NEW EAGLE BUS - WHAT DO YOU THINK? NOW LOCKED!

[tekebird]

hey BK, until they send the three units to be tested I don't think they can sell any for revenue use.......only as a specially built vehicle......or buiot from parts type of thing.

[Eagle78550]

Again I need to put my two cents in.....I agree that the Eagles made during the Mexican era may have had some issues , but none were made in Mexico. The Mexicans wanted too but they never would / could pass DOT regs..they built one or two out of the Auqascaliente facility and sent them up to Brownsville, but with fiberglass bumpers they would not survive a crash test.
When I spoke to Craig I asked the questions about licensing and such, and after doing a little research I found out he was right in saying that all previous models 01-05-10-15-20 are grandfathered from Alcuna testing if built from the same jig...which he has. The new Model 25 does not need to be Alcuna tested unless it is for the seated market and government bids. A private coach or entertainer coach does not need Alcuna tests. Have you ever heard of Monaco sending a motorhome to be tested ? Nope. Motorhomes only need the standard heat and cooling tests, braking tests etc.  My impression of the Silver Eagle operation is they are not out to take the market by storm , but rather to build quality coaches with the ride and prescence that we all have come to know. I questioned Craig about the advertising and he told me he did not want to put stuff out until they had the process right...I agree with that ...make sure the product is perfect before you make a move, and knowing that the fit and finish needs to be flawless. As soon as he rolls that coach out the door guys like us will be foaming at the mouth to critique it. The Model 15's that he has in production are tried and true , but the new coach is the one that people will be judging.Craig also told me that for the first years he wants quality over quantity ..25-50 coaches a year..
I must also correct the fact that the Eagle is the only coach in the market today with a torsion ride suspension..Dina had a smaller set-up, not as heavy duty as the Eagles but similar....Setra had a similar torsion suspension ...and the MCI F3500 has a Lord suspension ..not torsion ..if they did have a torsion set up they probably pulled it out of the old Dina bin when they were in bed together .
I do agree that the website needs some tweaking ..but I have also seen companies with flashy websites but no substance in product ..I s that what we have come to? If the site is cheesy than the product is too? I do not judge by site design, I want to see for myself and I guess time will tell. I am proud of Craig's vision and support him 100%...I just wish he had done it 5 years ago and then I would have had better access to parts ! LOL !!

[tekebird]

the testing facility is in Altoona, PA

I will take your word on his research on the testing, I figured new company new bus new test.

Does he he have Eagles in Production....I have yet to see a photo of a production bus just file photos

as for torsion suspension......the F3500 in deed has torsion as well aas air assist.


not stolen from Dina as the F-3500 was a Dina......which in Fact was a Flxible Flxliner...which did have torsion susension.

I have been under our Flxliners and the F-3500's and they are identicle as they are mor eor less the same chassis.  And I hazzard a guess that an F3500 went to Altoona despite it being a 40 year old design

[tekebird]

a bit of research......

the Altoona testing is for buses which will be purchased or operated with federal funds....so Craig does not need to have it done.  has nothing to do with being grandfathered by using the same jig.

I know nothing about regular vehicle testing requirments so can't comment there

[DrivingMissLazy]

Maybe he needs to hire Sam Walker to put a web site together. They do not get any better than that.
Richard

a bit of research......

the Altoona testing is for buses which will be purchased or operated with federal funds....so Craig does not need to have it done.  has nothing to do with being grandfathered by using the same jig.

I know nothing about regular vehicle testing requirments so can't comment there

[tekebird]

Mexican Eagles:  Although I have not researched the production Qty's.......acording to Silver Eagle Buses own website Eagles were in deed produced in two different location in Mexico.

also from a newpaper article

http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/ts_comments.php?id=68642_0_10_0_C

Hanloh from Nashville with a background in building buggies and chassis.

Sounds like horse buggies to me as there isn't much Sand rail production in TN

[Ace]

Eagle78550 no offense taken! Just wanted to clarify that not all owners of Prevost coaches feel the way T-bird feels!

