Bus Listing Discussion

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[bluebirdvision]

I believe it was. It was a great alternative to a Type A....

They do look like a bread truck tho

[Carpenter207]

I didn't think it was available that recently either, but I'm just going by the listing on their web site.

[tatum]

Adrian, don't think I'm doubting you!

[Carpenter207]

Trust me, I'm as surprised as you are.   That front-end is so old fashioned looking.  Even if it was a 2000, I'd still think it looked older than that.

[96AmTranRE]

I'm a little late on this one, but Sam, that IC CE with individual warning light visors IS VERY neat, thanks Sam for posting the bus photos in your recent uploads, I enjoy seeing new photos

[tatum]

I love seeing California buses..They're some of my favorites.

By the way Josh, that D3FE is actually a 2009 model, not a 2010. It's a nice picture, though!

[Sam (LifestarFe)]

Thanks guys! I have a couple NorCal Roadeo pics I still need to upload.

I agree, it is wierd how Ca requires different visors on ICs...however new ICs seem to have the standard 1 visor per 2 lights.
Take a look at the visors on this bus! http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2143&listingmode=detail

[tatum]

^Yeah. I have a picture of a First Student IC RE and it has the normal IC one piece visors..Yet, it's a CA bus.

[96AmTranRE]

I love seeing California buses..They're some of my favorites.

By the way Josh, that D3FE is actually a 2009 model, not a 2010. It's a nice picture, though!

Mine too, along with NY and NC buses, and I know the it's a 2009 model, I thought you wouldn't notice LOL. anyway, I changed it

[tatum]

^I've been told that my eye for catching things is amazing. I hope it comes in handy for my future.

[bluebirdvision]

I think all D3s are "2010 MY" buses

[Steve C.]

Sorry to jump in, but I took a look and it was about mid-2000 that Blue Bird took the Mini Bird off of its website.  I'm not sure if they still had it available for custom orders after that, but that's about the time production was likely phased out.

As far as the Mini Bird itself goes, they only ever really made about 3-4 major changes to it:  The addition of a diesel engine in the early 1980s (originally a 6.2L, then a 6.5L in the 1990s), a change in the instrument panel from the Chevy van one to the one used in the medium-duty trucks (early 1990s) and the change from round headlights to square ones (circa 1994-95).  Outside from that, the Mini Bird stayed unchanged for all 23 years of production.   

Trust me, I'm as surprised as you are.   That front-end is so old fashioned looking.  Even if it was a 2000, I'd still think it looked older than that.

[tatum]

I don't know if this has been discussed already, but this CE has seating for a lot of wheelchairs.

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/gallery/updates/jan05/ic_2_ce_05_in.htm

[02intlbluebird]

Well, I can tell you that when they were talking about the seating this was the bus I had on my mind. Thanks for posting.

[tatum]

This is possibly the shortest RE I've ever seen.

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2163&listingmode=detail

[02intlbluebird]

Shortest RE, how about the shortest CE bus! http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2165&listingmode=detail

It reminded me of the Dumb and Dumber bus that had to have been from CA because it had the flip down light caps.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/drewprops/2108593669/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/drewprops/2109369420/in/photostream/

[Carpenter207]

Shortest RE, how about the shortest CE bus! http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2165&listingmode=detail

Looks like an old version of the IC BE, basically.

In fact, this BE is actually a bit longer than that CE -- it has six rows, compared to that CE's five rows:

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=1442&listingmode=detail

[blazer4250]

Tatum, thats the typical length for Type Ds here in NJ. Most are 12 rows, with some being 11. Type Cs are limited to 54 pax or something, and thats 11 rows. But that CE almost makes an argument for a type A in that case!

[Sam (LifestarFe)]

I have seen a couple REs that short. There is a listing of a 66 passenger HDX somewhere on here that looks even shorter!
I agree, it still looks wierd though!

That CE was tiny! Some TypeAs can hold more people!
Almost everyone there commented on it...and they used it as the background for the winners' pictures.

[tatum]

Sam, do you know what engine that tiny AmTran International has?

[blazer4250]

Actually tatum, add a row of seats to that RE, remove the white roof, high headroom, open out door, tint, and add a crossing arm and manual jackknife door and you have the FS REs here

Id say, knowing CA, the CE probably has a DT466. But maybe because its so short, it might have a T444E

[Sam (LifestarFe)]

I'm sorry guys...I don't know; you aren't allowed to talk to drivers while on the course. Blase has a pretty good thought though.

Here it is on Flickr...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26215282@N02/3516058364/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26215282@N02/3515253335/in/set-72157618707065515/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26215282@N02/3516064172/in/set-72157618707065515/

[Steve C.]

As far as the Gillig goes, that's either powered by a Cat 3208 or a Cummins 555 (it doesn't have the huge left-side roof air intake that other rear-engine Gilligs do).  As such, that would put it at 1970s vintage.   

[08 Thomas EF]

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2172&listingmode=detail

What's so bad about that bus, besides the amputated cross arm?

[RoadRunner44]

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2172&listingmode=detail

What's so bad about that bus, besides the amputated cross arm?

#1 (and MOST important) - the way it drives/performs... or lack there of
#2 - Condition:  It doesn't look bad from the pictures, but looks can be deceiving.  Alot of things that shouldn't be loose are loose, screws are stripped... I'm fairly positive the 10+ years of dirt are what's keeping it together.

It just overall is not a good bus to ride in or drive.  Seems I have nothing but problems every time I have to use it.  Plus... I know the driver who had it originally as a route bus when it was new... and to say that it was "beat" would be putting it nicely.  Still not sure why out of all of the 1998 AmTrans they had why this was one of the ones that they kept as a spare.

