New photos have been added to the Silver Eagle Bus website showing the "Model 25".
Click here http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2932248#158199618
The first bus is sold, the next will be a demo. Several bus orders from the USA and Mexico have been placed. Production is ramping up for these deliveries.
Paul
For some that might be OK, but to me, in my own personal opinion, (And we all know about opinions), That is one ugly bus.
The front side windows kind of look like MCI windows stood on end?
No Eagles were harmed in the making of this bus.
Any resemblance to Eagles past or present is purely coincidence.
I hope someone likes it, I'd like to see the new Eagle corporation make it into full production.
Dallas
wow, really goofy lookin from the front.
No, I don't like it at all. The old Eagles had style. This is just a big ole box with absolutely no character. From what I got from their website, they also intend to start building model 15s and 20s again. Is that correct?
Damn! Eagles used to have CLASS! But I gotta admit............................
I'll take 2 of 'm! 1 to $h*t on an 1 to cover it up! Man those are some UGLY BIRDS! ! Sorry NO I ain't, those are just plain butt ugly! JMHO! >:( BK :-[
I hope they can make it. I have a soft spot for the old eagles.
Songman,
Yes they will be producing the 15 and 20's, do not know the specifics.
I am not totally sold on their design either. Front windows too tall, windows look boxy, front grill and lights could use a change. I do though want them to succeed. I think seeing it in person might change my mind. Pictures never do anything justice, just look at our Eagle! ;)
I just like the look of the older Eagles I guess.
Just like other buses, that probably will change as time goes on.
BK, thanks for your humble opinion. ;D
Paul
Paul,
I'm sorry opps no I ain't I'm honest, if that hurts well then I guess I am sorry! Only because it hurts, not for being honest! And sometimes my opinion is sorta bold or harsh, but I am honest to a fault! BK
BK,
I did not feel hurt at all, I thought is was just your stylish sense of humor. Did you now see smily?
You quak me up.
Paul
The drivers window sucks, Could use some more radius on the bus overall. But I think with a couple small changes it will be a very nice and popular bus.
Since the Model 25 shown in the link is a conversion or entertainer shell it probably has a taller floor to ceiling height, and a seated bus might have shorter windows. I noticed that the drive axle is in front of the tag instead of the old way of the drive axle behind the boggie. I wonder what that did to the great Eagle ride. Since that appears to be a 45' bus, maybe they had to do that to keep the turning radius reasonable. At least that would eliminate the drop box. Is that stainless steel fluted siding or polished aluminum? I sure wish them well on getting Eagle back into production.
Sam 4106
I would surely hate to have to buy a windshield for that thing.>>>Dan
I have to say that the rear of the coach looks like to design of some third grade art student at best. Compare it to a real Eagle or a Prevost and I not consider buying it.
Richard
GREAT pictures. Thank you for the post! :) :)
Hey, I know why the new Eagle is ... well....so, *unattractive*!
They obviously have to many engineers on staff concentrating on "function", and not enough of the dreamy "artists"!!!!
(As an engineer, I am allowed to say that) And maybe someone who has access to Photoshop could doctor one of the pictures for them to make it look right. It seems like a little bit smaller front windshield, and a little more angle on the roof, another two headlights, and a big awesome eagle stamped in the stainless below the windshields might fix it up a little. ...but I'm not an artist :(
Steve Toomey
pabusnut
The siding on the New Eagle is Stainless, with Aluminum as an option. They went with Stainless because of the modern look, Aluminum had also been requested for the nostalgic look.
Will let you know the interior headroom as soon as I find out.
Paul
Wow, you are are some harsh critiques!!! :(
I can't say as that I like it better than my Buffalo, but maaaaaan. It's my feeling he had to start somewhere with something and that to him, that was the best design. Boxy is cheaper. Rolls and body lines cost ALLOT extra. (I am a fabricator.) I may not have a "warm and fuzzy" for it, but I bow before him for taking on such a monumental task. And I remember some saying it couldn't be done and he really isn't doing it, etc.
I think most new products have their "nay sayers" - which is fine - but is there any encouragement you can give the guy??
Oh by the way, all the late model cars you drive - boxes and wedges alike - suck. My 1956 Chevy, that I drive everyday, is the best looking car out there and you should bail all of yours because of the eyesore they are. And, if you ever decide to design and build one, that will be ugly too. :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Chaz
Quote from: Chaz on October 03, 2007, 05:53:08 AM
Oh by the way, all the late model cars you drive - boxes and wedges alike - suck. My 1956 Chevy, that I drive everyday, is the best looking car out there and you should bail all of yours because of the eyesore they are. And, if you ever decide to design and build one, that will be ugly too. :o ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Chaz
'Boxy' needn't mean bad - personally I like the look of many very modern 'boxy' designs, especially a lot of the current Euro coaches which are both very boxy and very striking. My friend and I often have arguements about the new Land Rover Discovery - he prefers the older curvy & stylish design, whereas I prefer the bold new 'square' look.
