some interesting bus and motorhome pictures

[CrabbyMilton]

I came across these and thought I would pass them along. Enjoy.
http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/artists/338423882?view_mode=2

[Jeremy]

I like the 1973 International Harvester - pure kitsch, mounted on a truck chassis!


And speaking of truck chassis - the other day I came across this article (actually a for-sale listing) for an old Bedford bus which has been re-engineered onto a modern chassis (but which has given it tiny wheels, which look ridiculous). Anyway, for those interested:

The Bedford OB introduced in 1939, with its wheelbase of over 14 feet, was designed to carry 26 to 29 passengers with its 27 horsepower engine. Although only 73 were built prior to World War II, it reappeared in a largely unchanged form at the end of the war, continuing in production until 1951. A total of 12,766 were produced making it one of the most popular buses of its type, ever.

Bedford co-developed with Duple, the 'Vista' coachwork for the OB fronted by a classic bullnose design. The ash framework was reinforced with steel and the floor made from hardwood with softwood tongue and groove boarding. Geared to reach speeds of at least 40mph, fast for its day, the OB was remembered by many for its characteristic gearbox whine.  There are known to be just 180 still in existence with just 70 in roadworthy condition.

The amazing transformation of this 1950 OB presented in bronze and contrasting yellow with ruby red leather interior is perhaps one of the finest examples of a bespoke luxury motor-home we have ever come across. From its modern running gear to the American walnut hand-crafted kitchen, Apple Mac computer and Bose sound system, we can safely say the 3000 plus professional man-hours taken to convert this classic bus to such a high standard has certainly not been wasted and would put any modern-day motor-home to shame.

A 6.5 ton, 2006 Iveco three litre HDi engine and running gear with rear air suspension have replaced the original setup, with the engine having covered just 23,000 miles under a full service history. A ten point roll cage and side crash safety bars have been fitted to offer more modern safety standards with all but the roof having been re-panelled. We are told that this bus will comfortably achieve 90mph (if permitted) and would cruise at 70mph while towing perhaps your classic car to Goodwood, Silverstone Classic or Kop Hill, thus making you the envy of the paddock.

The sleeping arrangements include a double bedroom with en-suite in the rear with an additional fold out double in the seating area, there is also a large retractable roof so that you can enjoy the fresh air or atmosphere when static and plenty of luxury features to ensure your stay is comfortable. With only 180 Bedford OB's in existence today with this being the only one in the world being converted to such a high specification, why would you opt for the modern alternative... or the stuffy hotel room. Indeed why not sell the house and spend the summer touring Europe's motoring festivals!

A more comprehensive list of extras include; 27" Apple Mac computer, Bose sound system, solar panels, two rear cameras, two 120a/h gel batteries, two battery conditioners, split charger generator, 240v electrics, 12v inverter, 120 litre LPG tank, 120 litre fresh water tank, 80 litre waste tank, 70 litre black tank, macerator electric lavatory, Alde full central heating system, Amtico flooring and Textura wall coverings.

[muldoonman]

Awesome pics. Thanks.

[CrabbyMilton]

Well Jeremy, I would imagine that many would frown at remounting a very old bus on a new chassis but it's actually the smart thing to do. Alot of good it does when you have a beautiful vintage bus like the one in your post, but can't use it because parts and service are all but impossible to obtain. The smaller wheels don't look that bad but maybe it's just me.

[lvmci]

Hi CrabbyMilton, a lot of those "C" class RV's in LV, I guess the steel is weak and rusts fast everywhere else, lvmci...

[CrabbyMilton]

I go to the RV show every year here in Milwaukee. While you can't argue how nice those spankn new class A and C RV's are, in decade or 2, they may not be so nice. If you plan to use it as a repurposed stationary unit,(Summer retreat) it won't be such a factor if there is a ton of rust and the engine is no good. Heck, it would still be cheaper than a cottage or cabin. No doubt a bus is the best choice but I'm preaching to the converted. A clunker RV or bus is the best I could afford.

[mung]

That is a big part of why we went the bus route.  For the money the diesel RVs that are even close to the range we will have into the bus when all is said and done, are well garbage that will only get worse with age.  What can really happen to a 1953 bus that hasn't already happened?  Anything even close to as nice as a converted bus is $150K to start in the RV world. 

[Iceni John]

Talking of remounting old bus bodies on new running gear, Ol' Trunt did exactly that not only with his bus but also with his toad:  http://nomadicista.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=3012   His ingenuity and workmanship are impressive.   Now that's out-of-the-box thinking!

John

[CrabbyMilton]

Now that deserves a big round of applause.

[shelled]

I came across these and thought I would pass them along. Enjoy.
http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/artists/338423882?view_mode=2

who's the Tennesee collector (8 or 9 pictures from top) ?

[RJ]

Ed -

I don't know who the fellow is with all the old buses in TN, but in the comments the photographer mentions Ditty Rd.  A little Google Map sleuthing comes up with the 8200 block of Ditty Rd in Cookeville, TN, approximately 40 miles east of Nashville.

Going to street view and scrolling turns up at least five MC-6s and one 4104 parked in among all the transits - lots of artics!

Be nice if a fellow busnut would make this gentleman's acquaintance to at least tour the grounds with him and take photos.

BK - Is this anywhere near you??

FWIW & HTH. . .

[mung]

The 4104 in that picture looks a lot like mine.

[eagle19952]

who's the Tennesee collector (8 or 9 pictures from top) ?

it's yunk yard....
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ditty+Rd,+Cookeville,+TN+38506/@36.1340636,-85.6178495,263m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x886720b18c0deda7:0x5ba888776b12c192

8275 Ditty Rd
Cookeville, Tennessee