Cheslyn Hay operator praises ‘big difference’ in auto ‘box; debut to be at UK Coach Rally
Parrys International of Cheslyn Hay is set to take delivery of the first of three Van Hool TX17 Astrons in time for the UK Coach Rally on 6-7 May, and again Allison’s T 525 automatic gearbox has been selected to go with the 510bhp DAF MX-13 engine.
The combination is already present in an existing Van Hool coach in Parrys’ fleet, and Director Dave Parry praises the driveline for its smooth ride.
“Our first Van Hool with an Allison gearbox has performed very well and it is like a car to drive,” says Mr Parry.
“We expect the first of the current three coaches to be delivered on Monday (24 April), which will give us time to prepare it for entry into the UK Coach Rally.”
The 14m Astrons will have just 48 seats and are to Parrys’ standard specification, including a full rear servery and Funturo seat-back entertainment systems. They will be supplied by Moseley (PCV).
Mr Parry’s son James celebrates his 21st birthday on the Saturday of the Rally and he will enter the driving contests at the wheel of the Astron.
“James passed his Category D test at 18 and has driven feeders and coaches when they are not carrying passengers, but once he is 21 he will also be part of our tour programme,” says Mr Parry.
“He is the fourth young driver that we have put through their test after starting work with us in other roles and I regard doing so as the future of the industry. It allows us to teach them our way of doing things and our set of values.”