Which isn't to say that curvy old designs like (for example) the Porsche 911 don't blow 95% of current vehicles off the road in styling terms
Jeremy
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lr-mad.co.uk%2Fimages%2F2003disco.jpg&hash=f720d4a32df5a464db9394ed0e497d2ada1c7bbc)
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autanet.cz%2Fartphotos%2Fid122_01.jpg&hash=e6cda9ffe2d7d94d5c42c09aec5a1047d3985b49)
I think we are all pulling for him, Chaz. But we aren't talking about some throw away product. This is something that is going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and 'fabrications of curves is hard' can't be an excuse when people are putting out that kind of money. I also think there is a responsibility of sorts when you take on a name like Silver Eagle. I suppose you wouldn't want someone to make something that should be a direct descendant of that 56 Chevy of yours and have it look like a new Toyota econobox. There should be some lineage. Remember what they did with the GTO a few years ago that had absolutely no lineage back to the original. That is why it is already cancelled. They had a perfectly good prototype that actually looked like a GTO but chose to use a 15 year old Australian design.
You are right about most cars not having the style of the older cars. That is why I talked my wife into letting me buy her a Chevy HHR. Direct descendant of the 1949 Chevy Suburban. It sits pretty well beside it's big brother too... my 1948 Chevy Fleetline sedan.
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fiero-performance.com%2Fhhr%2F3.jpg&hash=75394df349292ba38418db28d8214a76d3d8eeea)
As an eagle owner, I'm happy to see the line renewed. I can see a few things I don't care for but as always the product will evolve over time, the designers had to start somewhere and with a completely new concept of a classic bus, they had an uphill battle at the start. The first thing everyone wants to do is compare it to the eagles we all know, this is normal, what I'm trying to do is to see where they will take it and if they are willing to listen to what people want. Their first concern should be function and dependability, form will follow as they smooth out the bumps in the production, I'm sure the next couple of years will bring many changes, some we will like, some we won't, the important thing is that they have taken the first step.
Quote from: Chaz on October 03, 2007, 05:53:08 AM
Wow, you are are some harsh critiques!!! :( Chaz
Chaz, you know how us busnuts are. We all have our opinions and don't hesitate to voice them. That's what makes this board so great. ;D
Aren't the passenger coaches going to be exactly the same on the outside as the older Eagles? I thought they plan to use the old molds for the passenger models so they don't need to have them crash tested?
Personally, I like the model 25 even though it looks more like a stick and staples than a bus. Square sides make fabrication of the interior a lot easier. If I had the money for a new shell, I would likely buy a model 25 over an MCI or Prevost mostly because of the torsion suspension.
Quote from: belfert on October 03, 2007, 09:51:21 AM
Aren't the passenger coaches going to be exactly the same on the outside as the older Eagles? I thought they plan to use the old molds for the passenger models so they don't need to have them crash tested?
Personally, I like the model 25 even though it looks more like a stick and staples than a bus. Square sides make fabrication of the interior a lot easier. If I had the money for a new shell, I would likely buy a model 25 over an MCI or Prevost mostly because of the torsion suspension.
NO YOU WOULDN'T ! ~ You'd go right on down into Mexico and buy a new Dina shell! Who you try'n to fool ? ! ? ! ? LOL! I know how much you love your Dina! (and I can come up with phone records to prove it! LOL!)
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on October 03, 2007, 02:21:26 PM
NO YOU WOULDN'T ! ~ You'd go right on down into Mexico and buy a new Dina shell! Who you try'n to fool ? ! ? ! ? LOL! I know how much you love your Dina! (and I can come up with phone records to prove it! LOL!)
My understanding is Dina is out of business. If I had the money to buy new I would NEVER buy a Dina anyhow. I bought the Dina because it was downright cheap for a Series 60.
Here is a link to a video about the rebirth of the Eagle.
http://www.silvereaglebus.com/video.htm
Cool video ... thks for the link.
Ron
QuoteChaz, you know how us busnuts are. We all have our opinions and don't hesitate to voice them. That's what makes this board so great.
As do i. And that is why i voiced it.
