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Externally, the TAM 260 is of typical European design but
with American configuration and components--a combination generally found
desirable by American coach operators. With its large, square passenger
windows, smooth and fully paintable exterior, and "plug" type passenger
door, the coach retains a typical European appearance. However, the single
level design, single front passenger door and right rear restroom are more
typical of American coaches. |
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While it tends to look small, the 260 is actually
very close to contemporary American coaches in size. The length is 39.37
feet which is very close to the current American standard of 40 feet. Width
is 98.5 inches, the current European standard and only slightly narrower
than the current American 102-inch standard. Height is only 128.5 inches,
considerably shorter than some of the newer coaches on the market. Interestingly,
the TAM 260 offers a turning radius of only 34.5 feet. |
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One major difference in the TAM 260 is that it is
equipped with
two axles. This at first may be perceived as a problem in regard to road
axle weight limitations. However, the 260 is amazingly light, and even
fully loaded with passengers and luggage it is legal on the majority of
roads normally used by big buses. |
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Some of the componentry is particularly interesting. Instead
of the typical marine plywood, the TAM 260 uses a composite, pressure bonded
floor that comes from the State of Washington. It not only reduces noise
but takes 660 pounds out of the weight of the coach. The large passenger
windows are made in Los Angles. All of the passenger windows can be used
for emergency egress. On the other hand, the TAM 260 has a particularly
strong roof structure. |
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Shown are two compartments on the right
side at the rear of the coach. In front (right) is the rear electrical
compartment which also includes the batteries and a Vanner equalizer. The
door at the rear provides access to the engine compartment cooling system. |
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Looking into the 260's engine compartment,
we can see the 275 horsepower Cummins diesel engine that is provided as
standard equipment. This appears to provide adequate power since the coach
is remarkably light. The standard transmission is a fivespeed ZF automatic. |
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In several places the original European design
has been modified for the American market. For example, the original one-piece
windshield has been replaced with a split windshield to reduce glass costs
on windshield repair. Dual electric windshield wipers are provided which
are very similar to those on the Setra and Van Hool. A spare tire is carried
behind the front bumper as is typical on American coaches. Air brakes are
of the S-cam drum
type with Bendix pressure regulating valves. A Bendix AD-9 air dryer is
provided on the air system as standard equipment. |
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Engine and Systems
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The standard power train on the TAM 260
is a 275-horsepower Cummins diesel engine coupled to a five-speed ZF automatic
transmission with push-button control. We might note that the transmission
has an integrated hydraulic retarder controlled by a multi-position wand
on the steering column. As is typical with four-cycle diesel engines, a
fuel-fired heater is provided for additional heating. The 260 has one of
the new electronic Webasto heater units as standard equipment. |
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The standard fuel tank holds 100 gallons and
can be filled from both sides of the coach. The coach is equipped with
a fuel gauge, and fuel economy is quite good considering its weight and
engine. |
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Expectedly, the 260 provides underfloor luggage
compartments. They have a capacity of 260 cubic feet and are equipped with
modern pantograph-type doors. Two smaller compartments are provided towards
the front of the coach that can be used for safety items (chocks, reflectors
and chains) or the usual fluids carried by the driven |
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There are also two extra compartments located
just behind the rear wheel but both of these are used for componentry.
The one on the right side houses the rear electrical panel and batteries
while the one on the left side contains the Webasto unit and transmission
fluid dip stick. All of these compartments, including the three engine
compartment doors, |
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