BusBlogFeature December 2008: Scania N113CRB 

SBS3623J in the old SBS livery

By mid-2009, another of SBS Transit’s workhorse will retire into the history books. This year, the Scania N113CRB celebrates a glorious 19 years of service. First introduced in 1989, the N113CRBs were the second type of European single deck buses brought in to replace the older ones in the fleet. Of the 200 units acquired, 150 units were non-airconditioned with the remainder 50 units fitted with airconditioning system. The airconditioned N113CRBs were the first airconditioned buses ordered in bulk by SBS.

N113CRB stands for:

N – transversely mounted engine, mounted vertically across the rear
11 – 11-litre engine (actual displacement is 11,021cc)
3 – 3rd generation of chassis
CRB – standard/city floor height with stepped entry, right-hand drive

The N113CRBs were powered by the turbocharged 11-litre DSC1104 engine, rated at 254bhp. The drive axle is driven by the 3-speed, fully-automatic Scania GAV781 gearbox. Unlike the Volvo B10M buses, the N113CRBs boasts a rather flat flooring throughout the aisle, thanks to the location of the engine at the rear. It was the most powerful single decker during its heydays, due to the capacity of the engine at a whopping 11 litres.

SBS41H working on Service 155

The airconditioned N113CRBs, however, had specifications that differ slightly from its non-airconditioned siblings. The engine remained the same. However, the gearbox chosen to drive the axle was the 3-speed, fully-automatic Scania ­­GV680 gearbox. The Fuji ICBU-023 airconditioning system cools the saloon. The non-airconditioned N113CRBs were fitted with ventilator systems, as means to cool and ventilate the interior during hot or rainy days.

The buses were licensed to carry 51 seating passengers and 35 standing passengers. The original seating capacity was actually ­­53, but was reduced to accommodate the validator machines when the latter was introduced in the early 1990s. Bodywork was supplied by Walter Alexander, with the PS model fitted on all 200 units. They were locally-assembled using complete knock-down (CKD) kits imported from the UK. This is the same bodywork fitted on the Volvo B10M Mark IIs as well as the Mercedes Benz O.405s.

SBS41H in her new SBS Transit livery

Registered in the range SBS3573U to SBS3722G, the first non-airconditioned example was rolled out on Service 145. The first airconditioned N113CRB was deployed on the old Service 3, which used to operate between Bedok Interchange and Jurong East Interchange. The airconditioned N113CRBs were registered SBS31L to SBS80U. Today, the bulk of these buses can be found at Bedok, Tampines and Pasir Ris feeder services, allocated to Bedok North Depot (BNDEP). A few units still remains with Ang Mo Kio Depot (AMDEP).

In the late 1990s, the then SBS began a massive conversion program for its non-airconditioned buses. As many as 86 non-airconditioned N113CRBs were selected to undergo conversion and refurbishment to airconditioned buses. The 3-piece sliding windows were replaced by one-piece fixed windows. Ventilator systems were removed to make way for new aircon ducts. The old dark blue leather seats were replaced by new and more comfortable red-coloured seats. The Coolair airconditioning system was fitted on most of the converted models, although Webasto and Denso systems were fitted on a few N113CRBs.

SBS3652A calling at the former Jalan Kayu Terminal while operating on Service 39

SBS3699R is a CAC N113CRB in the old SBS livery

The airconditioned N113CRBs were not left out. All of the OACs underwent refurbishment works that saw new red seats and aircon ducts replacing the original configurations. The Scania GV680/GAV781 gearboxes were also replaced by the more powerful Voith D853.1 3-speed automatic gearbox.

One particular OAC example, SBS73R, was chosen to demonstrate a new refurbishment project undertaken by SBS Transit. The interior was refurbished to resemble that of the Volvo B9TL double-deckers. Seats with yellow-coloured leather covers replaced the red-coloured ones. The red aircon ducts were also replaced with a cream-coloured one. The exterior body panelling now consists that of boltless panels. A new, shiny paintwork adorned the bus, making it looked like a new bus. Another OAC unit, SBS79A, had a new Carrier-Sutrak airconditioner fitted, after the Fuji system was declared unrepairable.

Nearside view of SBS73R

Offside view of SBS73R

Interior of SBS73R

As of September 2008, as many as 94 units have been deregistered or taken out of revenue services. The new Scania K230UBs are progressively replacing the outgoing N113CRBs. The last N113CRB is scheduled to be decommissioned on May 6th 2009. After nearly 20 years in service, the N113CRBs will be best remembered for their outstanding performance and agility on the roads, combined with one of the quietest engines ever and comfort levels never before seen on a public bus.

SBS3694D

Statistics

• Model : N113CRB (N – transversely mounted engine, mounted vertically across the rear, 11 – 11-litre engine, 3 – 3rd generation of chassis, CRB – standard/city floor height with stepped entry, right-hand drive)
• Length : 12 m
• Bodywork : Walter Alexander ‘PS’-Type
• Fleet Size : 200 (50 airconditioned + 150 non-airconditioned)
• Registration Numbers : SBS31L to SBS80U, SBS3573U to SBS3722G
• Passenger Capacity : 51 seating + 35 standees

Blogger’s note: Special thanks to Edward Yeo for the permission to the use of the images. Visit his online gallery at http://sgcitybus.fotopic.net .