Fischer was an American petrol-electric bus and was the first motorbus bought by the LGOC.
The bus was made by the Fischer Motor Vehicle Company of Hoboken, New Jersey. The company set up a London office, under the name of the Fischer Motor Vehicle Syndicate at 9 Charing Cross Road. The syndicate’s secretary was Horace George Thornton.[1]
The Fischer hybrid bus was shipped to England on 2 April 1903 having been tested successfully in New York, including a run along Broadway. The London General Omnibus Co had ordered a total of 10 Fischer hybrids.[2]
Its petrol engine drove a generator, which fed two electric motors.
It was very heavy and at 7ft 5in wide exceeded the permitted width of 6ft 6in (1.98m). After a debate, the London County Council not to raise any objection to the Fischer bus.[3]
However, the Metropolitan Police refused to licence the bus and in October 1903 the LGOC asked to have it taken back and to be refunded the cost.[4]
1902 June. Description of the omnibus.[5]
See Also
Sources of Information
- Ian Allan - British Buses Since 1900 - Aldridge and Morris