City Transit Buses

[Anonymous]

Here's another 1:50 scale bus idea

GMC/MCI/Novabus Classics:; In 1983 GMC came up with another bus that runs excellent as the RTS and the Fishbowls. It is called the Classic. These vehicles were
delivered to some of the cities in the US and all of them in canada.They are squary round models That was both transit and suburban .The GMC classics were manufactured from 1982 to 1987 passed the same design model to MCI(Motor Coach Industries). There were alot of these buses still delivered to canada to alot a transit agenices, plus here in the US in Los Angeles (Santa Monica Big Blue bus) Salt Lake City ,conneticuit and alot of Private Bus Companies in New York City, NY. The classics
was built by MCI from 1987 to 1994. Novabus took over the production and made the
enterence and the exit bigger. both popular in both US and canada, still being built

Flyer and AM General D800:; squary curvy transit buses that has the front windshield
built like the GMC fishbowls and The Flxible New Looks. The Flyer built the vehicles
from 1975 to 1978. The AMG made the same models only they were called the
Metropolitans. the buses bulit by AMG from 1974 to 1979 had cat eyed fron enterence.

But out of some of these models, they were made into Trolley buses or as we said it
"TRACKLESS TROLLEYS called the E800. They were not operated by gas or engine. They were operated from electricity from 2 overhear wires.

The Flyer D900 and E901. has different front feature with 2 sided windshields built from
1980 to 1986.

[dinwitty]

I debated buses and trolly busses, I have this eheim or whatever trolleybus system given to me, and its cool, but its more like a european prototype, but there were some trolleybuses like its design, front poles, but it doesnt match the prototype I look at, and there isnt any really commercial working models I want to do.
Since I am model railroader, thats what I am doing. Buses just for part of the non-operating scene if it suits.

[Anonymous]

I Know alot about transit buses I think that any company would be glad to make 1:50 scale models look like the actuall like these:

1:50 scale bus types:


RTS models (Rapid Transit Series):; The Company that discover the Design for the
RTS transit bus is The General Motors Corporation. In 1977 Their first models were
slanted rear models that has been built from 1977 to 1980. The series # was 1 and 3. Squared rear GMC RTS's was Designed in 1980. Models #4 and 6 build from 1980 to 1987. GMC Ceased the production and sold it to Transportation Manufacturing Corp. TMC was the second corporation to build the RTS same squared rear design as GMC from 1987 to 1991. When TMC RTS's remained to still be squared rear but with new designed w/ different features. series 6 was built from 1987 to 1994. RTS series 8 was built with newly front features with wide enterence from 1991 to 1994. TMC was then changing the name to NovaBus. Novabus continue to bult RTS models models 6 and 8,
and The rear design on these buses are just as the same as the TMC. GMC RTS was
manufactured from Pontiac, Michigan, and TMC/NovaBus RTS's manufactured from
Roswell, New Mexico.




Neoplan AN440:; This bus also know known as Transliner: In 1982, Neoplan
manufactered transit buses for some major cities. squared-models with air pressure
to open both front and rear doors. A/C is placed on top of buses some of them has
rear A/C. In other Cities they were known as Transliners, but here's the thing. The
Transliners in Pennsylvania are also known as "Pennliners". How about that, huh?

These buses are still being bult in Lamar Colorado.


Flxible: (New Looks, 870's and Metros);; The buses were manufactured from
Ohio. The New Looks were built in Loudenville non A/C models and AC models were
built from 1960 to 78. They have excellent rivalry with the GMC Fishbowls throughout the years in most of alot oif transit system in the US. Wgen the New Looks was
ceased there came the 870, The 870's was the New design to rule the transit world.
they were so efficeint but somehow have no A/C on these buses, I remember NYCTA
had these buses but they breakdown so much. They lease these buses to NJ Transit.
The 870's were built from 1978 to 1983. The same model as the 870 was renamed
the Flxible Metro. These buses was remained to be manufactured from Delaware Ohio.
everywhere in the USA , these models became real big in the US like RTS's. The Metros
was built from 1983 to 1995. Flxibl;e went out of Business...


[The Gillig Corporation:; buses were built over the year by gillig, but There's a Transit buses that always somehow to be the tops of most Mass Transit systems. It is called
the Phantoms. The Gillig Phantoms not only made for transit services but They can
make School buses out of them too. odd isn't it? but it's true. models began production in 1981 and continue on making the buses. The Gillig Phantoms is manufatured from
Hayward, Califorina.


I'll have some more ideal transit buses..... thanks.

