Hi Crew!
For those not aware about the annoucement a few months ago, Rapido's 2nd run of GMC "Fishbowl" transit buses are becoming a reality shortly. These units will have the single stream (2-panel) rear exit doors and, from what a rep informed me, the a/c system's condenser fan motor cover (rear roof wing / spoiler) where applicable to the prototype.
BTW: The deluxe version features a lighting system.
I'm excited as I'm glad that the 1970's NYC MTA 2-tone version (with "bat wings") is included! The photo shows a pre-prodution sample.
I plan on getting two (one MTA Blue, one NYCTA Green), with a 3rd unit further down the road.
Check out the other paint schemes. To me, the most attractive one is that of Milwuakee's transit system.
https://rapidotrains.com/products?f%5B0%5D=field_product_catalog%3A122&f%5B1%5D=field_product_catalog%3A101&f%5B2%5D=field_product_catalog%3A567&page=1
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
AntonioFP45To me, the most attractive one is that of Milwuakee's transit system.
Are you kidding Antonio?!? Theeee most beautiful Fishbowl bus is by far the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) bus in the 'Red Rocket' livery! The actual for real 1:1 scale Fishbowl bus that Rapido drives all around the country has the TTC livery. Everything else takes a distant second place! Now, why Jason is not offering the TTC paint scheme in the second run is a real puzzle! Very disappointing!! Very unpatriotic as well!!!!
Seriously, no disrespect intended Antonio! Just kidding around. I'll have to dig up a couple of the TTC buses for my new layout.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
The TTC buses are on page one of the link, Dave, including the model of Jason's bus with Rapido destination signs.
https://rapidotrains.com/products/ho-scale/model-buses/ho-scale-187-new-look-bus-rapido-trains-3380
I was hoping a Cleveland Transit System blue GMC would make it into this run but... maybe next time
CTS 641 by Montell305, on Flickr
Cheers, Ed
gmpullmanThe TTC buses are on page one of the link, Dave, including the model of Jason's bus with Rapido destination signs.
Yes, that is correct, but I believe that the TTC buses are from the first run. I was being totally facetious when I was ranting about the lack of a TTC bus in the second run. Too many rye and cokes!
Edit: The deluxe version of the bus with lighting is $80.00 Cdn.! I'll have to pass.
Hey Dave,
LOL, No problema man!
Rooting for your favorite railroad or transit system, is like rooting for your favorite sports team!
I'm a transportation pretzel in that I grew up enjoying NYC's rail and bus systems but, as an adult, winded up working for a transit system in Florida. It was so diasppointing for me to see the fishbowls that I worked on disappearing from primary transit service in the early 90's. I still regret passing up the opportunity to buy one in good shape for less than $3k back then.
I tend to be unbiased when it comes to paint schemes, though as I enjoy paint refinishing. To me, the 1960's-70's era produced some of the most attractive paint schemes for transit buses. Many were simple, yet eye-catching with colors that complemented each other. Attractive and "Cheery". Here are two examples: Milwuakee and Cleveland's RTA.
Yet, when I went online, recently, to see the current paint schemes of these two systems on their modern transit coaches my reaction was: "What happened?!"
hon30critter Are you kidding Antonio?!? Theeee most beautiful Fishbowl bus is by far the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) bus in the 'Red Rocket' livery! The actual for real 1:1 scale Fishbowl bus that Rapido drives all around the country has the TTC livery. Everything else takes a distant second place! Now, why Jason is not offering the TTC paint scheme in the second run is a real puzzle! Very disappointing!! Very unpatriotic as well!!!! Seriously, no disrespect intended Antonio! Just kidding around. I'll have to dig up a couple of the TTC buses for my new layout. Dave
The city of Euclid, a Cleveland suburb to the east, had its own transit system, folded into the RTA eventually. They had an attractive tan and cream paint scheme.
19690818 20 City of Euclid bus by David Wilson, on Flickr
If I were to customize one, this is what I would do. Personal favorite. Of course, I'd really like to do a trolley bus which were also popular in the Cleveland area.
That is a beautiful model. You can practically hear the turbocharged 6V-53B running up to the governor.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190You can practically hear the turbocharged 6V-53B running up to the governor.
I used to like sitting in the back bench seat and listening to the Allison V730 (or 731) going through the range.
Amazing how a bus ride can be a fond memory
There was always at least one seat that would rattle like crazy!
gmpullmanI used to like sitting in the back bench seat and listening to the Allison V-730 going through the range.
By the time I became "intimate" with the inner working of GMC busses in 1986 they were using Allison MT-643B transmissions. That 6V-53 turning 3000 RPM made a sound you can never forget.