QuoteAs an eagle owner, I'm happy to see the line renewed. I can see a few things I don't care for but as always the product will evolve over time, the designers had to start somewhere and with a completely new concept of a classic bus, they had an uphill battle at the start. The first thing everyone wants to do is compare it to the eagles we all know, this is normal, what I'm trying to do is to see where they will take it and if they are willing to listen to what people want. Their first concern should be function and dependability, form will follow as they smooth out the bumps in the production, I'm sure the next couple of years will bring many changes, some we will like, some we won't, the important thing is that they have taken the first step.
I think you're right on the money, Cody. Ya gotta start somewhere and it won't be with a "Mega-Ultra-Techno-Super Duty-Wonder Coach. Just don't work that way. And like Jeremy said,"some people like the boxy look".
Personally I like curves (all kinds! :-*) but I will also give the guy a chance before I harshly critique him. Too much of that out there. Try to find a little good in the product. If nothing else, I commend him on the size of nuggets he has for trying it. If it works for him, I'd like to see him take on the old Buffalo's!!! Now THAT would be a kick in the pants. Or even some of the older cooler curved line bus's. But square is much easier.
Hey Songman, I thought Fleetlines all had slanted backs. ??? I'm a big Fleetline fan and can't say as I ever seen anything but. Check this site out: http://www.carnut.com/photo/list/flist.html
It has every car imaginable and usually LOTS of them. It's how I can see what someone is talking about if I'm not familiar. (just a thought)
Later,
Chaz
thx for the vid link....now if they would spend an hour and proffesionalize the website.
Still think they should have done some market research on the design.
seems the consesus thinks it sucks.....thats prob wy they have more 15 orders
87 model 25 on order and 190 model 15 on order
Moof,
Thanks for the interesting video link on the Eagles and I to wish these guys luck in reaching for their dream. Not everyone likes the looks of even the older Eagles bus so what, I don't like all the looks of lots of other buses even high end cost one's, but that is our privledge and right to do so. This is an American Made vehicle, good luck to you guys in Brownsville, TX.
Gary
tekebird,
Quote from: tekebird on October 03, 2007, 05:02:46 PM
thx for the vid link....now if they would spend an hour and proffesionalize the website.
Still think they should have done some market research on the design.
seems the consesus thinks it sucks.....thats prob wy they have more 15 orders
I had a rebuttal but decided that it was not worth the effort. Sheeesh.
Paul
The thing to think about is the one's who really have to like it are the new customers who are going to buy it, and the new owners of the Eagle Corp. It seems to me that many have had a lot of negative things to say from the very beginning about everything from, could he even do it, to how bad they thought the bus looked. The new ownership is probably busting their butt's trying to put out a good product, and if I understand they are going to be producing parts for the older models. If I recall the big auto makers will bring out a new model, and then keep improving the looks each year till they look pretty good after a while. But it all comes down to the buyer's taste and what he likes.
just my .02 cents
WVaNative
After stirring so much debate with my last post on this I was going to just leave it alone and let it die! But now I'm gonna add an extra 2 cents and may even throw in a quarter to boot!
First Off I never knocked the Guy for trying! I too commend him on even thinking about starting to take on this project! OK that said, even tough I am an avid Setra Fan (in case anyone didn't know it! LOL!) I have ALWAYS thought that an EAGLE was a classy look'n bus! So much so that in my opinion that I thought and still think that an Eagle represents CLASS! But I also know that they had there problems with rust & such! OK even though they had those issues and lost their battle with bankruptcy, I always had a soft spot for a good looking Eagle anytime I see one! (After all I am one of Sonnie Gray & Catskinner's biggest fans!) But that said when I said how ugly the "new" Eagle was I never once slammed the man for trying! I merely gave my personal stink'n opinion that I hated it!
OK now I also have some inside information on some of the things that were discussed before they ever went into restarting production! Ron Charlie Davidson knows the guy I'm talking about and can ask him at anytime to verify this! A very good friend of mine and his dad were very involved from the very start of the plan to revive the Eagle! He and his dad had several meetings with the powers that be, and were headed toward investing a very healthy chunk of change in getting the bird in flight so to say! Sadly though the powers that be would not listen to Jeff's dad and agree to several firm demands that Jones wanted implemented in the design (although some of his ideas get incorporated, but only after his involvement was canceled and unfortunately he has passed on since then too!) OK for the record Jones Brooks (Jeff's dad) was a very smart man and had been around buses since before MOBY DICK was a minner! He was a very savvy charter bus company owner, and the founder of several national bus owner organizations! When it came to buses this man knew his stuff!
He had agreed to back Craig by finding and funding a new location (before they acquired the old plant) for a plant in SW Missouri, and was going to get funding to have all the equipment relocated and set up, once a location was established! He also was planning to work hand in hand with Craig and the engineers toward building a bus that would easily cornered the market if given a chance!
