BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

All:

Was just flipping through Oliver J. Ogden's "FIFTH AVENUE COACH COMPANY", and got to thinking about surviving coaches.

I know a "QUEEN MARY" and two older double-deckers are in the Transit Museum's collection, but, what about others?

In Mr. Ogden's book, there is a photo of a stripped and abandoned "QUEEN MARY" (#2013) at Farmingdale, many, many years ago.

The photo caption says that the whereabouts of this bus are unknown.

Another "QUEEN MARY" (#2094) had been originally sold to the Long Island Automotive Museum many years ago, but, according to the aforementioned book, the coach was later sold to Harrah's Collection, Nevada, but was last seen in California.

I've also seen home movie footage of a YELLOW open-topper at the EASTSHORE LINES yards in Oakland, back in the early 1960's.

Any idea what ever happened to this historic piece of FACC history?

Any other FACC survivors that might still be around but otherwise unaccounted for?

Appreciate any info.....

NYO

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Also, FACC #1272 (1931 YELLOW) was another bus sold to the Long Island Automotive Museum.

This coach was one of the closed-top buses......

NYO

[Hart Bus]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Hart Bus:

Appreciate this info....thanks!

So, that "QUEEN MARY" still exists out on the Island?

Truly sad indeed that such a rare and historic vehicle has been neglected for so many years.......

NYO

[Mr. Linsky]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629,

O.K., let's see what I can do for you here;

According to the Motor Bus Society Diectory of Preserved Coaches dated October, 1989 there are seven 1930 'Z' models including 1207 (Rio Grande, New Jersey), 1220 (unknown location), 1212 (Rosemead, California), 1234 & 1235 (St. Louis, Mo.), 1263 & 1272 (Reno, Nevada).

While some of these buses may well have moved and changed ownership, it is safe to assume that they are all still alive and kicking.

Also listed are; a 735 # 2094 (Reno, Nev.) and a 720 # 2015 (St. Louis, Mo.).

I had seen FACCO 720 # 2013 many time off route 110 in Farmingdale which I have often discussed with HartBus who has also kept on eye on it (its non-ferreous body materials would still make it a prime candidate for restoration - hopefully, where ever it now is its being taken care of).

When Southampton Auto Museum was open years ago, I remember the several FACCO's including a rare single level Model 'Z' - it was a great place to visit and it's too bad its gone.

Hope I've helped.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Mr. "L".....

As usual, you have done MORE than helped!

Thank you, sir!

I now see that more of the old FACC buses have survived than I had previously thought.

Hard to believe that one of the single-deck "Z" coaches had survived, only to vanish!

Man, what an exhibit that would have made for today!

Too bad a FACC enthusiast with Donald Trump's bank account doesn't come forward to start up the "FIFTH AVENUE COACH COMPANY MUSEUM", and somehow gather all of the remaining coaches from far and near, and have the restored and exhibited under ONE roof!

Wow!

Only a wild fantasy, of course, but one can STILL dream!

Thanks again!

NYO

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"SEE NEW YORK.....THE WONDER CITY"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20830577@N05/5414787587/

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Just came across these rare, pre-WW1 photos.....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/library_of_congress/3738796177/

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

.......a "GM-built" FACC "QUEEN MARY".....with an "UGLY front end, like a sanitation truck"?

Some folks not only are totally lacking in basic motorcoach history, but, also, cannot (obviously!) appreciate a classic design!

http://www.classicbusdepot.com/bus-photos/28_0_1_0_C/

[JimmiB]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[andrethebusman]

There is a FACC 735 here in Chicago, owned by Chicago Motor Coach Co (a small charter outfit, AKA London Lorries). This bus sat in a auto repair shop for many years, but about mid 90's was reactivated by CMC as their #505. They took you the center of the roof to make it a "sightseeing bus" also removed all windows, but otherwise it is remarkably intact, still with 707 gas engine and Banker semi-automatic transmission. It is VERY rarely used, maybe once every couple of years. This outfit also has some very odd looking "trolleys" including a 40-fot Gillig with a full wooden "trolley body" including coach lites no less, and no front door. Garage, if you want to call it that, is on Grand Ave west of Ashland at last report.

[ripta42]

That's 2097

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Interesting info!!

NYO