There were a couple of larger busses around here in tour bus service with V-730 transmissions and 6V-92 engines rolled over 45 degrees so one bank was horizontal and the other straight up and down while mounted transverse in the rear, oh what fun.
The most ridiculous thing I ever saw bus-wise was an old Gillig school bus that had a 745 Cummins mounted horizontally and coupled to an Allison V-730. It was being used to transport migrant workers and was a complete disaster. I think it was a disaster when it left the factory.
Taking a ride in a modern Gillig 40-LF with a 9 liter Cummins and Allison six speed is nothing even close to being the same. Your video sure brought back some memories.
Ed, thanks!
That's why I like this forum. You've helped me make a decision.
I still plan on buying two Rapido NYC fishbowls due to my childhood sentiments. However, for my east/southeastern themed layout, I am freelancing a transit system and want to use a simple, but pleasant looking paint scheme. Your photo of that orange and cream Euclid unit, for me, is a winner! I'll adapt that paint scheme, via airbrush.
I'm looking at the New Look 5307 Undec bus. https://rapidotrains.com/products/ho-scale/model-buses/ho-scale-187-new-look-bus-undecorated-kit-polybag-5307-style. Hopefully the glazing won't be a bear to remove (I'll send Rapido an email with that question.
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gmpullman ...............city of Euclid, a Cleveland suburb to the east, had its own transit system, folded into the RTA eventually. They had an attractive tan and cream paint scheme. 19690818 20 City of Euclid bus by David Wilson, on Flickr If I were to customize one, this is what I would do. Personal favorite. Of course, I'd really like to do a trolley bus which were also popular in the Cleveland area. Cheers, Ed
...............city of Euclid, a Cleveland suburb to the east, had its own transit system, folded into the RTA eventually. They had an attractive tan and cream paint scheme.
AntonioFP45the glazing won't be a bear to remove
AntonioFP45, Had the glazing out of my bus last year and don't recall it being difficult, hope the new release buses will be the same in that respect. Just for the sentiments I'd be ordering another Rapido bus in a short minute if they did one in my beloved S.F. east bay area A/C transit livery
Ed, Thanks for the memories, can almost see the overhead advertising, feel the stop cord, smell the diesel exhaust and hear the coins tinkling into the fare box.
Regards, Peter
AntonioFP45That's why I like this forum. You've helped me make a decision.
Glad that inspired you, Antonio.
There are a few more photos at Flickr if you search Euclid Bus in their search window.
19690818 18 City of Euclid bus by David Wilson, on Flickr
Another poster has sharing turned off but he has a few post-RTA photos also:
Euclid GMC Bus
Good luck, Ed
Anyone of you planning on buying one or more of the Rapido buses?
AntonioFP45 Anyone of you planning on buying one or more of the Rapido buses?
Not me, they are too new for my 1954 era.
Sheldon
AntonioFP45Anyone of you planning on buying one or more of the Rapido buses?
Yes, if (when?) they show up at MB Klein. Don't know which one, yet. May not live long enough to see Cleveland Transit System done.
AntonioFP45one MTA Blue, one NYCTA Green)
The other evening I saw some 'bat wing' 'fishbowl' buses while watching an early 70s movie with lots of NYC street scenes. Got a funny look from the wife when I called out, "hey, look, 'bat wing' buses!"
Two preorder.Both NYCTA Green and silver
So, I model 1954, and I'm not going to be buying any new look buses from Rapido.
I am born and raised in the Baltimore area.
And I know the New Look Bus pretty well. Back in the the early 1980's, when New Look Buses were still in service all over the the US and Canada, I was selling MATCO TOOLS in Baltimore.
One of my stops was the MTA terminal and shop in east Baltimore. I have seen my share of New Look Buses up close and "under the hood".
The Baltimore MTA had over 825 New Look Buses, 165 of which they inherited from the Baltimore Transit Co. when they took over transit operations in 1970.
Yet the Rapido offerings don't include any Baltimore Transit or MTA offerings?
Sure, there are bigger transit systems, but somehow a number of much smaller cities are represented in Rapidos offerings?
I'm sure Jason has reasons for his selections, just like his reasons for deciding to not make the undecorated ALCO PA/PB, the first product from Rapido I was actually planning to purchase.
And I'm not much of a "collector", nearly all my purchases are specific to the theme and era of my layout. But an early Baltimore Transit New Look Bus might have been a nice mantle piece..........any other city, why would I care?
ATLANTIC CENTRALBut an early Baltimore Transit New Look Bus might have been a nice mantle piece.
You are the only one in the forum who might remember the McMahon buses. My father had season tickets for the Baltimore Colts from 1959 on. After a couple years of sitting in the parking lot for hours after the game, we parked in the hood. There were lines of these old smelly buses, tiny passenger windows and no rear windows at all. As a kid, I didn't understand why a rear window on a transit bus was totally worthless.