His # 1) demand was that any and all drive train parts be readily accessable at any parts house such as NAPA, or Truck Supply or where ever they sold truck parts! Not off the wall special order parts!
Yes of course he knew stuff like windows and body parts would be brand specific, but how often is a break down caused by these parts instead of drive train parts?
His #2) demand was that the production and warehouse facilities be centrally located in the US were any part that couldn't be gotten at a parts house could be shipped by truck(as most of these parts are too large to airfreight economically) and delivered anywhere in the country in 2 days!
Again he knew that it could be done from elsewhere, but not as easily! Also he wanted to boost the local economy by providing a fair amount of reasonable paying jobs to the area!
His #3) demand was that the "bogie axle" be moved behind the drive, to make it able to use off the shelf parts.
OK this idea stuck, and was implemented and other than some small little items is the only 1, of his that were implemented!
Now I ain't saying Jones was a GOD. or anything like that but he was a very smart man! I spent a whole day talking and listening to him talk about his dream of helping revive the Eagle. But I don't know who, how, or why. But somewhere along the line Craig changed his mind and started listening to other folks who told him that making the parts readily available at any parts house would hurt the companies profits as far as selling parts. But as Jones pointed out "Just how many bus owners would convert to buying buses that parts were easy to get? Sales alone would have out weighed those loses, and many loyal customers would still order a majority of their parts from Eagle just because of ease of ordering if they were reasonably priced (OK if your buying in mega quantities to build them in the first place a isn't there gonna be room for fair mark up and still be reasonably priced?!?!)"!
OK Jones and his boys ran a charter bus company that hauled mostly military moves (the boys{Jeff & Jerry} still do), what better real life test bed could you ask for?
Not only that but they knew/know literally thousands of bus owners internationally! Plenty of contacts for ideas and feedback!
I was said the day I was over there and asked Jones how the Eagle project was going and he said it wasn't because someone with "BIGGER" ideas had swayed Craig their direction! I know that Jones may not have had as much $ as whoever did end up backing Craig, but I can tell you if Jones said he could do it, HE COULD DO IT! He had all kinds of people from private investors to the state of Missouri ready to back him!
I do wish the EAGLE luck because to me (and I know that don't mean squat!) the Eagle was a Classic to Buses just as the Scenic Cruiser (I mean Kyle's orphans! LOL!) was, and others too! Or like the old LARGE CAR Big trucks such as big hood Peterbilts, Kenworths, Western Stars and other old big trucks that just had that "BIG TRUCK" look! When I see an Eagle I think, now there is a classic! Same as a '57 Chevy, '40 Willys Coupe, '34 Ford, '69 Camaro~Mustang~Charger ! I just hate to see a classic SCREWED UP er modernized!
Hey Chaz bring yer chevy down lets square it up with some 6' tall windows and windshields, and square roof lines! LOL! SEE what I mean?
Awright I'm off my soap box now! Opps almost!
No Brian the Dina is not DEAD! They are still being made and used in SOUTH MEXICO or at least they were 2 yrs ago when Bobby's grandson was down there and rode one! He even took pics of it & the "VIN" which was all in Spanish but clearly showed that it was built in 2005! Now go on down there and put yer order in for one! LOL! Ya know ya want too! After all you just learned how to work on the one ya got! Don't it feel great? ! ;D BK ;D
BK, Dina Did fold in 2005.
Quote from: tekebird on October 03, 2007, 09:12:17 PM
BK, Dina Did fold in 2005.
OK I stand somewhat corrected! But I knew that as of 2005 they had still made some buses that were used exclusively in Mexico! So I guess iwas half right! ;D BK ;D
Quote from: Chaz on October 03, 2007, 04:44:16 PM
Hey Songman, I thought Fleetlines all had slanted backs. ??? I'm a big Fleetline fan and can't say as I ever seen anything but. Check this site out: http://www.carnut.com/photo/list/flist.html
It has every car imaginable and usually LOTS of them. It's how I can see what someone is talking about if I'm not familiar. (just a thought)
Hey Chaz,
Thanks for the site. That is definitely one to bookmark. I guess I need to send pictures of my car in though so they will have pictures of a Fleetline Sedan.
Fleetline really has nothing to do with the shape of the body. It is a trim level. Like a Trans Am compared to a Firebird, Camaro to Z28, etc.
In 1948 they offered three body styles - coupe, sedan, and aero coupe. They offered four trim levels - regular, Stylemaster, Fleetmaster, and Fleetline. Fleetline was the top of the line. You can always tell a Fleetline by the extra chrome bars on the fenders.
