Spring Fling at the Bus Musuem?

[brojcol]

Is anybody going to the Spring Fling at the bus musuem in Hershey, PA?

I plan to come and am looking forward to seeing some great buses there...

[Hi yo silver]

Brojcol,
I'm thinking about it, but haven't decided for certain yet.
Dennis

[Runcutter]

I've had my airline ticket for a while - flying into Phl on Friday, home on Sunday.  One thing we need is the exact location (street address) of the annex - last time I looked it wasn't on the website.

Has anyone been in touch with Brill-o?  I talked with him last fall about the October annual meeting, he hadn't received the information in time.  He's about 2 hours away.

Arthur

[Dallas]

Has anyone been in touch with Brill-o?  I talked with him last fall about the October annual meeting, he hadn't received the information in time.  He's about 2 hours away.

Arthur

Arthur,

I got an email from him yesterday. He's had more surgery and seems to be recovering slowly.

If you want I can send you his email address in a PM, as I'm not comfortable posting it without permission.

Dallas

[Runcutter]

Dallas, thanks.  I may have his email on the other computer at home (I'm in California right now).  I empathize with the "recovering slowly" - next week I have a kidney test, and I still don't know how to study for it.

Arthur

[RJ]

". . .next week I have a kidney test, and I still don't know how to study for it."

Lots of water. . .

[Hi yo silver]

Runcutter,
I understand they will operate shuttles from the Museum to the annex, which is only a few miles away.  The reason is parking availability, I think.  So if you can get yourself to the museum, the volunteers will take of the rest.
Dennis

[Dallas]

Dallas, thanks.  I may have his email on the other computer at home (I'm in California right now).  I empathize with the "recovering slowly" - next week I have a kidney test, and I still don't know how to study for it.

Arthur

Arthur, Instead of drinking lots of water, you might want to drink something ambrish or yellow in color.......... like, hmmm, ummmmmm, Oh, I know! BEER!

That way it doesn't have to change colors on the way through!

[JerryH]

Yeah, I have it marked in my calender.  Not sure whose arm I can twist (here) in going.
My family members don't share the same exact interest or enthusiam.

Jerry H.

[Dallas]

Yeah, I have it marked in my calender.  Not sure whose arm I can twist (here) in going.
My family members don't share the same exact interest or enthusiam.

Jerry H.

Jerry,
Send them to Hershey Land.... Everybody loves Chocolate!

[Runcutter]

Jerry, there's a lot to do in the area.  Hershey's factory tour takes a while; the amusement park, downtown, etc.  Let them drop you off at the museum for a while, pick you up later.  Even a couple of hours at the museum/annex is better than nothing.

Arthur

[Hi yo silver]

Hershey Gardens is beautiful this time of year, also.  Roses, shrubs, landscaping galore.  Really nice.
Dennis

[Runcutter]

Now, since we're talking about this, here's another reason to go (or not to go, depending on your perspective and wallet).  Last year, I was at a meeting in DC, and drove up to the Spring Fling with another member - who is on the same TCRP committee.  Being at the storage facility, all the equipment was available.  I was spending time in the 4106, felt right back home (I only got to drive an 06 a couple of times - we had 4903's and 4905's - but it was close enough). 

Talking with another member, he mentioned that he almost bought a prize-winning 4106, but other family needs won out for use of the money.  I broke down and asked him what the price would have been -  and was shocked when he said $15K.  Now, the other element is that my wife (of 8 years) had been saying, since we got married, that we should buy a coach and convert it when we retire.  I was reticient, knowing how much work that would involve, anticipating major expense, (and in the bus business, we don't retire). 

So now, I'm standing in a beautiful 4106, and someone tells me the the price is achievable.  Fly home, start looking on the internet, doing research.  Show pictures to my wife (including Spaceship Buffalo's 4106 that was on the market at that time).  To shorten the story, I found a 4107 on a dealer's website - and the dealer is from an old family bus company - competitors to the one I used to work for (thus, trusted name).  I called, we discussed price.  Called my wife at work and told her the price, she ordered me to hang up right away and call the dealer back before someone else did.  On a plane the following week to inspect the coach, with a check in my pocket.

Thus, last year's Spring Fling, and the knowledge I gained there was directly responsible for us buying the 4107.  Of course, that also made it responsible for a $2000 radiator, $2000 other stuff including starter rebuild, $3000 driveshaft, etc. etc.  On the upside, we used the coach to take my 87-year old Mother-in-Law to Canada to see relatives; and she told us it was her easiest trip because she could lie down, the ride was smooth, etc.   

Arthur

[brojcol]

Well, see ya'll tomorrow!!!  I have already RSVP'd and we plan to get there about 10 AM.  I can't wait!

I probably won't sleep a wink tonight.  Since I don't have a bus anymore, I plan to carry pictures of my last one so folks will believe me when I tell them I really am a busnut!!!

[Runcutter]

As it turned out, I had to cancel my trip - too much work just came in.  Considering the amount of work needed on the 4107, before a possible 5000 mile trip in July, that is actually a good thing - since the work will also have to be paid for.  Fortunately, I had a very good airfare, and that's all I lost.  Maybe I'll make it up in October.

Arthur