45 foot GMC!

[Runcutter]

Laryn (Barn Owl) makes a good point.  In the 1970's, I instructed on 4905's - including in downtown Boston.  We used a comparison with other buses in the fleet.  If you take a right-hand corner in a 35-foot transit, such that your right rear wheel is 6 inches from the curb; then do the same in a 40-foot transit, your right rear wheel will run over the curb.  If you do it the same in a deck and a half (4905), you'll go over the sidewalk, kill the pedestrians, and hit the building. 

I've never driven a 45-footer, but you might take a look at the relative turning radii on MCI's, Setras, etc.  Compare the turning radii of the 40-foot coaches (MC9, Eagle, 4905); with that of the 45-foot coaches.  It may be possible that you can use the same proportions to forecast the outside body corner (and, more importantly, rear pivot wheel), of the lengthened 4905.

On our first trip with our new 4107(35 footer), we ended up trying to loop around blocks in downtown Moncton, New Brunswick http://www.busconversions.com/bbs/index.php?topic=2164.msg18567#msg18567.  When we saw the 3+meter bridge in front of us, we took the next right, whether we'd be able to make it or not.  We made the corner (even with no power steering), but I did lose a few ounces worth of perspiration.   

Since you're moving up from a 30-footer, do you have any contacts with experienced coach drivers in your area that could work with you on driving techniques?   

So, I think it was Elmer Fudd who said.... Be vewwy, vewwy, careful.

One other thought, many of us post our locations in signature lines.  Another member might be just around the corner. 

Arthur   

[belfert]

Why do you need that if it is converted? Not required where I live.

The poster lives in Canada where RVs are not exempt from air brake endorsements, at least in some provinces.

[Hard Headed Ken]

How about a 47 foot GMC ?? It does exist. I'll try to attach a picture. It belongs to long time friend and hard headed bus nut, Pat Mcneal

Ken

[John316]

Why 47 feet?

Beautiful coach!

God bless,

John

[cody]

Actually I think pat said it's a little less but still over 45, I think he said he stretched it to 45.5 so it would be longer than a buddies 45 ft prevo, pat did an incredible job on it, notice, no rivits.  He was parked down the row from us at jacks rally a couple of years ago.

[Hard Headed Ken]

I think you're correct. It's a little over 45 feet.

Ken

[cody]

Still one of the finest coaches I've ever seen.

[uncle ned]

Just can't understand how he could build such a beautiful bus  but forget how to put the front door on.

welcome aboard hard headed ken

[Hard Headed Ken]

I was in it this weekend and I've opened that door backwards so many times I hardly noticed it. I guess Pat just couldn't resist a door hinged the wrong way, just to make it more unique.

Ken

[Jeremy]

I don't know the door in question, but if it is a 'suicide' door (ie. hinges on the back edge), that is considered to be the height of coolness in the hot rod community.

It is a great looking bus.

Jeremy