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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: chessie4905 on November 21, 2019, 03:38:48 AM

Title: MCI
Post by: chessie4905 on November 21, 2019, 03:38:48 AM
I didn't  realize they have changed so many hands over the years. Sure a lot of different models over the years. Interesting.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_Coach_Industries
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: CrabbyMilton on November 21, 2019, 04:02:32 AM
Yes indeed. A great builder that got thru tough times and is in great shape now. NFI seems to be a good parent to them since they are long established in North America with transit buses. The D series has been around since the '90's and is a great lower cost coach and the J series since the early '00's and I love how they update it in such a way where they leave the same platform in place.
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: brmax on November 21, 2019, 07:17:42 AM
I certainly agree a great builder MCI has been. They have moved around the North American continent it seems. I would like to think positive in comment on their workforce pensions, or contracts as that seems to fade in popularity usually with the new ownerships.
I Salute them people.

I easily agree with you all, they have played a big role as mentioned many times for the transit in north america. They took me to see family as a kid, and no doubt shuffled me through military services many times.

I know my nine was during a big transition for them and of the very last for the nines they produced in 1992, albeit a separate government contract of sorts as i understand.  Serial ending 45042, its funny how everywhere there is a harness, panel or part with a tape marking assigning this last serial/vin in their mfg. process.

They for sure will continue being a big player in moving people about.


Floyd
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: luvrbus on November 21, 2019, 07:45:02 AM
In the 80's and part of the 90's MCI was owned by Dial the soap manufacture they owned both MCI and Eagle through Greyhound ,Dial got pissed when MCI move parts and most of the assembly to New Mexico for a NJT contract that some how Eagle came up with. So they raided  the assets of Eagle to keep Greyhound going as the drivers were on strike so ended Eagle they could never survive after that lol that is why Eagle people don't care about MCI just a little useless history for you guys   
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: CrabbyMilton on November 21, 2019, 09:57:22 AM
EAGLE tried to come back about 10 years ago but sadly that faded. I may be the only one that liked that MODEL 25. I would have liked to see that one in passenger service. Oh well.
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: Dave5Cs on November 21, 2019, 08:01:48 PM
Dial thats why ours smells so fresh... ;)
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: DoubleEagle on November 21, 2019, 08:10:42 PM
Quote from: CrabbyMilton on November 21, 2019, 09:57:22 AM
EAGLE tried to come back about 10 years ago but sadly that faded. I may be the only one that liked that MODEL 25. I would have liked to see that one in passenger service. Oh well.

Yep, you are the only one that thought the Model 25 looked good. It made the Van Hools look rounded.  :o
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: luvrbus on November 22, 2019, 04:48:04 AM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on November 21, 2019, 08:10:42 PM
Yep, you are the only one that thought the Model 25 looked good. It made the Van Hools look rounded.  :o

Make that 2 I liked the model 25 when I saw it at the factory  that bus had a lot of good features
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: DoubleEagle on November 22, 2019, 10:34:55 AM
Still don't like it's looks. I wonder what happened to the one and only Model 25. ???
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: CrabbyMilton on November 22, 2019, 10:41:01 AM
Probably parked in a barn or warehouse somewhere.
Or Jay Leno got hold of it.
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: luvrbus on November 22, 2019, 11:04:20 AM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on November 22, 2019, 10:34:55 AM
Still don't like it's looks. I wonder what happened to the one and only Model 25. ???

Some preacher in Texas bought the model 25,the model 21 he was building is setting in Brownsville for sale it needs the running gear
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: belfert on November 22, 2019, 06:03:01 PM
I liked the model 25.  It looked like it would be easier to convert with everything flat and square.
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: chessie4905 on November 22, 2019, 06:05:35 PM
https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/forum/index.php?topic=5818.0
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: CrabbyMilton on November 23, 2019, 12:59:50 AM
It did show promise back then. No matter how the 25 was designed, someone wasn't going to like it.
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: CrabbyMilton on November 23, 2019, 01:26:03 AM
Say what you want about VAN HOOL and some of the quality problems they had over the years, but the angular look hasn't hurt them in this market. So it's really a subjective issue in terms of looks. As for the 25, they wanted a fresh look and were correct to adopt off the shelf designs including air suspension. Hey, can't say it didn't look "sharp" 😉
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: buswarrior on November 23, 2019, 08:32:59 AM
If someone didn't put a proper bus oil pan on it's engine, it was ripped off long ago.

So under capitalized they stuck a truck engine with deep sump into it...

In our global marketplace, another north American manufacturer would be nice.

Going to take a LOT of money

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: luvrbus on November 23, 2019, 08:49:02 AM
Cummins shipped the engine with a truck oil pan it was changed.The HVAC system was unique it ran from the engine while driving using DC current and on AC current when parked all from the same unit without a battery bank or inverters   
Title: Re: MCI
Post by: DoubleEagle on November 23, 2019, 03:37:07 PM
Quote from: luvrbus on November 23, 2019, 08:49:02 AM
The HVAC system was unique it ran from the engine while driving using DC current and on AC current when parked all from the same unit without a battery bank or inverters

That is clever, as long as it was dependable and cost efficient. I see why you liked it, but aesthetically, the design of the outside looked like a bizarre version of previous Eagles. The full width in the front would have increased wind resistance. The Model 10 and 15's were the highest development of the Eagle appearance, which accounts for much of it's appeal. Putting airbags on the Model 25 might have been a practical approach, but torsilastics were still used on Dina's at that time (I believe), so I think it was a big mistake to not use them. It was the signature feature of the Eagle.  :)