Texas Pickup Truck

[Sean]

This thing has been around for five years now.  There is only one -- the original prototype.

(1) That's not a "custom box" on the back -- it's a standard 20' intermodal container.  (Well, OK, the one pictured may be custom, in the sense that it's been painted -- but the point of the thing was to take standard containers.)

(2) This is not a European coach.  It was invented and patented right here in the USA, by James G. Gaspard and Harvey F. Dick of Neoplan USA, a privately held licensee of Neoplan technology in the US.  AFAIK, Neoplan USA never re-licensed the intermodal coach to MAN (current holders of the Neoplan marque in Europe).

(3) The idea was a dismal failure, notwithstanding grandiose plans announced by Univesal Express to develop it into a nationwide passenger/freight operation.  The prototype was the only one ever built.

(4) It's a 45' vehicle, making it unusable in many countries outside of North America.

All that said, it's a pretty cool vehicle.  The #2 axle is an unpowered bogie that lifts on driver command when not needed for freight capacity.  The front part is more or less a "standard" US-spec Skyliner, with some structural modifications to transition from monocoque to frame construction aft of the centerline.

Like all Neoplans in this country, this one's an orphan.  Neoplan USA is out of business.  It does have a US engine and US-spec running gear, though, so it should be a bit easier to service than my German hybrid.  And, other than the windshields, all the glass is flat and can be sourced elsewhere -- one of the biggest parts issues with other Neoplans in North America.

Other than the standing headroom issue, it would make a great "toy hauler" conversion for someone.  Can get some mighty big toys in that kind of space.

-Sean
http://ourodyssey.blogspot.com

[Len Silva]

I think that is a cool concept.  Wonder what would have happened to Greyhound if all of their coaches had been set up like that.  They could have hauled passengers AND...containerized type bulky/heavy freight or anything for more $bucks$. 

Actually, they did try it.  They were "combos" with freight carried in the rear portion of the bus. This was before the age of containers.

Len

[Chaz]

I like that thing! A long time ago I seen where a farmer had did something like that where he moved the back wall of a school bus up to the front where he had left one row of seats behind him. I'm not sure what all he carried, but I do believe it opened my eyes to buses. It was neat, unique and creative. There is also another old school bus an hour or so from here that is more like this Neo that a guy hauls his race car (dirt) with. Again, very cool.
So back to this one........ one of you retired full timers ought to buy this bad boy and do a little "truckin" to supplement the wallet!  lolol  High end cars would be allot of fun to ship!! You could stack two of them.   

  I like "different",
     Chaz

[JackConrad]

   There is a couple that come the the Florida Flywheeler's Antique Engine & Tractor Show in a school bus that is painted John Deere green. They cut the sides and top off from the back to about 10-12 feet from the drivers seat and bult a wall across the bus. The front part is a small living area. They haul their antique tractor and golf cart on the back "flatbed" part.  Jack

[Chaz]

Jack,
  Now THAT is what I'm talking about!!       School buses are an under utilized commodity. Too bad there isn't a market for such stuff.  lol
    Chaz

[Darrell]

Here in eastern Carolina, they cut the skoolies off just behind the driver and haul 4'x4' pickle, potatoe, and sweet tater crates on the flat bed of the floor.  They can fit two crates side by side.      

[HB of CJ]

Yep....crazy things can be done with an ex-schoolie.  My 1974 Crown Super Coach 40-foot, 3-axle, 10-wheeler has a stripped weight of 23950 pounds and a indicated GVW of 47140 pounds.  16K front axle and 34K drivers.  Have seen the same coach hauling 24000 pounds of 33 foot 6 inch drill pipe inside the bus.  All that was done was bolt the bungs to the frame, add a headache rack next to the dashboard and cut a big hole in the rear bulkhead.  The rear barn doors were left stock.  Big water well project.    Amazing.