KSRTC have recently introduced new Super Deluxe Air Bus on TATA 1512ex Chassis, Body by Central Works Pappanamcode. We where planning to have a ride since its introduction, but got a proper chance only on 7th Jan, 2014. We had a Trivandrum trip on that day and while returning we targeted one among the new TATA Deluxe; SBY, KNR or KKD from TVM to EKM.
We reached TVM Central Bus station by 5.30pm and Saw RSC 764 Parked there, getting ready for returning back to its home Depot, Kannur. The bus looks much better than Leylands because of the new design of the front grills and bumpers. The rest looks the same. Seating capacity is 40, 2+2 reclining seats. The driver cabin is separated to isolate engine noise and lights of vehicles coming in the opposite direction.
We booked Ernakulam tickets immediately to ensure our favourite seats. We had a chat with the driver and conductor. The main subject that they pointed out was about the maintenance of these machines and the condition after an year. They told us that old Leyland deluxe buses where good performers until its last days with minimum maintenance. Regarding the performance, the driver’s opinion was good as the bus is new and he told us that we need to wait for a few months to see whether the performance is consistent.
6.30pm and its time to start the beast. The bus was about 70% occupied while we left TVM. The interiors and seats are fine. The seats are refurbished ones but still good as new. Leg room was excellent, about an inch more than in Leylands. TATA 1512ex LPO Chassis is 30 cm longer than Leyland Vikings. The bus showed more vibrations at idle rpm compared to Leyland. The reason could be because of KSRTC setting idle RPM lower than what TATA recommends. There was no signs of any brake noise when the bus started and applied brakes for the first few times. Due to heavy blocks till Kazhakoottam, braking frequency was more. As a result the drum and the liners heated up quickly, brake noise arised. The noise was not as much as seen in older TATA buses but was noisy enough to be irritating.
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We reached Kollam 8.40pm, late by 20 minutes. The bus waited for dinner break. We had a chat with the driver regarding brake noise. He said “It happens when the liner gets heated up and there is a considerable difference in braking efficiency when the liners are hot.” We left Kollam by 9pm, late by 25 minutes. Now as the traffic density reduced, the bus started attaining high speeds. The next trouble that we expected was vibrations at high speeds. We checked the speeds on GPS in our mobile phones. Speeds where great and there was absolutely no vibrations which was observed on older BS2 and BS1 models of TATA Buses.
When we reached somewhere between Kayamkulam and Haripad, we decided to test the back seat comfort. Few seats where vacant and we checked out the last row of seats. Ride was fine. Air suspension where fine and the ride was comfortable.
Overall a good experience in a TATA bus which we never had in older models in the past. 1512ex LPO seems to be a good product but we have to wait for a few months to have a clear idea about how it performs under the maintenance of our KSRTC
Antony Varghese