Thanx Songman. Like they say, "Everyday is a school day" . I would guess that all the slantbacks had Fleetline chrome on them??
I am going to a "Metal Meet" where it's nothing but Hot Rod builders and sheetmetal artists in a couple weeks, I'll have to share my new found info. By the way, metalmeet.com is an AWESOME site to learn about such stuff. (metal forming) Great guys just like this board.
Later,
Chaz
I have seen Aeros without the Fleetline chrome, but you never know if they may have been modified. I have always assumed that any body style could be had in any trim level but I don't know that to be a fact.
Here is a red aero that appears to not be a Fleetline, but it is custom so the chrome could have been removed.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/1940-1949/1948-Chevrolet-Aero-Sedan-Red.htm
BK,
BCI is on the page your buddies dad was....the BCI Falcon has most of it's service parts 80% I think available thought NAPA
Quote from: tekebird on October 04, 2007, 10:22:17 AM
BK,
BCI is on the page your buddies dad was....the BCI Falcon has most of it's service parts 80% I think available thought NAPA
Doug,
Who/what is BCI?
sorry I probably should know this, but I don't get out much these days! LOL!
;D BK ;D
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on October 04, 2007, 07:35:47 PM
Doug,
Who/what is BCI?
sorry I probably should know this, but I don't get out much these days! LOL!
;D BK ;D
Apparently 'Bus and Coach International'. Built by Operators. For Operators.
Looks sorta like a modified MCI to me.
http://www.bcibus.com/index.html
Very sharp bus, I like the headlights and mirrors
That is one HUGE windshield! Can't get used to the rabbit ear style mirrors though, not much else to put them on the front anyway. Great looking coach, never heard of them before. Have seen them on the road just thought it was an MCI.
Paul
Songman that looks like a Volvo 9000 series buses
I can't say that I have seen the Volvo, but it definitely looks European. Not what you expect from a bus built in Kansas.
Tekebird & Songman,
Thanks dudes! man I never heard of them! I may have ssen a few from a distance on the HWY, but really didn't notice them that much! They look an awful lot like a Setra S417 to me! Wow I maybe onto a new "breed", I sure like the looks and the companies ideas! Sure wish Jones was still around to bounce it off of and see what his feedback on it would be! I'm very impressed and have a new mission in mind for tomorrow! I'm a gonna find out more about my possible new love! Way cool thanks dudes! How did I not know about these!
;D BK 'D
BCI has a place here in Vegas and i was told by a fellow that the Falcon 45 was a Mexican built Volvo 9700 and they have a 40ft model 9300 and it has a Cat engine instead of the Volvo engine and is made for tour operators that don't buy Prevost.don't know for sure but will drive over Friday and check it out
I believe that guy might have been full of it.
None of the articles on BCI have mentioned Volvo or Mexico
Quote from: Chaz on October 04, 2007, 06:47:12 AM
Thanx Songman. Like they say, "Everyday is a school day" . I would guess that all the slantbacks had Fleetline chrome on them??
I am going to a "Metal Meet" where it's nothing but Hot Rod builders and sheetmetal artists in a couple weeks, I'll have to share my new found info. By the way, metalmeet.com is an AWESOME site to learn about such stuff. (metal forming) Great guys just like this board.
Later,
Chaz
Hey Chaz, are you going to be coming back to, I beleive it was Oblong, IL again? If so, I'd like to run down there and meet up with you when you do.
WVaNative
Volvo own Prevost, but not BCI as far as I know; BCI have an Australian website where they have the same buses (identical photos) as shown on the American website, but called by different names. I found a reference on the Australasian Bus News website (http://www.busnews.com.au/) that said:
"The first two of the long awaited BCI coaches from China have arrived in Australia. ABC was able to get a sneak preview of them as they awaited customs clearance in Brisbane. One is a 12.7m version and the other 9.3m. They are badged as PK6930A and PK6127A, the differences presumably indicating length. Both are destined for top line coach work."
That isn't to say that the BCI Falcon is Chinese, just that they also sell other 40-footer coaches that are built in China.
Going back to the original point about 'off the shelf' parts, there is a British maufacturer called Dennis that has this policy, and I was advised by one coach operator to buy a Dennis coach for just this reason (I didn't, in the end).
Jeremy
manufactued in China Using US and Euro components.
