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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: pabusnut on November 29, 2011, 05:49:13 AM

Title: Muppet movie bus
Post by: pabusnut on November 29, 2011, 05:49:13 AM
Just saw the new Muppet movie, and it features an old GMC siversides bus(3701 or 4101) in the 'hound paint scheme. :)

There can't be many around--does anybody know whose it was?  Or was it one from the museum in Hibbing, MN?  I didn't see all the credits, so I am very curious!

In a strange way it re-inspired me to get back to work on the bus! ;D

Steve Toomey
PAbusnut
Title: Re: Muppet movie bus
Post by: baker4106 on November 29, 2011, 03:04:52 PM
3701's and 4104's are not silversides.
Title: Re: Muppet movie bus
Post by: DMoedave on November 29, 2011, 05:39:47 PM
3701's are Silversides, 4101's can be even tho there was a later bus with that model designation . Most silversides are 3751's. Gm sljpped a gear with their numbering system here! Prewar Silversides were the 3701's at 33feet and 4101's were 35 feet. a 3702 and 3703 are not silversides and are steel frames.A 3704 has the 4103 front end look. it can get crazy.
Title: Re: Muppet movie bus
Post by: Runcutter on November 30, 2011, 06:22:27 AM
Steve and Dave are absolutely right, 3701's and 4101's (not 4104's, that's not what the original poster mentioned), are (or can be if the model type is PxG, not PD) Silversides. 

A quote from page 27 of Brian Gram's "GM Intercity Coaches 1944-1980 Photo Archive" - Inconografix 2003:

"The Silversides coach was introduced by Yellow prior to World War II and production continued after the war with some minor changes.  Before the war there were four models built:  The PGG-3701 (Parlor, Gas, Greyound, 37 seats); the PDG 3701 (Diesel), both of which were 33-foot coaches; the PGG 4101 (Parlor, Gas, Greyhound, 41 seats), and the PDG-4101 (Diesel), which were 35-foot buses.  After the war production continued for three years with two models built, the PD-3751 and the PD-4151."

So, back to the original question -- whose bus was used in the movie?

Arthur
Title: Re: Muppet movie bus
Post by: belfert on November 30, 2011, 09:31:12 AM
Aren't there companies that have fleets of old vehicles (including buses) specifically to rent them out when an old vehicle is needed for a movie or some other occasion?
Title: Re: Muppet movie bus
Post by: baker4106 on November 30, 2011, 03:02:35 PM
Sorry i missed the 4101 and thought it was 4104.(need to check my eyes)lol   You are right about the silversides as mentioned on page 27.   I looked at the list on page 5 and they only list the 3751 and 4151.
Title: Re: Muppet movie bus
Post by: Dreamscape on December 01, 2011, 05:55:48 AM
Quote from: belfert on November 30, 2011, 09:31:12 AM
Aren't there companies that have fleets of old vehicles (including buses) specifically to rent them out when an old vehicle is needed for a movie or some other occasion?

While I lived in Burbank several years ago. I got to take tour of a movie vehicle warehouse. Saw the original Bullet Mustang. And of course lots of famous movie cars. Way to cool! 8) I don't remember seeing any buses though. I'm sure someone has to have a few buses stuffed in storage somewhere.
Title: Re: Muppet movie bus
Post by: seaton@mta on December 01, 2011, 11:38:11 AM
Productions usually get antique buses for colectors or companies that specialize in vintage buses.  Picture car companies usually do nothave the expertise to maintain or the space to store buses, but they have contact lists of people who own them.

As far as the PD 4101 goes, there were not too many of them made and they used the same rear windows as the GM old looks.  Still haven't seen the movie, though.

Seaton