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Title: SWB Low-Roof or L1H1?
Category: Vehicle Designs and Designations
Posted by: Thomas Young
On: 07/12/2022 00:35
Text: On this website I have usually used descriptive text to indicate the size of each vehicle, particular for types that are available in various lengths and/or heights. However, manufacturers are increasingly adopting a standardised abbreviated format for such information. For example, the shortest and lowest variant of a type will be L1H1. A longer version with the same height will be L2H1, while an even longer version with a taller body might be L3H2. Some types have numerous options. For example, Ford Transit chassis cabs run to L5H1, though the height information is less relevant for things like dropside trucks!

I have recently started using these descriptors for some vehicles and I can see some advantages to them. Taking the new Vauxhall Vivaro-E vans being added to the Stagecoach fleet as an example, this type comes in two different lengths but both have the same wheelbase. So I would have to call the two variants 'SWB' and 'SWB EL' (for Extended Length) respectively. But why call them short wheelbase is there is no long wheelbase variant?

Another small advantage is that 'L3H3' takes up less screen/paper space than 'LWB EL High Roof'. This can lead to less text-wrapping and better table layouts.

So, perhaps I should standardise on the new format, at least for new vehicles. I doubt if any users have strong feelings about this but, if you do have a preference, please get in touch.

There is a snag though. While some vehicle checking websites do have very detailed information, it is sometimes not completely accurate. Again taking the Stagecoach vans as an example, West Ham's DY22LDJ is listed as being L1H1 while Bromley's DY72XMA is L2H1. However, looking at the photos that I published a couple of weeks ago, I am fairly sure that both vans are actually L2H1. Mind you, this would still be an issue even if I 'translate' the sizes to the more descriptive versions.

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