[Kodie]

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2203&listingmode=detail

I've never seen an FS CE with extended skirting, I much prefer it this way!

[georgewuzheer]

/\ What's it say on the front bumper, some kind of cross arm warning?

[tatum]

When were Cat engines no longer available in buses? Here's a nice 2009 A3 FE with a C7 http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2213&listingmode=detail.

This little D3 FE is cute! http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2212&listingmode=detail

[Kodie]

That little D3 is horrendous!

[tatum]

Is it just me, or does the D3 line of buses eerily resemble the TC1000?

[bluebirdvision]

You could still get the CAT engine in a 2009 (because most likely it was made in 08) that was most likely one of the last. I'm glad, that engine sucked when they added the emissions

[08 Thomas EF]

That D3 looks like it'd tip over with a flick. If it had regular-sized wheels, I'd like it a lot more!

[Carpenter207]

It looks almost identical to the one I saw at the transportation show last summer, except that it doesn't have Alcoa wheels. Other than that, it's pretty much the same bus.

[bluebirdvision]

I bet that thing rides like an old battlewagon, being a short wheelbase, you probably feel every bump. The D3 I rode was a 65 passenger and rode like a Cadilaic DTS I loved it.

I've never met a Blue Bird I didn't like

[Greg H.]

Not sure if Todd posts on the forum here, but the Bedford pictures just made my day!!!!  Send me a PM when you get a chance.  I'm a native of the area and grew up riding Bedford's buses and would like to chat more about them if you'd like!

-Greg

[Dunnster]

I'd also like to have a few words with you as well sir....you made not only Greg's day but mine too haha! Lovin' those pictures! Keep it up!

[Jeff]

I'm with Greg and the Dunnster as another Northeast Ohio guy.  I loved the photos! especially since Bedford is a favorite of mine.

[08 Thomas EF]

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2226&listingmode=detail

That's a nicely-spec'd Vision! I HATE how the hood looks from that angle, though! It looks wicked long, and too sloped for its length.... I'd rather look at a C2 or CE.

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2236&listingmode=detail

I've recently been shown some horrid pictures of ERs in New York, but that ER looks like it's in great shape, especially from Ohio (no offense, guys, but it seems like your buses get faded and rusty pretty quickly).

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2229&listingmode=detail

That looks just like one of Durham's buses that comes to my school; just get rid of the high headroom, the bottom rubrail, and the lines on the cross arm.

http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2239&listingmode=detail
http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2241&listingmode=detail
Perfect examples of Ohio fading.

This Superior held up well:
http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2243&listingmode=detail

Thanks for the pictures, Todd!

[georgewuzheer]

/\ All great pics, I love me some Ohio buses. Its great to see so many older buses still in active service, especially Fords. That Superior looks like a great project bus, I wonder if I should pay Myers a visit before I consider a Vista, do they get older buses (especially Superiors) often?

[tatum]

Eric, those two buses that you pointed out as being faded have probably sat in that same spot for years. If they were moved around constantly, I doubt they would be as faded. I sorta agree about hoods fading; I even see that on my new buses!

Also, I do believe that after a certain amount of rustiness, the Ohio State school bus inspectors red tag the bus and pull it out of operation.

As for the Superiors, I would not think many (if any) come into Myers monthly. I do know that Cardinal Bus Sales in Lima, Ohio (where Superiors were originally made and where Ford made their 370 and 427 gas engines known to many as "Lima Beans".) Here's the 1972 Superior International Loadstar that is still in immaculate condition due to it being well kept. http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=1993&listingmode=detail

Specs on that Superior are:

345 V8 gasoline
5 speed manual
Hydraulic brakes

[Jeff]

We rust so much obviously because of all the road salt we use (good ol' Ohio for ya).  Especially districts up in the snow belt and along lake erie.  As for fading, some really just seem to fade more than others unfortunatly especially the hoods since the tops can't be glossy, which is why I think a black hood is the best way to solve that problem.  Our bus 19 is a victim of horendous fading of the hood. 

[bluebirdvision]

Those 345s sound like rattle cans!!!! I'd rather have a 366 or 454. Also wouldn't mind a GM 8.1

[tatum]

The tail lights and reverse lights are backwards on this Thomas International from Ohio. http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2264&listingmode=detail

I sorta like it like this.

[02intlbluebird]

I noticed that it is common in Ohio. I have seen many early 1990's International Thomases online with the light set up like that. I wonder why.

[Jeff]

huh, I haven't seen that in my area

[tatum]

I've only seen rear lights mixed up twice, and that was two custom built Carpenters from Michigan.

[Greg Faulkner]

not to just jump in here, but I was about to make a listing for this bus, when I remembered the irony found within it, I just had to laugh.
"Notice: Video Camera Installed" should say "Notice: Video Camera Removed"

[Jared Grodnitzky]

Hmm.. This must be the first and only Wayne i've seen with round wheel wells. Obviously its gone through some tremendous body work but looks sort of modern.
http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2244&listingmode=detail

[02intlbluebird]

Ok, I know I am not from Ohio but I visit ebay buses a lot. I have seen two used early 1990 International Thomases from Cleveland that were pure rust worse than that with holes in them and the rear bumper falling off. They both had the same light setup.


Greg, a lot of buses will get a sticker like that when cameras are installed on the bus. They don't bother removing it when they take the camera out and I have seen a lot of buses with a sticker and no camera.

[Steve C.]

Personally, I think that change makes the Lifeguard look a bit better...aside from the bleached hood, the paint is in very good shape for its age.  On the other hand, the way Waynes are constructed makes it rather hard to do (seamless) bodywork on them.     

Hmm.. This must be the first and only Wayne i've seen with round wheel wells. Obviously its gone through some tremendous body work but looks sort of modern.
http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2244&listingmode=detail