The Ruskin coach was initially designed to offer a high quality ‘classroom’ environment to offer to public service vehicle drivers (PCV) the opportunity to take the newly required course at both a convenient time and location. The vehicle also has the capability to offer a variety of educational courses for a variety of uses.
The unit is based on a Plaxton Panther 12 metre coach shell, fitted with a special front entry disabled lift system capable of lifting a wheelchair into the high floor vehicle.
The 12 metre vehicle was pre painted in white and had a bespoke graphics scheme applied to the exterior.
As you enter the vehicle through the front entrance to the LHS front is a large cabinet housing a water chiller / dispenser unit and the IT systems laser printers.
The entry gangway floor is constructed in such a way as to have an easily detachable ramp system to enable the wheelchair bound pupil to enter the main classroom.
Opposite this unit is the tutors desk which is housed within a ‘wardrobe’ type unit and is slid sideways into the centre of the vehicle when the class is ready for the lesson.
Above this unit is a cabinet that houses electrical equipment / DVD players.
Immediately behind the entry cabinets is the main classroom area. This is arranged with 10 positions on each side of the vehicle, with a moulded ABS receptor and docking station to accept the HP lap top computers. The interior of this area is finished in oak with light brown fabrics and 20 individual leather trimmed swivel chairs. Above the entire length of the classroom desks are high level cabinets with sliding doors finished in oak with central consoles that incorporate triangular halogen lighting units. The centre roof is fitted with more halogen dimmable lighting to give a quality feel, and each window bay is fitted with a chrome effect Venetian blind.
Beyond the classroom area to the RHS is a fully fitted kitchen offering hot and cold drinks. This unit is fitted with both hot and cold pumped water, a microwave, coffee machine, glass fronted fridge and storage.
Opposite the kitchen is the toilet compartment that is fitted with automatic ventilation and lighting and a vanity unit housing a sink with hot and cold on demand water and all facilities.
To the rear of the vehicle is a lounge area, that has a full ‘u’ shaped seating area suitable for 10 people. The seating is trimmed in light brown leather, deep buttoned with storage facilities under the cushions.
The walls and ceilings are trimmed in matching velours to give a warm quality feel to the area. A large 37” LCD TV is located on the rear wall for the display of information and presentations. In the centre of the lounge area is a large table manufactured with an oak top.
The under floor lockers of the vehicle house the 11.5kw generator and all the AC electrical systems for the vehicle. Also in these lockers are housed the strong box for secure storage of valuables and the water tanks for the vehicles kitchen and toilet.
On the roof of the vehicle are fitted two air conditioning units, and the Sky aerial.
The vehicle is fitted out to each classroom position with a high tech telephone system and all computers are cat 5 connected to the master server and tutor desk. |
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Entrance area
6 station TV/DVD area
Toilet
Kitchen
8 person conference area
8 person IT area
External awning room
10 Computers
6 TVs
DVD
Video
DJ mixing station
2 17” LCD TVs
1 32” LCD TVs
4 Speakers
Mini Hi-Fi system
Immobilser and alarm
Smoker detectors
Panic button |