Doug, i just got back from BCI and Jeremy is right its a Australian Co and the buses for export to other countries are made in China and the ones for North America are made in Mexico by a bus manufacturer using parts made in China and they look like China juke to me even the casting on the ZF parts.And i just know of two bus manufactures in Mexico Setra and Volvo may be more, but they are trying to set up a service network across the US which is good also they are getting in to building buses for conversions when their plant is built in Mexico City got my info from one of the service reps and he didn't want to give much information about the bus maybe if you are buying you could get more.So BK might be able to get more on the bus
thats funny because what you claim is not what they are releasing the the trade magazines.
I have yet to see on in person, but have only heard good things
There have now been two feature articles and none mention Mexico Volvo or Setra. if in deed it was on a setra or Volvo Platform that would be a selling point and surely would be publicised
September Bus Ride:
" from it's home base in Jeening KS and Las Vegas BCi Incoperates Compnents from the Us and Australia assembled into Motorcoaches in China"
another article has an addition of Euro parts ( ZF trans)
3 years and they already have 15 buses on the road and expect 50 by the close of the year
Quote from: bus05eagle on October 05, 2007, 09:32:56 AM
Doug, i just got back from BCI and Jeremy is right its a Australian Co and the buses for export to other countries are made in China and the ones for North America are made in Mexico by a bus manufacturer using parts made in China and they look like China juke to me even the casting on the ZF parts.And i just know of two bus manufactures in Mexico Serta and Volvo may be more, but they are trying to set up a service network across the US which is good also they are getting in to building buses for conversions when their plant is built in Mexico City got my info from one of the service reps and he didn't want to give much information about the bus maybe if you are buying you could get more.So BK might be able to get more on the bus
Serta ?? sheep ?? I'm confused! But then I ain't got no "sleeper bus".
By the way, SETRA is GERMAN MADE!
FWIW ;D BK ;D
Wow. We've gone from Eagles to Serta in this discussion. That's quite an interesting journey.
Paul
Yeah, makes me sleepy too! AHH, ah, zzzzzzz, zzzzzz, zzzzz, ah, zzzz, zzz, 47 sheep, zzzz, 60 sheep. LOL! ;D BK ;D 75 sheep
back onto topic:
Wonder why Silver Eagle Manufacturing did not start out producing the proven , and obvoiusly more popular (based on orders) Model 15.
They could have been producing those for over a year now since all the tooling was in place.
If they did that they would have had money to hire a designer, and the time to let him make the bus look good......LOL, sure that will fire up someone
bk sorry about the spelling of Setra but my German is not that great and they do have a plant in Mexico City to build transit buses not the real bus you have
tekebird,
I think your question is best answered by the Craig. As he is the one who is behind the wheel. It could be that they wanted to introduce the Model 25 first, based on new designs and ideas. Before I pass final judgement on the 25 I would like to see it in person someday.
Good question though.
Paul
Quote from: bus05eagle on October 06, 2007, 02:58:28 PM
bk sorry about the spelling of Setra but my German is not that great and they do have a plant in Mexico City to build transit buses not the real bus you have
bus05eagle,
No harm-no foul! I wasn't aware they were making "fake buses" in Mexico! But then I guess I really am slightly predudiced sorta in a way. I really don't pay much attention to transist's or what/who/where are doing with them. I know I'm a bad busnut to slight them, but I really only keep up with what goes on with "Real Buses" and sometimes not too good at that! Especially considering I never even heard of BCI until the other night when "Tekebird" mentioned them here!
;D BK ;D
By the way Doug, it is awful dangerous that we think so much alike! LOL!
Quote from: Busted Knuckle on October 06, 2007, 03:31:26 PM
Quote from: bus05eagle on October 06, 2007, 02:58:28 PM
bk sorry about the spelling of Setra but my German is not that great and they do have a plant in Mexico City to build transit buses not the real bus you have
bus05eagle,
No harm-no foul! I wasn't aware they were making "fake buses" in Mexico! But then I guess I really am slightly predudiced sorta in a way. I really don't pay much attention to transist's or what/who/where are doing with them. I know I'm a bad busnut to slight them, but I really only keep up with what goes on with "Real Buses" and sometimes not too good at that! Especially considering I never even heard of BCI until the other night when "Tekebird" mentioned them here!
;D BK ;D
By the way Doug, it is awful dangerous that we think so much alike! LOL!
I have to vouch for BK on that... He doesn't consider our GMC V-Drives "Real" buses! We'll have to have a real showing at the Spring Rally of GMC coaches!
Come One, Come All to The Semi Annual Busted Knuckle Garage/KY Lakeside Travel/ Goin' Home Transport Rally III
I'd email and ask Craig but since it took him 2 months to answer my last inquiry I figure he is too busy.
Generally thats what companies do though...re into the proven product. two years wasted in my book not to mention the money spent on the 25 thus far.....all with Zero return to date.
