Silly question,, maybe

mikewarmblood · May 02, 2011, 03:53:53 PM

Hello I am someday thinking of trying to find an old double decker. Some distant day. I am 6'4" (really really sucks) and is the ceiling low where someone my height would have trouble enjoying the bus? nothing I hate more than to have to bend over to walk in somewhere (low basements) that is why I never would own a PD4104. or a schoolie. Just wondering. I am sure someone on here has one. Mike.

fe2_o3 · May 02, 2011, 04:06:04 PM

The transit company I used to work for bought several "double tall" Dennis buses. I'm 6'2 and had to stoop both upstairs and down. It was a pain...Cable

Iceni John · May 02, 2011, 04:10:02 PM

Yes, someone here does have one, so he can tell you how much headroom you'll have.

My recollections of many miles traveled in Bristol VR and Lodekka, and the occasional Leyland Atlantean and AEC Routemaster, is that ceilings are about 6' in both decks, or even slightly less. I don't think you could have more than 6' without being too high overall (low bridges, anyone). I was at ABC Bus today, and there was a brand new Van Hool double decker there - even inside that I had to slightly stoop, and I'm 6' tall.

FYI, my Crown has 6'5" headroom, so I'm quite comfortable in it. I won't have an off-center aisle inside, but I am thinking about dropping my shower floor about 3 or 4 inches to gain headroom where the roof arcs down near the sides. Even so, my head doesn't touch the ceiling until I'm standing less than 12" from the side wall. High-roof Thomas or Blue Birds have about 6'6" headroom.

Hope this helps.
John

chev49 · May 02, 2011, 05:41:45 PM

there is always the ones on ebay right now...

Oonrahnjay · May 02, 2011, 07:01:47 PM

I'm 6'1 and it's just tall enough on my bus. There are two main classes in the UK; there is the "full height" bus that's 14'4 -- pretty much overtall/needs a permit and not really practical in almost every state and province, and a few (about 1-2%) that are called "low-bridge" models at 13'6. They're a bit more expensive to build and they're usually used on routes that pass under obstructions, often railroad bridges. A "low bridge" bus is made with the lower level floor as close to the road as possible but it's just not practical to lose almost a foot without squeezing the headroom on both levels a bit. So, if you're talking about a British double-decker, it's got to be a "low-bridge bus" in N America and about 6'1 is the maximum height for occupants for comfortable use.

mikewarmblood · May 02, 2011, 07:08:01 PM

Yeah too low for me. Ohwell . I was inside a pd 4104 and that was way too low for me. I think they are not even 6 foot inside. My Flx and RTS has more than enough headroom for me.but would been nice someday get an old Leland (sp?) but thanks so much for the repiles and I would love to see pictures of the insides of one though. Mike.

WEC4104 · May 02, 2011, 07:15:22 PM

PD4104 not even 6 foot? Wrong. I'm 6' 2" tall and have no issues. I can even stand underneath my roof air, which hangs down from the ceiling a bit. I do have to duck going through a doorway into the bathroom, but that is because of the door design, not part of the original PD4104.

mikewarmblood · May 02, 2011, 07:26:33 PM

I don't know what model it was old and built in the 50s was a GMC motorcoach was being converted and I had to duck to walk through it. I am 6'4" and I couldn't stand straight up in it. about the same height inside as a Schoolbus. maybe a 4101 I don't know it was an old motorcoach and I think it was not evne 40 ft.

Busted Knuckle · May 02, 2011, 07:35:45 PM

What you need is a MCI C,D or newer model bus! The C's & D's have 6' 10" of head room! (I'm sure the E's J's and what ever do too!)

BK

mikewarmblood · May 02, 2011, 07:51:43 PM

Quote from: Busted Knuckle on May 02, 2011, 07:35:45 PM
What you need is a MCI C,D or newer model bus! The C's & D's have 6' 10" of head room! (I'm sure the E's J's and what ever do too!)
BK

I would love to get one!!!! Someday I hope! but my Flx and RTS are high enough. But I really want a motorcoach. Someday. Mike.

Busted Knuckle · May 02, 2011, 08:00:59 PM

Quote from: mikewarmblood
I would love to get one!!!! Someday I hope! but my Flx and RTS are high enough. But I really want a motorcoach. Someday. Mike.

Uh those are motorcoaches! Look at the "Moose Creek Motor Cabin" in the advertisement below. That is an MCI "C" model!

BK

mikewarmblood · May 02, 2011, 08:07:02 PM

Right I call em MC 102s probably not the right name. Could have had one in South Dakota with DVD players and such for a cool 29 grand. It was a nice bus though.

gus · May 04, 2011, 05:31:28 PM

I'm 6'1", own both a 4104 and a 4107 and don't have to duck for either except at the ACs and both have additional flooring and carpets.

If these models are low it means that someone has installed some much thicker flooring.

mikewarmblood · May 04, 2011, 07:00:00 PM

Right never thought of that. It must have had a floor raise for Heaven's knows what. Well that is good maybe I could walk in one of those. I just wish i wasn't so damn tall. ITis such a drag. So many great cheap schoolies with the venerable DT 466 engine but can't stand up in them.

robertglines1 · May 04, 2011, 07:15:08 PM

Mike I bought a salvage ententainer 84 inch inside height rebuilding now. Lots of work but will end up with around 20 grand in a 98 model 45XLE prevost. They are out there just got to be patient. Bob