BIG BIG Scenicruiser NEWS

[pd4501-771]

Some of you may already know,But for those that have not heard......I just bought two Scenicruisers PD4501-997 & PD4501-1001 !!!! I figure Diesel is about five bucks a gallon, so it's a great time to own four buses.Right? (I already have a Scenic, and 4104) I am so excited about the opportunity to buy, and restore 1001. Most of you probably already know the history of 1001, much has been written about 1001, but for a quick explanation..... here goes....

In 1953 GMC built EXP 331 an experimental prototype bus that would eventually become the Scenicruiser. Prior to it's creation, a full sized plaster model mock-up was built. EXP 331 was based directly on this mock-up. Even before this, I believe in 1949 GMC built the GX2. Anyway, after all testing and styling was completed, GMC began production of the PD4501 Scenicruiser in 1954. At the end of the planned 1000 run production, in 1956, Greyhound wanted EXP 331 finished as a bus, and added to the end of the run. So, EXP 331 became PD4501-1001. Due to an earlier regulation, EXP 331 was built with an emergency exit door on the left side. No other Scenic was ever built this way. It also was equipped with a factory spot light.It then went into service with the other 1000 cruisers.It remained in service at least until 1974. It still appeared on the 1974 Greyound roster. At some point between 74, and 1978 Ridgley coach, a charter company from Washington D.C. bought 1001. I do not know yet if Ridgley bought it from GH directly or from some other private company. If anyone has any doctumentation either way...I would love to here from you. Sometime in the late 1980s Ridgley began scrapping the seven Scenics they had. In 1982 my good friend Fred Rayman, a bus driver from Oklahoma City, OK. discovered 1001 at Ridgley in Washington D.C. Fred was on a charter trip hauling people from a church group in OK City to New York City, and Wash D.C. Fred had some down time in D.C. and wanted to ride the commuter trians around D.C.
So, Fred and his pal Bob Beard took a ride on the train. While on the train, Fred spotted about 4 or 5 Scenicruisers sitting in a bus yard. Turns out....the train tracks went right past Ridgley's yard. Fred now had to convince Bob to go back and look at all these Scenics. Anyone that knows Fred.. Knows he loves to keep track of Serial numbers....and here was some he did not have yet! Bob gave in, and they went to oogle over the cruisers. Fred tells me he nearly fainted when he found serial number 997, and then the one and only 1001. This was October 15, 1982. Fred must have told anyone that would listen what he had found in D.C. He must have made an impression on Gordon Pfalzgraf of Belpre, Ohio. Because, over the telephone Fred convinced Gordon to save 997 & 1001 from the scrapper. Three years had pasted. Then in 1985 Gordon was at the Hearshy car swap meet with his now famous hatchback Scenic selling car covers. He met someone from D.C. and asked if they would check to see if 1001 was still at Ridgley. The man honored the request, and reported back....it was still there with 997. Niether had engines, or trans., but still there! The very next day Gordon went home to Belpre, Ohio and immediatly left for Wash D.C. A man on a mission ! He struck a deal to buy both 997 & 1001. He had them both hauled home to Ohio in Nov./Dec. of 1985. Gordon had plans to restore 1001, but never began any work. He had his plate full with 16 other antique cars that needed maintained or restored. I have known of these two buses for years, but always assumed they were not for sale. Then in January of this year, I was sent to Dayton, Ohio for work. I called Mr. Pfalzgraf, and to my surprise...they were for sale. I left a day early and drove the 520 miles to Belpre, Ohio. And the rest is history. I returned to ohio this past weekend to complete the deal. My nephew Patrick and I spent all day Saturday prepping 1001 to be moved home here to Peoria, Illinois. I hope to move them home in the next few months. Certainly before winter. They are stored inside, as they will be here also. Anyway, I am so thrilled about this chance. I am so lucky. Fred Rayman, and Gordon Pfalzgraf are my heros ! Without their efforts these important pieces of automotive history would have been lost forever. Both of them should be very proud.  I have created a photo album here at yahoo.com/group/Scenicruiser21 called "PD4501-1001 EXP 331 McNally's latest" Check out the clunker! She is rough, but I have delt with worse before.

Below is the history on PD4501-997 & PD4501-1001 from the Stray Hound site:


PD4501-1001
Emergency
Rear Door
Prototype


GM
EXP 331
Built 1953 Atlantic Greyhound Lines A-2267
     GM Factory Public Relations Photo -- Left Front View
     GM Factory Public Relations Photo -- Left Rear View
Atlantic Greyhound Lines A-6464
Southeastern Greyhound Lines M-5399
Southern Greyhound Lines 5399
     Still on Greyhound Roster Spring 1974.
Researching...
Preserved
     Owner:  Gordon Phalzgraf  --  Belpre, Ohio
     Good condition, but no powerpack. Searching for one.     
     Also owns PD-4501-536 and PD4501-997
     Currently under discussions to be brought into
      Chicagoland Historical Bus Museum.
     Bus to remail as seated coach when completed.


