[BFD Coaches in Beijing]金旅 Golden Dragon XML6129E1A 八方达 Bafangda #024576 Front-left at Liuliqiao East

A type XML6129E1A "Golden Dragon King" 12m (11,985mm, 39.3 ft.) ultra-high-deck touring coach built by Xiamen Golden Dragon Bus Co., Ltd.

 

The Golden Dragon King of Bafangda is powered by a imported Cummins type ISCe330 30 8.3L 300PS (221kW, 296hp) Euro III diesel engine. A domestic Qijiang-ZF 6-speed mechanical transmission is coupled to the engine and a domestic magnetic (eddy-current) retarder is attached to the output end of the transmission. Both axles are domestic Fangsheng products fitted with Neway air suspension; the rear suspension is a trailing-arm type with two air bellows. Drum brakes are fitted on both axles. The steering system is a Sheppard product.

 

Acquired in 2004, the Golden Dragon King (XML6129E1A and the identical XML6129E11) quickly proved to be the king of the fleet just as its name suggested. It was then the most luxurious coach owned by Bafangda, offering incomparable comfort and impressive power. All Golden Dragon Kings were allocated to Tianqiao Division (now Fangshan Division) and dispatched on inter-provincial express routes. In 2007, Bafangda acquired XML6127E2, a newer and more powerful ultra-high-deck coach; however the latter lagged behind XML6129E1A/E11 in comfort. Not until 2008 had Bafangda introduced a comparable touring coach, King Long type XMQ6129Y3 "The Dragon Majesty", the then most advanced product by King Long. XMQ6129Y3 supersedes XML6129E1A/E11 in riding comfort by the refined air suspension (four air bellows on the rear axle), but lacks the "riding high" pride due to its lowered deck.

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