Well not exactly, but I was searching for an Apple computer repair location and did stumble onto some Eagles. So watch the show here and you might be surprised?
So, let's see if I can explain this. In Santa Clara, CA, there is a large business area that has several businesses. While looking for an address in the area that can repair Apple computers, I noticed these Eagles in large mostly empty parking lot. They belong to Santa Clara Vanguard. They are a Drum and Bugle Corps. I pulled up next to these coaches and Don Corbit who is a voluteer for the organization gave me a coach toor and introduced me to Kathy Serksnis who is the Chief Operating Officer. Hopefully I will get this right. Anyway there were four of these Eagle 5s in the fleet. One is sold and the first of the three in the picture, which is the second one is also sold. The other two will be kept for about a year and will then be sold. Evidently one of these Eagle coaches is the last 5 to be produced by Eagle. I was interested to see how clean these coaches are and since they have spent their whole life in Santa Clara, there is no rust. It doesn't get any better for Eagle guys, right??!!! I will post the rest of the pics I took for your enjoyment. Bill
These units are super straight!!
How do you like the rear door? Don found that by inventing these louvered doors, he solved heating problems!! We could all learn from that, RIGHT????!!!!
The engine compartments show that these coaches are maintained!
I like the caps, but some don't. The installtions are clean and this was a real treat I didn't expect while looking for an Apple store!!!
I don't know if you can all read the numbers on this, but one of the serial numbers is 30155. Maybe RJ could respond to that and let us know orginal details.
This Corps is busy marching and making music. And their showcase shows it!!
Here is a picture of their famous group!!
Anyway, That was my Eagle find. Thought you all here might enjoy it. Let me know if you want more info. on these beauties!! Can you imagine the Core pulling up in four of these splendid coaches???!!! Don and I did some tire kicking and I drove away impressed with what is right here in our own area!! Bill T.
One more I forgot to add.
Great find. They look like 10's, but the plate said 05. How could they be the last one's produced if they are 05's? Perhaps they were the last 05's???? Anyway, they are great looking coaches. How much did they sell for and what are they selling the last one for?
David
David,
The answer is I don't know. I do know that the reason they will have to sell them is likely the recession and unchecked government environmental regulations that go so far as to nail a group like this that has only put ~400K on these since new!!! It is amazing that we live in a county where the largest employer is the county where they have unchecked energy use while a little drum and buggle core is forced to cough up $$$$$$ to support the monster among us! I read where the light rail alone is so expensive that it would be cheaper to have riders driving around in Hummers rather than operate that system!! It is down to the few of us who will buy these coaches. I haven't talked to Dan at Royal Coach to see how they are going to deal with the huge costs of environmental demands, but I bet they will suffer. I personally try to conserve energy and even have a Honda Insight. But using control to make money to the point of destroying our economy and this nation based on "Chicken Little" scare tactics goes way beyond reasonable stewardship for our planet. Look at how far governments will go to use energy while we as citizens conserve it!!! This is a Russian jet train unit!!! Bill T.
Bill I have a fellow that worked for Eagle that has worked for me the past 10 years and ask that I pass on some information for you on those buses so here we go Santa Clara Bus Lines purchased the last 3 model 05 Eagles manufactured serial numbers 30155,30156,30157 all 3 had the model 10 upgrades.I hope this helps because I have no idea what he is talking about.If you could get me a price on one I would be grateful as I would like to buy one for him he retires next year and wants to build and travel in a bus
David
Ok, I just got finished talking to Kathy at Santa Clara Vanguard. If you are interested in these coaches, you need to talk to her. The last one made is the only one that is for sale right now. I understand that there is an offer on it, but cash has not showed up. She indicated that it still has all the seats. Looks like it might be a first come first served deal. I don't think I am supposed to be selling buses on here, so those interested should contact me offline and I will give you the contact information. This is of interest to us here because of the historic significance of these coaches and the fact that they are still owned by the original purchaser. According to Kathy they were purchased new in 1979. Bill T.