Marcus D Cerdan

[

[Anonymous]

Hey BIG BOY that's not what your beloved Empire Builder saids, when it comes to La Crosse 6or7 times ayear, with rubber wheeled buses, because their flanged wheels are on the ground, or the engine will just not pull her.

[Markgro]

The Miniatur Wunderland layout (in Hamburg, Germany), with the digitally controled trains and autos was featured in the February 2004 issue of Model Railroader.

http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/

[davekelly]

Antonio,

I can't remember if it was in MRR or RMC. I vaguely remember (and I could be wrong) that the thing was computer controlled with motors inside the vehicles. I'm cleaning up a bit this weekend and if I find the article I'll post more info.

dave

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by davekelly

Antonio,

Did you see the article several months ago where those guys in Germany made the display layout complete with vehicles running in the streets? Way cool.

Dave, do you know the link? Sounds very familiar. In my case, I would love to see something like that, just with American vehciles. I would love to have animated traffic in an HO scale town.

[edo1039]

If you lived in the 40' and 50's and 60's like I did you would see more buses than you would see trains,although I lived in a very industrial city, I do recall many steam and diesels running thru town,but the the conveyance was mostly buses,how would you get home without them unless you took to your leather. Buses are essential on all layouts to move your residents from point A to point B.

[Anonymous]

BigBoy4005... How're ya gonna do DCC without a bus???

[Anonymous]

You don't like buses?
We had a whole company worth of "privatised" buses running their routes without stopping, AT ALL... turned out that the schedule the management worked out did not allow time for loading'unloading/taking fares... and the new contracts imposed on the drivers penalised them for late running... so they ran on time.
Isn't life wonderful?
Oh yeah... and we have a bus company called "PMT"...

[davekelly]

Antonio,

Did you see the article several months ago where those guys in Germany made the display layout complete with vehicles running in the streets? Way cool.

[AntonioFP45]

Guys,

Know what I would love to see and am going to start bugging manufacturers about.?

A Faller type of system for American vehicles! Particularly Buses and Trucks. Some of you don't like the idea.....but think about it! You have a layout and are operating your trains on their busy schedules. Meanwhile, in your town's streets there's a couple of transit buses, a UPS truck, and a semi-truck running as well. Would really spice up a layout.

Seems far fetched? Two decades ago I suggested that it would be fantastic if our HO locomotives could blow whistles and had active Mars lights..........

If more modelers pushed for this it can become a reality. The technology is available, but the demand needs to be there. I think it is..........just many of us don't realize that we might actually want it and would like it!

My Wishful Thinking!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Buses? We don't need no stinkin' buses!

I couldn't resist, but I honestly have no love or use for buses, I view them as the enemy.

It was buses, and greed that brought about the demise of streetcar systems all over the world.

To further reinforce my already low opinion of buses, I spent over two years sharing the streets with these pigs, driving professionally as a courier.

I don't usually explode like this on newcomers, but I view it as being at least in bad taste, and perhaps almost rude, for someone to come to a model railroading website such as this and ask about buses.

I'm not angry, just mildly outraged, but I've vented on this topic, and feel better now. Sorry!

If it has FLANGED WHEELS, I like it!!!

Um...
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The outermost route through the arms that come off the sides of the dome was for trolleys bringing in passengers The middle was for automobiles to access the underground parking. The innermost was for buses. I feel our pain but I think the automobile did more to kill off passenger trains and trolleys than busses. I really blame the politicians that decided taxpayers should build roads for the rubber footed beasts.

[Anonymous]

I wi***hat they would make models of the GMC/TMC/Novabus RTS models O scale buses, Including Neoplan AN440 Transliners O scale. Flxibles (New Looks and Metros) Gilligs and Fishbowls.....oh wait they are making fishbowls/...

[AntonioFP45]

Trainfan1221,[:0][:D]

That explains it! [:0][;)]The area immedietly next to Tampa yard was often rather desolate and lonely. Tampa Yard gets busy around 4p.m, usually with a CSX GP38. The local then departs at about 5p.m as it has been for about 25 years. It's a little saddening for me as I used to ride my bike to this yard in the late 70s and it would often be busy 10 to 12 hours a day! As a consolation, during January this yard is really buzzing as the Ringling Bros. Circus train is parked here. The train is broken up in batches of cars with the performers and crew living here.

Overal things are a much better now since 1990 as the area has gone through a major "revitilization". Tampa Union Station has been restored, many old buildings are being rebuilt , businesses are moving back in. Just southeast of the station, the port of Tampa, the Florida Aquarium and a harbor mall opened up. Big passenger ships dock at the port. The port area received a multimillion dollar face lift. Big difference. The trolley line is just a few blocks east of Tampa yard and runs right to the aquarium and the port on its way to downtown from Ybor City.