These are newer McMahon buses.
We probably need one of those Baltimore Police Harley Davidson Servicar tricycle motorcyles too. Pronouned Poe' lease Notice the suicide shifter on the tank.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy ATLANTIC CENTRAL But an early Baltimore Transit New Look Bus might have been a nice mantle piece. You are the only one in the forum who might remember the McMahon buses. My father had season tickets for the Baltimore Colts from 1959 on. After a couple years of sitting in the parking lot for hours after the game, we parked in the hood. There were lines of these old smelly buses, tiny passenger windows and no rear windows at all. As a kid, I didn't understand why a rear window on a transit bus was totally worthless. We probably need one of those Harley Davidson Servicar tricycle motorcyles too. Notice the suicide shifter on the tank.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL But an early Baltimore Transit New Look Bus might have been a nice mantle piece.
We probably need one of those Harley Davidson Servicar tricycle motorcyles too. Notice the suicide shifter on the tank.
I remember those buses, back in the day (in the 80's) the MTA restored several vintage buses to various pre MTA paint schemes, and used them for special events.
I remember those trikes too, especially at Memorial Stadium. In the 80's I had season tickets to the Orioles.......in another life, with another wife.......
My father who absolutely studied the game, statistics, the draft picks, was disgusted with Irsay and gave up the season tickets a couple years before the Colts move to Indianapolis. I think the cost of a set of tickets for all 7 games was around $80, 90 tops.
BigDaddy My father who absolutely studied the game, statistics, the draft picks, was disgusted with Irsay and gave up the season tickets a couple years before the Colts move to Indianapolis. I think the cost of a set of tickets for all 7 games was around $80, 90 tops.
I have never seen a professional football game in person, never been more than a very casual fan of the sport.
Actually I have never been a big fan of sports in general. Baseball and hockey always seemed like the two sports that relied on the whole team and played enough games in a season to truely measure their skills, so I followed them a little when I was younger.
My ex wife was/is? a huge sports fan (I have only seen her once in the last 24 years, and she did not have much to say), the season tickets were a Christmas present for her way back then. I mainly just enjoyed the day out. We had the 13 game plan, kept them into the first two seasons at Camden Yards - not long after that we went our separate ways........
These days I don't follow sports at all. The new wife (of 25 years now) is not a sports fan, so we don't pay any attention to sports.
Nothing against sports, just does not push any buttons for me.
They look awesome. I just wish the PATransit paint scheme they chose in the first run was with the more modern logo used in the 80s and 90s.
Charlie, Ed, good going!
BTW: A "High-Five" to Rapido for offering Undec units in "kit form".
Cool factor for those of us that enjoy painting is that the undecorated versions will be (according to online dealers) around $29 and they will still include the "Bat Wings", condenser fan motor cover (A/C roof wing), and the different styes of bumpers!
Sweet deal as these buses are much more accurate than the Busch Fishbowl units.
I can't imagine myself ever spending $60 on a vehicle, but I've never been so tempted as with these busses. Would be absolutely perfect for my 80/90's Chicago layout.
Even if I never get one, it somehow makes me happy just knowing it exists.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.
I was hoping they would do a Community Traction Service out of Toledo, OH, but when I looked at a picture of a CTS unit last night, I noticed they did not have a back door but a window in place of the door. So I will probably never see a CTS bus, it is the same with the Peter Witt traction cars of Bachman, the CTS cars did not have a back door on those also.
Rick Jesionowski
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
Rick,
I'm on one of the other forums that Jason is a member of. From my understanding, he may be considering producing the commuter service versions of the GMC Fishbowl.
IIRC, commuter units were 96" wide and did not have a rear exit door, but they were produced in different lengths, like the standard transit units.
You can contact Rapido and request that if commuter units will be produced, to consider the paint schemes for the transit companyies that you're mentioning. Here is the link: https://rapidotrains.com/contact-us
I'm planning on more units as my budget allows. From my understanding, a number of online hobby dealers have ordered Rapdo Fishbowls as well.
Has anyone made decals for the NYC busses. For the batwings?
Cool seeing this thread again.
I bought 2 units. An NYC MTA bus in the 1970's blue and purple scheme, and an undecorated bus.
The MTA bus is a beauty and brings back fond memories. I'm looking forward to custom painting the Undecorated fishbowl and am still leaning towards the Euclid's 2-tone orange and cream paint scheme, but with a slight change with painting the bottom sectin orange as well.
Peter, I searched online but didn't find anyone that produces HO decals for NYCTA or NYC MTA transit coaches. However, if you just want ads for the batwings, there are plenty of vintage ads online that you download, scale to size, and print on decal paper. With today's technology, it's possible that someone might be willing to do that for you.