NEW EAGLE

[tekebird]

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2932248

I'll post it here, already on BNO.

My Opinion. which are my own and subject to other people not liking my bluntness:

Big rectangular box, with round dated looking headlights.  vane attempt to keep the eagle roofline while incorperating a 5 foot tall windshield

Bus looks to still not have a windshield which leads me to think it is the same bus that was on the Eagle site 6 months ago but in paint and outside.

Allegedly on it's way to an undisclosed converter for an undisclosed buyer.

DISCLAIMER: Keep in mind I am not an Eagle Nut, so I am not sentimental about eagle......I always admired thier styling which this has none of( up thru the Model 10, but particluarly the early eagles that were chocked full of styling points.

I am also not an eagle Specialist although I ahve a fair ammount of exposure to them over the years.

[Dreamscape]

Then you have folks that like Chevy's or Ford's. Everyone will not like one thing or another for some reason, too boxy, too short, rough ride etc., etc.,. That is why this is such a great country.
I respect your opinion tekebird, agree with some points, disagree with others. I have not personally seen the new Eagle 25 up close, so I will reserve my thoughts till I do. Most pictures don't do justice to anything.
I have been an Eagle fan most of my life, and love the look of the older buses in general. That also goes for GMC's, Prevosts and one of my favorites, scenic cruisers.

I have heard the first one is going to Mexico, not confirming, just what I heard.

So, after saying that, I wish Silver Eagle Bus the best of luck. I am sure that some design changes will be made, just like the older cars with fins, to no fins back in the 50's and sixties.

Happy Trails,

Paul

Dreamscape

[cody]

Big eagle fan here too,  there are some things on the new one that don't really appeal to me, it does seem somewhat boxy and I don't care for the tall windshield either, thats why I bought a model 10 instead of a model 15, I want to limit the solar gain from the tall windshields, overall, I like it but I think that like everything else it will evolve over time, it's just nice to see them back in production again.  Expanding the bus market place will be good for everyone, regardless of the make someone prefers.

[RJ]

RE: New Eagle's styling -

I think one of the things that skews the views of this new coach is the fact that it's got a raised roofline, which throws the proportions off slightly. Same thing happens to an MC-9 when you raise the roof, and nobody seems to squabble about those.

Personally, I'll reserve judgment until I see the completed product.

[captain ron]

From a converters point of view`I'm sure this bus is going to be a real treat as there are no real curves to deal with. This bus is definitely space efficient as you don't lose any area due to radius corners along the roof line. Easier to build and hang cabinetry and bulkhead walls. I think a slight curve in the roof would go a long way in making this bus look nicer and not have issues of water standing in any certain area while parked. With the roof raised it will leave a great area for dropped ceiling and ducting, placement of electronics, wiring, airline plumbing for air assisted interior items. Too many purists here, just be glad they are back in business so you can get new parts again big plus for you eagle guys. Plus think of the pride you'll feel when you see one of these brand new Eagles rolling down the road. GM guys will never get that feeling.

[Len Silva]

A new GM bus, built to the same standards as the 4104/06 would probably cost a million dollars today.

Len

[cody]

That brings up an interesting question, does anyone know what the specs of the new eagle are? What the price is and which motor and tranny are they using etc?  I agree that it could be a converters dream with the limited curves and raised roof.

[phil4501]

A new GM bus, built to the same standards as the 4104/06 would probably cost a million dollars today.

Len

It would be worth it, too.

Phil

[luvrbus]

Cody they will put any kind of engine and transmission in the bus you want some one said this one had a Cat but when i looked at it was a Cummings  the bus is 45' long 102" wide and 12'7" tall it has abs disc brake on each axle i think the price starts at 250.000.00

[Dallas]

A new GM bus, built to the same standards as the 4104/06 would probably cost a million dollars today.

Len

I don't have a 4104 or a 4106 but my 4103 was built in 1952 at a cost (according to the tax assesed on it at the time), was $32,000
With inflation, that works out to $249,583.09 in 2007 dollars.

A PD4104 in 1960 cost around $36,000 (according to one persons paper work I saw a long time ago... I may be mistaken).
With inflation, that works out to $251,374.86 in 2007 dollars.

Inflation calculator available at:
http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl

Other calculators are available that read a little higher or lower, but in general they all work out pretty close.


Of course, I only paid a dollar for my bus 4 years ago, so in todays dollars, it would cost: $1.12 

Dallas

GO BUSSING!

[cody]

Lets see,,,,,,,,, $1.12,,, 20% down and the balance over 10 years, even at a good interest rate I can't afford it, sorry Dallas, I know you had your hopes up for retiring with a pile of money to invest but I'm just to strapped at the moment. lol

[brojcol]

I love it.  Any company trying to revive Eagle is ok in my book.  Plus, you have to give them a chance, I'm sure they will evolve, as will the look of their coaches!  If they build a quality product and stand behind it, there should be a market, however large or small it may be.  But even a niche market could prove very profitable.

I can't wait to see how it goes!

You gotta admit, someone buying the trademark name was brilliant in any case!

[brojcol]

I just couldn't resist, I called their switchboard and spoke with a very nice lady.  She said the picture we're looking at is their prototype.  They already have several orders and look forward to completing their first one and going into full production.  She offered to let me speak to the boss, but I declined, stating that I was just curious and wouldn't waste his time. 

She also said they have a full line of Eagle parts and if they don't have what you need, they can get it or fabricate it. 

I AM EXCITED!

[kysteve]

For what its worth, I was told by Eagle that they would build me a brand new 15 from the ground up as original if I wanted one. Since I couldnt afford the long distance call I had just made, I saw no since in even getting that price...lol....  So even though some of you are die hard original Eagle fans, you really got no beef in judging the new model.  If you dont want to purchase the new model, simply order the model you want and dig deep. Just my two cents worth........Steve.....

[David Anderson]

Steve, that's correct about the model 15.  They had all the 15 jigs in the factory for us to see at the rally in April.  I could picture how all my bus went together by looking at those jigs.  I bet many of us busnuts could build our own frames if we had those jigs and were top notch welders. 

As for the 25 I was overwhelmed by its size.  It made my 10 look like a minivan.  It is the McMansion of buses for sure.  Craig Hanloh claims he can build that shell for $250k.  At that price he should be very competitive for the market of those who want a new ride. 

My biggest excitement was seeing factory new torsalastic beams.  They are now available (not the 01s but they are working on it).   I overheard a couple of busnuts at the rally saying that Jefferson Truck was getting low on the beam shells, and availability of rebuilds would become a concern in the future.  Shouldn't be a problem now as the new beams are just a bit more than a rebuild.

David Anderson