello! I heard that it increased wear, but who knows, it was a long time ago! Thanks for watching!

  • @JulianArthurs
    @JulianArthurs Před 20 dny

    Its weight per axle. MOT ( ministry of transport) have done axle fail tests. Ironically 4 wheel steer turning circle is less than naval architects at Portsmouth would be comfortable with.
    .

  • @paulmason329
    @paulmason329 Před 20 dny

    Fascinating but it's V-A-L not Val as in Valentine.
    Operators liked the extra length but not the not the extra tyres and maintenance cost
    The Bedford V A L had some success over a decade using smaller wheels. Twin REAR wheels were more popular and have made something of a come back in recent years, but not twin steers

    • @jamesfrench7299
      @jamesfrench7299 Před 20 dny

      I refer to them as Val and Vam as they form a phonetic sound.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! Glad you liked the video! But it sounds so much better than spelling it out...really! Thanks for watching!

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny +1

      Exactly!!

  • @douglasvick9703
    @douglasvick9703 Před 14 dny

    Bedford Vals also became pantechnicons and caravan transporters..

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 13 dny

      Hello! Yes, they certainly did!! Thanks for watching!!

  • @michaeloconnor7849
    @michaeloconnor7849 Před 17 dny

    I now need to know whether the northern Ireland observation coach still exists and how much money it is going to cost me.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 17 dny

      Hello! LOL, I doubt it still exists, unfortunately! If it did, I'm sure you'd need zillions to buy it! Thanks for watching!

    • @jonathansmyth9249
      @jonathansmyth9249 Před 16 dny

      As far as I know it was converted into a two axle double decker chassis as was done to a lot off standard PS1/PS2 chassis and given a MCW Orion style body an Ulster Transport Authority body with MCW framework. I live in Northern Ireland and I am a bus fan I remember them on the road as a small child in the 1960s. The rebuild chassis may still exist. ​@@JeffreyOrnstein

  • @rodkennedy9800
    @rodkennedy9800 Před 20 dny +1

    I had a toy twin steer bus (think it was a Vega Major type) toy was I think either a Corgi or Dinky toy)) was it a copy of a real bus?

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Hello! Yes, the Bedford Vega Major was a real bus! I like that kind of a bus...maybe a future video! Thanks for watching!

    • @dancedecker
      @dancedecker Před 20 dny

      Yes, it was a real vehicle, but the Dinky one is a coach. Not a bus.
      Certainly in the UK, there is a defined difference.

  • @highpath4776
    @highpath4776 Před 20 dny

    Wasnt there the 8 wheel moulton bus was that design only though?

  • @austinmatthews347
    @austinmatthews347 Před 20 dny

    I like your vids mate all about uk buses but how would you feel about attemoting to pronounce chassis with a shhhh rather than a chhhh

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! I'm glad you liked the video!! As for chassis, it's commonly spoken with the ch rather than the sh....more masculine I guess, especially since it's an automotive term...Thanks for watching!

    • @austinmatthews347
      @austinmatthews347 Před 19 dny

      Ok mate

  • @dancedecker
    @dancedecker Před 20 dny

    Thanks Jeffrey.
    Excellent as ever.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny

      Hello! I'm really happy you liked the video!! Thanks for watching!

  • @1208bug
    @1208bug Před 11 dny

    😊❤💯

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 10 dny

      Hello! I'm very glad you liked the video! Thanks for watching!

  • @mikeyratcliff3400
    @mikeyratcliff3400 Před 14 dny

    Bedford V. A. L. , not val, please! (Or Chinese six if ya want the slang term!) Even so, cracking video sir!

  • @haweater1555
    @haweater1555 Před 20 dny

    7:41 Is this thing like a precursor to the Sinclair C5 from 1985 ?

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      LOL, it could be, sure looks a bit like it!! Thanks for watching!

  • @jamesfrench7299
    @jamesfrench7299 Před 20 dny

    Never seen smaller 8 lug trailing steer axles like that. However I have seen numerous photos of DD trolleys with twin steer configuration.
    I imagine there was no net benefit economically to twin steer buses, and not too good practically for drivers with armstrong steering.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 19 dny +1

      Hello! Yes, probably limited benefit as not many were built in this configuration. Thanks for watching!

  • @mikeyratcliff3400
    @mikeyratcliff3400 Před 14 dny

    P.s. known as Chinese 6s , because only the Chinese could come up with something as complicated and inscrutable!

  • @allangibson4354
    @allangibson4354 Před 19 dny

    Single Steer aka Four in Hand.

  • @DELTIC55007
    @DELTIC55007 Před 20 dny

    Moulton coach ?

  • @wintersbattleofbands1144

    Sweetie, it's V A L, not val. Just because you can pronounce the letters as a word, doesn't mean it is one. V - A - L. Example: the London Transport XRM. It's not the "zerm." it's the X - R - M.

    • @JeffreyOrnstein
      @JeffreyOrnstein  Před 20 dny

      Anything else??

    • @dancedecker
      @dancedecker Před 20 dny

      Whilst I'm sure you are correct, it's just human nature to do so.
      I've always called it the VAL and probably always will. Everyone who needs to know, knows what I'm talking about and if I started to then call it a V A L, I'm sure I'd get some strange looks.
      But your point is taken.
      Thank you.

    • @michaeloconnor7849
      @michaeloconnor7849 Před 17 dny

      V A L lends itself to phonetic pronunciation, X R M does not, give the guy a break.

  • @ray-wm7yd
    @ray-wm7yd Před 19 dny +1

    Tri axle? Chinese six

  • @highpath4776
    @highpath4776 Před 20 dny +1

    Gnus to me

  • @giantputt7066
    @giantputt7066 Před 14 dny

    Cleverly - won’t be voting for him

  • @grahamdavidcowley
    @grahamdavidcowley Před 17 dny

    The Leyland is pronounced "G-new", not "New"