I think you'll like Tampa a lot better next time. Still, always use caution. Don't forget to visit Happy Hobo Trains and Chester Holley MRR Specialists on your next visit![:D][8D][8)][:)][^]

[trainfan1221]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

TrainFan1221,

[V]Sorry to read that you got mugged. Tampa is actually not a bad town. There are a few rough areas, like any other American city, but crime can occur anywhere. Being that Tampa is right next to the bay and has an excellent climate, tourists can be potential targets.

[:)][8D]I really do hope you consider visiting again. The airport is top notch and Amtrak's Palmetto drops you off at the beautifully restored Tampa Union Station, which is on the eastern edge of Downtown.

Thanks for the update, I know there is a lot of history there. Incidentally, I got mugged checking out a railyard not far from the Amtrak depot. It figures, huh?
Back around 1990.

[Anonymous]

Antonio FB45, if you check the Faller busses and ttrucks you will see they are not too much different than ours. The only thing would be to repaint and put your own lettering on. Check it out.

[Anonymous]

Siber:

Not really my field or era but I suggest you have a look at http://www.1-87vehicles.org which is a comprehensive index of makers of 1-87 vehicles. A quick scan shows several period bus listings, including a flexable MAN bus which was inported in the 1990s and is still in wide service here in San Diego

Hope this helps you.

Randy

[siberianmo]

I surrender! Thanx for all the related and unrelated info - however, it doesn't appear that I will be locating any modern (1990's to present) U.S./Canadian city transit buses in 1/87scale any time soon.

For bsteel4065: Appreciate staying on the subject and your advice. However, American Precision Models offers the past tense - way in the past! Thanx anyway.

For Big_Boy_4005/Big_Girl_4005 (Loco & Tender): Glad you enjoyed the play on words - it was intended.

[AntonioFP45]

TrainFan1221,

[V]Sorry to read that you got mugged. Tampa is actually not a bad town. There are a few rough areas, like any other American city, but crime can occur anywhere. Being that Tampa is right next to the bay and has an excellent climate, tourists can be potential targets.

[:)][8D]I really do hope you consider visiting again. The airport is top notch and Amtrak's Palmetto drops you off at the beautifully restored Tampa Union Station, which is on the eastern edge of Downtown.

[trainfan1221]

I ride busses everyday. The trains don`t run when I need. They`re all right, just not very reliable, supposedly due to traffic.
I didn`t know Tampa hac a trolly line. The only time I was in Tampa, I got mugged.

[Anonymous]

I think I'm going to get ex-comunicated now. Not only do I have busses in one of my cities but they run on the Faller system. Sorry Big Boy.

[bsteel4065]

Hi Siberianmo
To get back to the subject........
Try www.modelbuses.com
Should be helpful.

[Jetrock]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45


[;)]I worked on buses for over 15 years. Even though I've liked them since childhood, I admit that trolleys are much cleaner and energy efficient.

[:P] If it's any consolation to you all, Tampa, Florida now has a REAL TROLLEY LINE! It runs between Ybor City and Downtown Tampa. The air conditioned cars are replicas of trolley cars from the 1920s-30s. This beautiful line was finished last year and is run by (yes, you guessed it) the local bus transit authority! The ride is enjoyable and takes about 20 minutes to go from one end to the other. Cars are yellow with red trim. Interiors are wood varnished. The staions are platform level and wheelchair accesible. If you ever visit the Tampa area, the trolley ride is worth it. Ybor city, slightly resembles "New Orleans" but with a Italian/Hispanic flavor. The trolley barn is located in Ybor City. Though new, the barn's architecture reflects the early 20th century[tup]. I forgot the exact web site, but just go to your search engine and type in Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, Tampa Florida.

Sounds neat! Sacramento has had an active light-rail transit system since 1987, which runs through the downtown area and has feeders to outlying suburbs--it has practically reached interurban dimensions, as it currently reaches three independent cities (Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento) and is preparing to reach a fourth (Folsom.) It would be six, if the other two weren't still stuck in a trolley-phobic mindset. The cars are of modern type but there is continual talk of running at least one of Sacramento's heritage trolleys, and with the growing interest in Sacramento's history I wouldn't be surprised to see either a reconditioned historic trolley or reproductions running around downtown before too long.

