Neoplan Emergency window

[loosenut]

I have an 85 Neoplan, Jetliner, that has curved glass.  4 of the windows are "emergency" windows with big red handles.

Is there any danger in opening them while parked to allow for more air flow in the cabin?  Can they easily fall to the ground?  Does opening the window break anything that will have to be replaced to relock the windows?

I asked these questions to Jean at Neopart and she thought I was daft.

Thanks for your help,

Mike

[Sean]

Is there any danger in opening them while parked to allow for more air flow in the cabin?

There is no "danger," per se, in opening them, however you should bear in mind that the emergency mechanism was not built to be used over and over again the way a normal door or window latch would be.  It is meant to be used a handful of times throughout the life of the coach.  If you use it more frequently, over time you will damage the upper gasket, and you may also loosen the copper ferrules holding the release wire to the latches or handle.  Also, on my Neoplan the handles were plastic, and at least one of them simply broke in half.  We had new ones machined out of aluminum.

Can they easily fall to the ground?

No.  But you will want to inspect the top hinges periodically when the windows are open.

Does opening the window break anything that will have to be replaced to relock the windows?

Not normally.  But, again, it will put stress on the top rubber seal, the latches will wear with use, and the release wire may loosen over time.  If this last condition occurs, you may find that you can not open the window precisely when you need to: in an emergency.  Also, if the window does not latch completely when you close it, you risk it getting sucked out by a passing truck and destroyed in a spectacular way.

Lastly, remember that Neoplan parts are getting harder and harder to come by, and therefore also more expensive.  I would not risk breaking one of these windows for any reason -- you would be looking at over a grand to replace one.

HTH,

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com