T-bird it sounds as though you are just a wee bit jealous of a guy with dreams. You openly admitted to the fact that you never have owned an Eagle. You openly admitted that you don't really know the backround of the guy in question that has the big kahuna's! In my opinion, if the guy was in NHRA and was a chassis builder, he gets my vote because the inspectors in NHRA are far more strict than any federal agency! Build a car from the ground up for speeds that exceed 200 MPH and try to get it passed! You will be surprised at what they turn down! You openly admitted that you can't comment on what testing really needs to be done in order to sell the New Eagle bus! I bet you weren't aware that Leber Coaches in Bushnell Fl. has built "look-a-like" (couldn't tell them from a factory Eagle)  Eagle busses litterally from the ground up including their own front and rear caps and were issued titles from the state of Florida to use as leased coaches which in turn over the years were sold to 2nd and 3rd parties! Trust me, they were NOT tested or sent anywhere to be tested by any federal agency and they were used for many many over the road miles carrying many many people including some of the biggest name bands in the country! Since then they have all gone to using the newer Prevost!
Now since you have started this pissing match with a bunch of heresay and hogwash, how about commenting on facts as they are instead of cutting down a guys dreams? Oh abd by the way, what did Eagle do to sell their busses or shells before we had "WEB SITES"? I don't think it takes a web site, good or bad, to sell busses. Do you think I sell mnore kettle corn from my web site? NO, I sell it because it's a good product and I'm sure if this guy and his crew turn out a good product, the same will go for him!

Quit being so negative about another guys dreams! If he fails, it cost him and his pocket, not you, yours or your tax money! Again, if your only babbling about this guy and what he IS doing and you don't think it is right in your eyes, then how about going there and telling him yourself! I'm sure he would be open armed for any help you may want to offer but then again, if all your wanting to do is butt heads with him, then maybe you should stay away from Texas! I hear they don't take too kindly to know it alls!

Ace... with just another opinion

[Ace]

T-bird let me also add that sometimes if not all, the term "Buggy" is used in a lot of drag car terminology! It's definitely NOT horse and buggy! A lot of open wheel drag cars are called buggies!

Now you have actually learned a true fact!

Ace

[pete81eaglefanasty]

 Well said Ace. I could not have said it better, being a eagle owner and proud of it. thanks Ace.


             Pete & Jean
                Fantasy

[captain ron]

WOW I guess I should go back and read some posts I skipped over

[tekebird]

I really doubt that a newspaper article would list they guy as a buggy maker, I have  heard other places that he was involved in high end horse buggy building...prior to his website.

I am not pissing on his parade or dreams...just commenting on the feasability and likelyhood of success.

As I said I hope he does well......let me say that again

I HOPE HE DOES WELL

but I am entitled to my opion and my ability to discuss it on this forum.


Not a pissing match so don't make it that.......

A welder and even a Top Fuel chassis builder makes not a successful Bus Manufacturer.

I have no doubt that he will build a good unit......as I have seen photos of his work at various stages.

I just doubt his ability to sell enough to pay his bills

Again, Not that I am unfamiliar with Eagles, just have never owned or driven one.......been under and around alot of them........they are a good bus......even rusty ones that should not be allowed to tool down the highway ride very nice.......

Keep in Mind, Eagles are only around because of Trailways, once Greyhound bought them and proceeded to let Eagle go........the STRONG entertainer coach market did not keep them in business........will it be strong enough to bring them back.

Read the Title of this thread

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Just staying on topic and DISCUSSING.

Don;t get your panties in a wad

[niles500]

Just an add-on from a Prevost owner who started out to buy an Eagle but ended up with a Prevost - I am happy with what I have - but not so sure I wouldn't have been just as happy with an Eagle - Both fine buses  IMHO

[tekebird]

Oh And Eagle,

I never said he was using illegal labor....just that he should if he wants to make money.

[tekebird]

NOW, I will keep my trap shut until they have a sales staff and I see them rolling out of the factory and off to the Converters.  Until then:

[captain ron]

Appearance wise the best looking buses (in my opinion) are Prevost and Eagles. Now that MCI has the J45 it's up there too but for all the old school styles Prevost and Eagle. But I do believe the guy is putting his money in a VERY high risk market. But I hope he comes out a winner