Rosewood History

Photos above and below show similar coaches.

Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld.), Tuesday 4 August 1953, page 2

Coach Cost £10,000

A group of Ipswich citizens yesterday morning travelled in a tourist coach, which was described by a Pioneer Tours’ spokesman as “the ultimate in road transport as, far as comfort and quality are concerned.” The clipper, which cost in the vicinity of £10,000, is the most modem vehicle of its type to be introduced into Australia. 

Mr. J. C. Dunston, who addressed the representative gathering after the trip to Rosewood, said the company (Ansair Pty. Ltd., of Melbourne) hoped eventually to convert its whole fleet of coaches to the rear-engine Diesel type. Clippers of a similar type will soon begin a regular service between Brisbane and Sydney. 

The clipper was driven yesterday morning by Mr. R. C. Kennedy, the Operational Superintendent for Pioneer Tours in Queensland. On the journey to Rosewood and back, he pointed out the numerous amenities in the coach, which has a seating capacity of 29. 

ENGINE AT REAR
Interesting features of the coach include –

• The Leyland 7.4 litre Diesel engine is fitted in the rear of the vehicle. Company spokesmen said yesterday this meant that performance was superior, maintenance easier and more economical, a substantial reduction in noise and vibration within the coach, the elimination of fumes, and a considerable improvement in the riding qualities. 
• Seats are adjustable into five positions, end upholstered in sponge rubber and leather. Foot-rests also are adjustable. 
• The interior of the vehicle can be warmed or cooled by.means of special blowers.
• Windows can be adjusted by almost finger-tip control., and the glass is tinted slightly to reduce the sun glare. 
• The interior trim is in laminex, because of its durability, fire-resistant properties, and attractiveness.
• Westinghouse air brakes are fitted, and the clipper is equipped with a radio and public address system. 
• The body design is on American lines, the engine being insulated from the coach interior by a soundproof bulkhead.
• Maximum speed is 50 miles per hour. 

BEAUTY SPOTS
At the termination of the trial trip to and from Rosewood, the Ipswich guests were entertained to morning tea at the Metropole Hotel. 

The Mayor (Ald. J. T. Finimore) said that such a vehicle spoke volumes for its company, and support was sure to follow its introduction on Queensland routes. He urged the company to include visits to Ipswich’s beauty spots on its tours. Mr. Dunston said his company would look into the matter thoroughly, and he was sure that future tours would include some of Ipswich’s beauty spots. 

“Our company has always endeavoured to set the standard for tourist operations, and we believe this clipper is the ultimate in road transport, as far as comfort and quality are concerned.” he added. 

Mr. T. Hastings and Ald. Finimore expressed thanks on behalf of those present for the trip, which was arranged by Pioneer Tours local representative, Mr. E. Dutton.