BusTalk

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sun Jan 28, 2024 4:49 pm Post subject:

WB: Good thing then that the RTS was an option; at least-here-the "Powers That Be" realized that the "Torpedo" was THE bus best suited for "Noo Yawk"----and look at all the decades these buses were the backbone of the fleet----and the decades of good solid and reliable running they had these now-classic workhorses--------"NYO"

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 12:15 am Post subject:

In case this wasn't brought up earlier in this discussion-------been curious as to when the oldest (early 1980s) RTS ("Torpedoes") were retired; when the last RTS were retired a few years back-how old were these buses? Thanks for info----"NYO"

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 5:26 am Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 10:19 am Post subject:

WB: Did not know that certain older "Torpedoes" had been rebuilt; any clue what this rebuilding entailed? "NYO"

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 3:00 pm Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 3:53 pm Post subject:

WB: As you are our resident expert on bygone bus signage-Your's Truly is not surprised you knew this! Wink

Curious-when the first "Torpedoes" were entering the fleet-were roller curtains still an option for the RTS? (recall the "Torpedoes" purchased by the Queens' independents had roller curtains)-----"NYO"

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2024 7:27 pm Post subject:

Cannot recall if this was discussed earlier------When the local independents were absorbed-what were the oldest and newest "Torpedoes" that were now part of the "city" fleet? How long did the CNG "Torpedoes" last before being retired? Thanks for info-------"NYO"

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:20 am Post subject:

W.B. Fishbowl · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:26 am Post subject:

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 10:43 am Post subject:

WB: Interesting---thanks for this info; wondering now if "bowling alley" seating was at all considered for at least a portion of the "Torpedo" fleet? And-if Your's Truly is correct----weren't the "Torpedoes" the second type of bus for "Noo Yawk" to be equipped with wheelchair lifts? (the first were the "Clunker Specials"?)-----------"NYO"

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2024 6:03 pm Post subject:

Recall also "Torpedo" #6360-which was supposed to be the first of a fleet of LOCKHEED hybrids; situations soon changed-and the bus disappeared quickly-no wonder photos of this bus (Your's Truly as only seen one photo-in "RAPID TRANSIT SERIES BUSES") are just about non-existant-----how long was this "one off" bus running? On what route(s)? "NYO"

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2024 12:36 pm Post subject:

A brief word on the "MUNIPALS" wooden RTS..........

Your's Truly has been purchasing of these neat little wooden toy transit vehicles from "MUNIPALS" (of Shelter Island), the past several months.

Most are from "Noo Yawk", but there are also a number from the "See-Tee-Yay" and "En-Jay-Tee", also SEPTA.

Rapid transit-wise, I have the R-30 (QB), WF Bluebirds, Redbirds, and Slant R-40s (the 40s are signed for the "F" and are REALLY sharp!) Wink

I buy two of each, so I can display each type as a two car set.

I am currently waiting to receive two CTA "Skokie Swift" cars, each sporting the original 1960's "SKOKIE SWIFT" signage at each end.

The "See-Tee-Yay's" 6000-series "L" cars are VERY nice indeed! Very Happy

Today I received "MUNIPAL's" RTS (MTA), sure to bring back great memories of this now-classic bus.

Each vehicle has a "Did You Know?" history of that particular type of vehicle, and here is what is on the back of the RTS box..........

"The first RTS Advanced Design buses went into service in Brooklyn in 1981."

"Three different manufacturers built buses for the MTA: GENERAL MOTORS, TRANSPORTATION MANUFACTURING CORP., NOVA BUS."

"RTS buses have been powered by diesel, diesel-electric hybrid, and CNG engines"

I have read online comments from other collectors like myself, who think that these neat little wooden transit vehicles are "too good to waste on rugrats!" (here, here!)

With model subway cars (usually "O" scale") so expensive these days, "MUNIPALS" allows a transit buff to add to his collection at a VERY reasonable price!

They also offer a "GIRARD AVENUE" PCC from Philly (I have one of these as well!) Wink

For less than $20 a pop, these little vehicles are a great way to add to your transit collections without punishing your wallet! Very Happy

Maybe one day they'll offer as "Sherman" or a "Fishbowl, or, just perhaps a "Dangerfield", or maybe even a "Borough Bomber"! Wink

Anyway, just wanted to give you fellows a quick "heads up"......... Smile

"NYO"

["Rapid Transit Series"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2024 5:36 pm Post subject:

As I had mentioned, the "MUNIPALS" RTS (MTA) is certainly worthy of a place in any nostalgia-minded "Noo Yawk" transit enthusiast's collection.

AFAIK (not including "bus banks") the only other toy RTS was the one marketed by "HOT WHEELS" back in the 1980s.

This was available as a school bus and a transit bus; this toy was a "slant back", reflecting the earliest of the now-iconic "Are-Tee-Ess" ("Torpedoes)

I, of course, have a few of each............ Wink

"NYO"

["RTS"]

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 6:31 pm Post subject:

Toy "Torpedoes".............

I had also forgotten that, back in the 1990s, die-cast "Torpedoes" (in MTA livery) could be purchased from "Noo Yawk" street vendors and at some tourist shops for a couple of bucks (these buses were about HO-scale in size)

Destination sign reads "UNION SQUARE", and the bus is numbered #8878.

This bus was also available in a non-"Noo Yawk" livery, carring an ad for "TITANIC" on the sides, and with a destination sign reading "DOWN TOWN".

In Philly, this toy bus was also available in (what else?) SEPTA livery (Your's Truly owns several of each variation)....... Very Happy

"NYO"

["UNION SQ."]