BusTalk

[RTS_04]

[ripta42]

The ones I saw were on NYCTA buses. I don't remember the exact vintage, but I think they were as late as 1993. Some of our New York drivers may know better.

[Mr. Linsky]

RailBus 63,

You're right about the 'larger than life' 'MCI' logos on the Classics from Canada.

I think though that the block letters were appropriate considering that the Classic design was plainly squared.

In any event, their placement, which was almost hidden between the left headlights and the bumper, was certainly not too obtrusive, and did little to spoil the magnificent look of the Classic front end.

If TMC had rebadged the RTS's, I would expect that they would have done so in the same style as had GM.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Jamaica, NY

[Cyberider]

RTS's are too new for me to be nostalgic about. Still, I like the early DD-powered GMC models.

[Mr. Linsky]

[Cyberider]

I suppose the RTS's could be headed for nostalgia for the younger members but my main bus-riding days were over by the time they came on the scene. I did like that they were an evolutionary advance from the Old and New Looks and the original drivetrain wasn't much different than the last New Looks. Of course, I didn't like them when they came out anymore than I liked the New Looks when they appeared but compared to just about any other new bus today, they're great. May they live long on the streets and in our hearts.

[RTS_04]

[Mr. Linsky]

RTS_4,

I would agree with you when you say that the RTS is slowly sinking into the sunset with operators across the country scrapping them in enmasse.

However, not quite so here in Los Angeles where the LACMTA is making a concerted effort and going to considerable expense to keep their RTS fleet in shipshape.

Virtually every RTS that I see (mostly on Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards on the west side) has been overhauled and freshly painted to the new orange and gray 'Local' colors, and they look sensational!

In all fairness though, I suspect that they're taking particularly good care of these buses just in case the Nabi 60 BRT's fall apart (which they are doing!).

Regardless, I enjoy seeing the RTS's still prancing along so proudly.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Jamaica, NY

[Mr. Linsky]

Here's a 1937 Mack Bus ad featuring the versatility of their heavy duty model 'CW' transits operating for the International Railway Company of Buffalo, New York.

International Railway, Mack's largest prewar rear engine customer, purchased 570 buses between 1934 and 1943 of which 370 were 'CW' models.

The CW, a solidly built and reliable coach, was among the favorites of many operators in the northeast with almost 700 being manufactured.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Jamaica, NY

1087

[Cyberider]

Now that's nostalgia, Mr. Linsky! The Mack CW is a good looking bus and I like the designation "CW." In radio terms that stands for "continuous waves" otherwise known as the "Morse code."

We still have a few RTS's running in Phoenix, but they're of the newer non-GMC variety. Of course, they're way better than any low-floor junkbox bus and always will be.

[Mr. Linsky]

The schematic below, from a 1953 GM ad, shows the very basic Air Suspension system introduced in that year.

In the most simplistic terms they replaced the traditional steel leaf and coil springs with neoprene bellows to act as cushioning agents.

The idea was great and, with further development, became a most reliable component of the suspension system.

Notes from an operator who happened to drive virtually every one of Green Bus Line's (NY) 1954 TDH 4512's (101 to 115) that came equipped with the first air suspensions for the company;

The chief complaint on the part of both drivers and passengers was a feeling of 'nausea' as the buses rocked like ships in a squall! But, we got used to that.

The other annoyance was the breakdowns caused by leaking or torn bags that usually left one side or the other of the rear end hanging on the ground - wrecker time!

I guess GM made good on the repairs and eventually upgraded the parts because in later years the troubles subsided and the 4512's became very comfortable to ride in.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Jamaica, NY

[Mr. Linsky]

Wasn't easy doing the homework on this one!

Pictured below is the interior of a 1949 GM TDH 3612 operated by Tulsa City Lines of Tulsa Oklahoma as fleet # 2932.

Notice the 'news stand' on the dashboard selling the Lincoln Evening Journal - a Lincoln Nebraska daily.

Also of note is the very sophisticated Model 'K5' Johnson Fare Box, the 'GM' builders plate and a placard over the windshield advertising truck rentals through 'City Bus Line's.

What's interesting about 'City Bus Line's' is the fact that in addition to Tulsa they owned the City Line operations in Lincoln, Neb, Decatur and Champaign Urbana Ill, Davenport and Cedar Rapids Iowa, Mobile, Alabama, Saginaw and Kalamazoo, Michigan, Tampa, Fla, Terra Haute, Ind., Beaumont, Tx. and Jackson, Miss.

They purchased a total of 75 3612's over a three year period for these companies.

I guess you could have called them a mini 'Omnibus Corporation'!

Photo borrowed for educational purposes only.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Jamaica, NY

1248

[Cyberider]

Interesting photo, Mr. Linsky. The hi-tech farebox looks out of place! I only remember the old-fashioned looking ones from my bus-riding days up to the mid-70's. Thanks for doing your homework on this one, Mr. L!

[Mr. Linsky]

[Cyberider]

Yep, that's the one I remember except they were motorized. When I was a kid I loved watching the wheel go round and round and listening to it go clickity-click.

My wife wasn't too keen on transit paraphanalia in the house either. At least you have your wife and you can keep your "junk" out in the garage. I had my SCRTD rollsigns out in my garage for many years and brought them in a few years ago. The crickets had eaten the unprinted cloth ends off of them but fortunately the rest of them are intact. All I need is a bus to install them in.