The Tilt Test

Before they’re allowed on the roads of London, all the iconic red double-decker buses have to put through their paces. To make sure the vehicle won’t tip over while making a sharp turn, the whole 10-ton chassis is tilted in a test of its stability and weight distribution.

Sandbags are loaded in place of real passengers, but the test is not without risk. While the automotive giant is at full tilt, a safety investigator has to clamber up to the top deck to ensure the bus is solidly standing. Every double-decker has to be able to lean to 28 degrees to be deemed safe. As can be seen from the degree indicators on both the motor and platform, this London General Omnibus Company bus has passed its 1933 test with flying colours.

Before the GymBuses, the “Kids’ Party Buses”, are allowed on the roads of Perth, Melbourne and Sutherland Shire, all the iconic double-decker indoor birthday party play centres have to put through their paces. To make sure the play centres are fun enough and won’t tip over while 26 birthday party children, aged between 3 and 12 are playing, the whole 10-ton chassis is tilted in a test of its stability, entertainment and weight distribution.

Sandbags are loaded in the tunnels, on the ladders, over the bars and hanging from the rings in place of real children, but the test is not without risk. While the indoor play centre is at full tilt, a GymBus party entertainer/safety investigator has to clamber up to the top deck without touching the ground and start swinging on the rails to ensure the bus is solidly standing whilst the children are having fun. Every double-decker GymBus has to be able to lean to 28 degrees to be deemed exciting enough and safe. As can be seen from both the degree indicator on the platform and the GymBus, this Perth based Entertainment Company bus has passed its 1994 test with flying colours.