PD4501-997 Atlantic Greyhound Lines A-2263
Atlantic Greyhound Lines A-6460
Southeastern Greyhound Lines M-5395
Southern Greyhound Lines 5395
Researching...
Researching...
Preserved
Owner:  Gordon Phalzgraf  --  Belpre, Ohio
     Good condition, but no powerpack.     
     Also owns PD-4501-536 and PD4501-1001
     Bus to remain as seated coach.

Note: The Chicago bus museum never followed through on the acquistion of 997 &1001

Regards, 

Tom McNally
Peoria, IL.

[H3Jim]

Wow, great story, Congratulationos on your find!  We look forward to hearing about and seeing your progress!

[Airbag]

Hats off to ya Tom
What a wonderful deed. I am lucky enough to drive buses for a living, but to drive one of those would be the pinicle. And now off to look at your pictures. I have a shed with some old GM parts so let me know of your needs and maybe I can help.

Rick

[kyle4501]

Hey Tom!
You're half way there! only 3 more to catch up with me 

Way to go! Make sure you secure those teardrop windows before you move her!

BTW, No pictures of Gordon's other 'cruiser? ? ? Shame on you! 

[roadrunnertex]

Well Tom,
Look what Fred Rayman and my self have gotten you into. Glad to see that you are going to save 1001 for folk's to look at in later years.
I wish that I was closer to you and I could help you restore the old girl.
Thank goodness Gordon had a secure dry location for her to rest in for quite a number of years.As it's going to be a project but one that will be fun to work with.
jlv

[Barn Owl]

Are you keeping it seated?

Yahoo Scenicruiser21 link:

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Scenicruiser21/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1

[Tenor]

We need proof! Post the pictures! 

Glenn

[pd4501-771]

Yes, PD4501-1001 will most definitely remain a seated coach. I should have enough seats presently. Will restore as close to original as possible. Here is the picture link again below.  JLV You may be asked to enter a "work release" visit program. I will need your electrical knowledge, etc. Kyle, If I buy one more bus....I may have to live in it. Alone 

Tom McNally

http://finance.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Scenicruiser21/photos/browse/1d03

[kyle4501]

If I buy one more bus....I may have to live in it. Alone 

Sooooo, what's the down side? 

[pd4501-771]

Kyle

It gets awfully cold here in the winter. I like to snuggle.

Tom

[Michael_e]

WOW, people with multiple Scenicrusiers. I feel like such a schlep with only one. One day...

Mike - #278

[kyle4501]

Kyle

It gets awfully cold here in the winter. I like to snuggle.

Tom

I hear lots of people sleep with their dog . . .

Besides, I'm sure we can find you plenty of space down here where the winters don't last that long. 

[Busted Knuckle]

Kyle

It gets awfully cold here in the winter. I like to snuggle.

Tom

I hear lots of people sleep with their dog . . .

Besides, I'm sure we can find you plenty of space down here where the winters don't last that long. 

Kyle it's nice of you to make that offer to him, but ya missed the part about he likes to snuggle!  LOL! You might have to share your Teddy bear! LOL!   BK 

[kyle4501]

Kyle

It gets awfully cold here in the winter. I like to snuggle.

Tom

I hear lots of people sleep with their dog . . .

Besides, I'm sure we can find you plenty of space down here where the winters don't last that long. 

Kyle it's nice of you to make that offer to him, but ya missed the part about he likes to snuggle!  LOL! You might have to share your Teddy bear! LOL!   BK 

RE "ya missed the part about he likes to snuggle", I changed the color & made it larger so you could see it.       

[Busted Knuckle]

Kyle

It gets awfully cold here in the winter. I like to snuggle.

Tom

I hear lots of people sleep with their dog . . .

Besides, I'm sure we can find you plenty of space down here where the winters don't last that long. 

Kyle it's nice of you to make that offer to him, but ya missed the part about he likes to snuggle!  LOL! You might have to share your Teddy bear! LOL!   BK 

RE "ya missed the part about he likes to snuggle", I changed the color & made it larger so you could see it.     

I saw that, but most folks I know use the dog as a foot warmer and snuggle with something that don't smell like a dirty ol' mongrel! LOL!   BK