BusTalk

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 10:57 pm Post subject:

traildriver:

Yep, that indeed is truly a classic scene, one of those nostalgic vignettes we all once took so much for granted!

That type of equipment made it so very easy for so many of us to get into buses at a VERY early age!

Though this might be a bit off-topic, do you happen to recall (after GREYHOUND moved into the PABT) this HUGE "model" Scenicruiser, that was used, if I recall correctly, a timetable rack?

From what I can remember, this realistic-looking "bus" was about five or so feet long, and the roof area was hollowed out, allowing racks/slots for the TT's.

I was just a kid back then, but I still remember being really impressed with this!

Sure would be nice to hear that, somehow, it was saved, and still exists today......

BTW:

From what I can recall of that movie, "THE BEST OF EVERYTHING", those buses were supposed to be operating on a company charter, taking the employees out to Long Island for a big company outing.

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 7:47 am Post subject:

Ahhhhhh, on such a topic, we're ALL really showing our age, now....... Rolling Eyes

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2701 Location: South Florida

I do not recall that as you described, but Greyhound produced many large plaster models that were distributed to commission agences around the country. They depicted various different models of buses in Greyhounds history. These were big, maybe 4 feet long? And HEAVY!

As for age...well let's just say I've been in the business since 1968. Wink

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 10:44 pm Post subject:

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2701 Location: South Florida

I don't have the space in my apartment for collecting items of that size.
I mainly collect timetables, guides, brochures, cap badges, builder's plates, operator's manuals, promo pens, etc. Small stuff.
If I had the place to park one, I would love to acquire an old bus.
They're actually priced within reason....just nowhere to keep one.

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:23 pm Post subject:

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2701 Location: South Florida

I recall there was a bus fan I believe was/is named Fred Rayman, from Oklahoma who had the whole dash, wheel and driver's compartment from a Scenicruiser in his home. He had a greyhound dog weather vane on his rooftop. He eventually acquired a real Scenicruiser. Now that's a collector!

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:07 pm Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:12 pm Post subject:

Then again, Mr, Jim Lehrer is indeed in a class unto himself, bus-memorabilia wise......WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shocked

See for yourself!! Very Happy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKaXPpP22oI

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Apr 25, 2011 7:37 pm Post subject:

Another video worth watching......

http://wn.com/Greyhound_Bus_Museum

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 12:31 am Post subject:

I think Jim Lehrer's father drove for either Trailways or Greyhound and worked as a ticket agent at a Trailway's office in Texas.

Interestingly, when we first started Bus Talk III in 2007, I thought it would be a great idea to invite Jim Lehrer to become a member because of what influence he had and could exert in matters important to our cause but, to my chagrin, emails that I sent to his office at PBS were never answered.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When my wife was alive I was limited as to the accumulation of any bus memorabilia to either my den, workshop or garage and, in deference to her memory and wishes, that will never change.

I can understand her point; what would a mid 19th. Century English Regency Sideboard look like with a fare box sitting next to it? (not too swift!).

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2011 10:55 am Post subject:

Mr. "L"

So very sorry your wife is no longer with us; I'm sure she must have been a fine lady, indeed!

Yes, not only did Jim Lehrer's dad work at one time for TRAILWAYS, his family also owned a small intercity bus company in Kansas (I believe they had only two buses, very early Flxible "CLIPPERS"); the company went under when he was about 12.

Later on, Mr. Lehrer himself worked as an attendent/announcer at a TRAILWAYS depot.

Years ago, I remember reading in his book "A BUS OF MY OWN", where he bought a 1946 "CLIPPER" of his own....lucky guy!!

NYO

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2701 Location: South Florida

Thanks so much for the links to those video's. Looks like it's gonna be another late night!

I have in my collection two of Mr. Lehrer's books--"We Were Dreamers", which told the incredible tale of hardship and hard luck the Lehrer family had in their struggle to make a go of running a small busline. The other is "The White Widow", a novel of a driver falling down after falling for one of his passengers.
Both are excellent reads, if you can find a copy online.

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 12:48 am Post subject:

traildriver:

Anytime! Very Happy

The one Jim Lehrer book I have is "A BUS OF MY OWN" (man, what a title!), which I've misplaced (heaven knows where!) and will probably end up getting another copy off of eBay.

It is a book I will truly recommend to you; there is a lot about his parents' bus company, and QUITE a bit on his tracking down old bus depot signs.....he even managed to get a hold of a HUGE electric CONTINENTAL TRAILWAYS sign, that was atop an old depot that was being demolished! Shocked

Also, a VERY good chapter on how he purchased his 1946 Flxible "Clipper"!

Mr. Lehrer is indeed my hero! Very Happy

NYO