Even the conventional buses are now mostly natural gas models rather than stinky diesels, and there is also talk of upgrading those to hydrogen fuel-cell versions before the next decade is out. But the longer-range commutes are definitely where the light rail comes into their own--as the Folsom line is completed, frustrated rush-hour commuters will sit stopped in traffic and see people reading the paper and napping on the light rail as it whizzes past at 70 MPH and maybe, just maybe, they'll decide that's a better way to go...

[Big_Boy_4005]

That was a great play on words if you intended it, and even better if you didn't.[bow][swg][(-D][(-D][(-D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by siberianmo

Ask a simple question and then sit back and enjoy the show!

Unbelievable, but appreciated! And to think that Big_Boy_4005 and Big_Girl_4005
became Loco and Tender ......


Thanx to all and no doubt we'll be reading one another from time to time!

Siberianmo,.

Your loco and tender is apt in more ways than one........[:D][:D][^] But I am going to claim the "tender" part and leave the "loco" part for Big_Boy[:p][:p]

[siberianmo]

Ask a simple question and then sit back and enjoy the show!

Unbelievable, but appreciated! And to think that Big_Boy_4005 and Big_Girl_4005
became Loco and Tender ......

For: Antonio FP45 - Absolutely correct - what's a city scene without at least
one transit bus?! BUT - trying to find the models that correctly fit into the
era is another story. Those buses you refer to bring back many fond memories
for I was a frequent rider of the GMC's, Mack's and White's of the era that
I represent! Ah, those are great memories. BUT - trains is where it's at!
So, back to reality for me and thanx for the response and e-mail tip!

Before closing this subject - I do have three of those North American Tour buses (Herpa) and two 50's type transit buses (American Precision) complementing my city scene and Bachmann Spectrum Bus Depot. Close inspection reveals that they just don't belong.
The quest continues .......

Thanx to all and no doubt we'll be reading one another from time to time!

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

[:)] Big_Boy_4005
Big_Girl_4005,
JetRock

[;)]I worked on buses for over 15 years. Even though I've liked them since childhood, I admit that trolleys are much cleaner and energy efficient.

You have our symapathies Antonio, and I speak for myself and Big Girl, who is still sleeping, since she has the day off.[:D][:D][;)] I guess her buses will have to wait.

The Tampa trolly sounds cool. Its funny how all of a sudden so many major metropolitan areas are turning back to the rails after all these years.

The Twin Cities will be opening their new line later this year, almost 50 years to the day, after the close of one of the nations greatest streetcar systems. I only wi***hat I had been born 15 years earlier so that I could have riden it, and remembered.

I will ride the new line, even though it doesn't serve any use to me as transportation, since it doesn't really go where I need to go. On the other hand neither do any of the buses.[^][:D][:D][;)]

[AntonioFP45]

[:)] Big_Boy_4005
Big_Girl_4005,
JetRock

[;)]I worked on buses for over 15 years. Even though I've liked them since childhood, I admit that trolleys are much cleaner and energy efficient.

[:P] If it's any consolation to you all, Tampa, Florida now has a REAL TROLLEY LINE! It runs between Ybor City and Downtown Tampa. The air conditioned cars are replicas of trolley cars from the 1920s-30s. This beautiful line was finished last year and is run by (yes, you guessed it) the local bus transit authority! The ride is enjoyable and takes about 20 minutes to go from one end to the other. Cars are yellow with red trim. Interiors are wood varnished. The staions are platform level and wheelchair accesible. If you ever visit the Tampa area, the trolley ride is worth it. Ybor city, slightly resembles "New Orleans" but with a Italian/Hispanic flavor. The trolley barn is located in Ybor City. Though new, the barn's architecture reflects the early 20th century[tup]. I forgot the exact web site, but just go to your search engine and type in Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, Tampa Florida.

Interesting note: the trolley line crosses over CSX's main line that goes from Tampa to New York. There is a signal at the crossing. All trolleys must make an Absolute STOP. Each operator must then must call the CSX dispatcher by radio to get permission to proceed past the crossing, regarless whether there is a train in the block or not. NO EXCEPTIONS.

I vaguely remember that last year there was supposedly an "incident" where a trolley "violated" a CSX's local freight train's right of way, though there was never any danger as the CSX geep was either stopped or still far distant.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Eriediamond

OH-OH Big-boy, After seeing the the way you feel about buses, I better be careful and not let you now I'm an over the road trucker. I do haul some railroad equipent some times, does that count??? [:-,][:-,][sigh][sigh][(-D][(-D][(-D][(-D]

I think you've got me pegged now!!! [;)][;)][:D][:D][:D]

I will spare you all my further rath, as long as you like trains!!![:P][(-D][(-D][(-D]