MCI 102B3 Designation?

[belfert]

I'm noticing a lot less of the SS sided buses operated by charter companies now.  I suspect fuel prices are behind this as I started to see this a lot in 2008 when fuel prices went way up.  Some of the indian casinos offering free rides had old 102A3s and 102C3s, but most are using 102DL3s and other newer buses now.

[RJ]

Rick -

Are the 3" of extra height of the 102C3 really worth the extra bucks?

How tall are you?

If you're over 6', the extra 3" in the "C" models virtually eliminates the expense need to do a roof raise. 

If you're under 6', it just helps create the illusion of more space.

With only 340 sqft, you need all the help you can get!

And fluted panels meant old bus, same as hump in roof, 96 wide, and whatever other visual cues the market used to id an old bus.

I guarantee you, tho, that if a restored Scenicruiser pulled up next to a brand new (Insert your favorite brand) coach, the paying customers would flock to the Scenic first!

FWIW & HTH. . .

[MCI-RICK]

I'll look for a 102C3 just to get a visual of the space. Then decide which to go with. I'm only 5' 10" but space or the illusion of space is a major factor. All the inpuft has been great.  Thanks!

[Busted Knuckle]

Almost no charter operators polish their SS and man do they look bad.  The buses look old and dated. 

Stainless sides are in the hands of the second and third tier operators now.

They only buy fuel for the coach, and only because there is no choice in that matter.

They won't wash the coach, never mind polish it.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Huh........... http://kylakesidetravel.net/aboutus.aspx ...................................?
  BK 

[Busted Knuckle]

Oh and the only "B" model that I ever knowingly have been around was in fact a 102B2 and I could really not tell it apart from my 96A3 or 102A3 that were both parked less than 100' from it while we did some brake work on the 102B2 for a Canadian carrier that had problems at UT Martin and looked us up for service.
  BK 
(I personally read the VIN tag in the stairwell so I know it was a "B2"!)

[buswarrior]

Thank you, BK, for providing the exception that proves the rule!

There are still a few truckers out there making money with 2-strokes too...

But not very many!

happy coaching!
buswarrior