Quote from: Dallas
I have to vouch for BK on that... He doesn't consider our GMC V-Drives "Real" buses! We'll have to have a real showing at the Spring Rally of GMC coaches!
Come One, Come All to The Semi Annual Busted Knuckle Garage/KY Lakeside Travel/ Goin' Home Transport Rally III
Now thar ya go put'n words in my mouth again & start'n those nasty rumors! I never said that! As a matter of fact up til you got here, I hadn't had much experience at all withthem except a couple of roadside service calls on them! (That would be thanks to Tommy @ Logan Truck & Tractor Repair tell'n 'm when they call "you gotta broke down what? Oh a BUS, oh in that case you need to call Busted Knuckle Garage @ 885-7460 he's the only one around here dumb enough to fool with buses!")
;D BK ;D
tekebird,
I don't understand something. If you have not talked to Craig in person, visited the factory in Brownsville Tx, not seen the 25 in person, don't have the proper knowledge regarding the new factory. Why are you always so negative? Constructive criticism is one thing but this is kind of destructive criticism. I just don't get it.
As someone once said on previous posts regarding Eagles, that's why not much is posted. Too much flaming and negativity. I guess I'm trying to turn that around. Not having much luck am I. That's sad.
Paul
Paul,
I have posted much more negative in the past, I am just curious.
I have talked to Craig in Person almost two years ago know......wasn't too impressed from that conversation.
Have had several emaill communications with him...none of which were returned any sooner than 2 weeks.
They publicy state stuff in magazine interviews which IMHO could not be true timeline wise....only to be proven correct?
They seem to not follow any logical business plan?
They do not advertise? No trade magizines ( Bus Ride, Bus Word, Tour Operator, FMCA)
They have not showed up to a trade show.
Their Website is lower quality than what a 6th grader can produce now days
They have hardly any info on the coach in their website.
They are very secretive about photos of the bus and it's production ( no interior photos) have roll out photos of a bus stating it is sold many moons ago....but the bus did not have driveline, fuel tank etc.
Claim to have over 200 bus orders but don't say who. Someone saying they want one is not an order. Money in hand or a contract is an order.
They have almost 200 orders for the 15 yet they are going to roll out the 25 first?
They are in a big industry Gross sales wise.....but are still operating like the horse buggy builder. You can operate a Horse buggy plant or build race cars by word of mouth but not a Bus manufactuing company.
The only public news I have seen has been in Local Newspapers in Brownsville ( most of the stated facts there failed to come to fruit), the Bus Ride Article ( most of what was said there didn't come to fruit ( Oh they were supposed to have 500 people working for them by the begining of 2007, not to mention a running bus), and what are on the two busnut boards.
I would hazzard a guess that there is not one member of either board who is going to buy one of these.
Until they produce, product, or real verifiable info....... Fancy painted rolling chassis does not count as Product
Critic: yes?
Voice of reason?: Perhaps
Harbinger: We will see.
If they pull it off more power to them. I do not wish them bad luck.
We will see.
If they were really smart they would have done a technically advanced version of the Kassboher Golden Eagle.
Retro styling is back if you have not noticed....then they would at least have a edge in the market.
Tekebird,
Silly busnot novice here, but I thoroughly agree with a retro copy of the Golden Eagle. Would be too kool!
Tom
Quote from: tekebird on October 06, 2007, 04:55:25 PM
Paul,
I have posted much more negative in the past, I am just curious.
I have talked to Craig in Person almost two years ago know......wasn't too impressed from that conversation.
Have had several emaill communications with him...none of which were returned any sooner than 2 weeks.
They publicy state stuff in magazine interviews which IMHO could not be true timeline wise....only to be proven correct?
They seem to not follow any logical business plan?
They do not advertise? No trade magizines ( Bus Ride, Bus Word, Tour Operator, FMCA)
They have not showed up to a trade show.
Their Website is lower quality than what a 6th grader can produce now days
They have hardly any info on the coach in their website.
They are very secretive about photos of the bus and it's production ( no interior photos) have roll out photos of a bus stating it is sold many moons ago....but the bus did not have driveline, fuel tank etc.
Claim to have over 200 bus orders but don't say who. Someone saying they want one is not an order. Money in hand or a contract is an order.
They have almost 200 orders for the 15 yet they are going to roll out the 25 first?
They are in a big industry Gross sales wise.....but are still operating like the horse buggy builder. You can operate a Horse buggy plant or build race cars by word of mouth but not a Bus manufactuing company.
The only public news I have seen has been in Local Newspapers in Brownsville ( most of the stated facts there failed to come to fruit), the Bus Ride Article ( most of what was said there didn't come to fruit ( Oh they were supposed to have 500 people working for them by the begining of 2007, not to mention a running bus), and what are on the two busnut boards.
I would hazzard a guess that there is not one member of either board who is going to buy one of these.
Until they produce, product, or real verifiable info....... Fancy painted rolling chassis does not count as Product
Critic: yes?
Voice of reason?: Perhaps
Harbinger: We will see.
If they pull it off more power to them. I do not wish them bad luck.
We will see.
If they were really smart they would have done a technically advanced version of the Kassboher Golden Eagle.
Retro styling is back if you have not noticed....then they would at least have a edge in the market.
I have to say I do agree with Doug on this!
I'll also add that my beloved Setra's are direct decedents of the
Kassboher Golden Eagle.
As they are built by
Kassboher on an updated design or the Eagle!
AS I have stated several times I love ye old eagles! But they are not doing a good job of bringing them back if ya ask me!
Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinion and right or wrong they have the right to defend that opinion!
But it would make more sense to me (and apparently Doug too) to start production of what they have the tooling and orders for (generating $ for engineering the 25!) while engineering their "brainchild"! 'Cause $ ain't everything, but just try living with out it! JMHO FWIW ;D BK ;D
tekebird,
Now that's clarifying your opinions. I do now understand where you're coming from.
Thanks,
Paul
No Problem ;)
with that said I am happy to discuss the cons of any manufacturer past or present.
;D ;D
interesting comprison:
Beck who some of you may be old enough to remember...they made Buses and fire Appartus.
When they were at their largest ( Engineering Department wise) they had two engineers. This is in the mid 50's when Gm et al had buidlings of engineers developing the Scenicruiser and 4104.
In Fact the Back Deck and a Half ( 35 foot scencruiser looking bus,) actually was released prior to the Scenicruiser. Industrial espiange of old. " Hey GM as building this thing"....." Oh Yeah!...lets beat them to it" by a year IIRC.
Beck ended up being bought by Mack Trucks.
beck dh 1000
and for those who don't know what the Kassbohrer Eagles looked like
if someone wants to resize it I can email them photos of the eagle model 45 prototype.
from Eagle International
raised roof and Euro Cap as they called it
Sure tekebird,
Address in profile.
Thanks,
Paul
Takebird where did you find the picture of that Bus? I'm Cuban but I never knew they had busses like that in Cuba. We left Cuba in 1967, I was ten years old. I fell in love with busses when I lived in Cuba. They were city busses like the busses made by GM in the fifties. You made my day, thanks! I have an Eagle 05 and I just love it. I hope the new Silver Eagles make a great come-back.
I could tell ya but then I would have to Kill Ya.....LOL
Also have a photo of a 4104 being craned onto a ship for delivery to Cuba.
actually Quite a few Beck Products went to Cuba
Quote from: BusCrazyinFL
Takebird where did you find the picture of that Bus? I'm Cuban but I never knew they had busses like that in Cuba. We left Cuba in 1967, I was ten years old. You made my day, thanks! I have an Eagle 05 and I just love it.
Quote from: tekebird on October 06, 2007, 07:00:12 PM
I could tell ya but then I would have to Kill Ya.....LOL
Doug I told you it's dangerous how much we think alike! I was about to say the same thing when I saw you beat me to it! LOL! But remember to get your fresh box of cigars first! LOL!
;D BK ;D
LOL, BK.....
Maybe we can get a following.
Silver Eagle has resorted to making money off ebay sales.
ebay # 4582445165
BK, perhaps we think alike becuase were f rom the same generation, you have a few years on me though
Speaking of buses, I was at a college football game yesterday in central ohio, after the game I was sitting by the team buses which were MCI J4500's I think(don't hold me to that number), and the baggage bay doors were all open, all the chassis structure was stainless tube and the baggage compartment was completely trimmed out in stainless, the workmanship (I thought) was excellant in the building of the bus chassis, in 20 years some bus nut willl luck out and get to convert some of these! 8)
PaUL POAT THAT MODEL 45 PIC WHEN YUOU GET THE CHANCE
We are at an Eagle Rally in Albuquerque. Several of the buses shown in the video are here. I would love to show it to the folks here.
I tried to find a way to download the video, but no luck.
Can anyone find a way to download the video?
Jim
Heres the pic of the Eagle 45, Thanks to Doug.
Paul
Quote from: Dreamscape on October 07, 2007, 03:28:31 PM
Heres the pic of the Eagle 45, Thanks to Doug.
Paul
Now that looks better than the other one by far! But again that is only my opinion, others may vary! ;D BK ;D