GM Buffalo bus

Last updated
GM Buffalo bus
B&A 2103 Pitman, NJ March 1983.jpg
Baltimore and Annapolis Railroad Company's motorcoach # 2103 is a 1969 GM Buffalo 40' model PD4903A with seating for 47 passengers, seen in Pitman, New Jersey, in 1983.
Overview
Manufacturer GM Truck and Coach Division (General Motors)
Assembly Pontiac West Assembly
Body and chassis
Doors1 or 2
Floor typeStep entrance
Powertrain
Engine GM 8V-71 Detroit Diesel
Transmission
  • Spicer 4-speed manual
  • Allison 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase
    • 261 in (6.6 m) (41xx)
    • 318+12 in (8.09 m) (49xx)
[1] :iv
Length
    • 35 ft (11 m) (41xx)
    • 39 ft 11 in (12.17 m) (49xx)
[1] :iv
Width95+34 in (2.43 m) [1] :iv
Height131+12 in (3.34 m) [1] :iv

The GM "Buffalo" bus is a colloquial term referring to several models of intercity motorcoaches built by the GM Truck and Coach Division at Pontiac, Michigan, between 1966 and 1980. "Buffalo" coaches have a stepped roof in front, and the first three rows of seats are at different levels, mounted on stepped floors resembling some types of theater seating.

Contents

History

Predecessors

Scenicruiser

The GM "Buffalo" bus models were strongly influenced by the PD-4501 Scenicruiser, a model GM manufactured exclusively for Greyhound Lines between 1954 and 1956.

The Scenicruiser was a parlor bus intended for long-distance service with two levels: a lower level at the front containing the driving console and ten seats behind it, and an upper level containing seating for 33. This allowed for a huge baggage compartment beneath the raised upper level, and also provided a 360-degree view for upper level passengers. A lavatory was located at the rear of the first level. Scenicruisers were equipped with air-ride suspension which utilized an air bag at each wheel, and were air-conditioned.

GM parlor buses

Contemporaneous with the Greyhound-exclusive Scenicruisers, GM manufactured the single-deck "Highway Traveler" (PD-4104) parlor from 1953 to 1960, pioneering the monocoque structure, air suspension, and slanted side windows that would go on to be used on the well-known New Look transit buses. [2] :29 Later, an updated Traveler (internally designated as model PD-4106 at GM, built 1961–65) incorporated some design updates, including the air-conditioning unit drive (now powered from an engine-mounted compressor), a V-drive engine–transmission connection, and the Detroit Diesel 6V71 or 8V71 engine. [3] :222,314

Fishbowl transit and suburbans

Virginia Overland Transportation's motorcoach # VO-72 is a 1972 GM Buffalo 35' model P8M4108A with seating for 39 passengers, seen on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, in 1982. Bfflo2.jpg
Virginia Overland Transportation's motorcoach # VO-72 is a 1972 GM Buffalo 35' model P8M4108A with seating for 39 passengers, seen on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, in 1982.

The GM New Look Transit Coach series (nicknamed "fishbowl" for the six-piece rounded windshield) was introduced in 1959. Beginning in the early 1960s, thousands were built in the transit and suburban bus models. When designed and put into production, the Buffalo intercity products shared many body and mechanical parts with these "fishbowl" buses, which were assembled in the same plant in Pontiac, Michigan.

This aspect, a sensible production economy at first, would have a negative impact on the future of the Buffalo models years later when GM switched transit production at the Pontiac plant to the modular RTS design, a radical change beginning in the late 1970s. [4]

Buffalo development

As Scenicruisers became a familiar sight on roads around the United States and in advertisements, competing bus companies including members of the National Trailways Bus System sought a vehicle to compete with it. One of the product designs developed in response to this market demand was the GM "Buffalo" bus, nick-named for the hump-back style of the roofline. Many features such as the split-level design from the Scenicruiser and the revisions introduced in the PD-4106 model were included in the Buffalo bus.

Unlike the Scenicruiser, the Buffalo buses were available for sale to all operators. In fact, Greyhound eventually purchased a few of them; the last GM bus purchased by Greyhound was a 1967 PD-4107. [4]

Models

Type Engine Transmission
(2nd gen only)
Nominal seating capacity and lengthSeriesAir conditioning
1st generation
P = parlor bus
1st generation
D = diesel
1st generation
Not used
- 41 = 35 feet (10.7 m)
49 = 40 feet (12.2 m)
two digitsA = Air conditioning
2nd generation
H = highway coach
2nd generation
8 = Detroit Diesel 8V71
H = hydraulic (automatic) transmission
M = manual transmission

First generation: GM PD-4107 and PD-4903

PD-4903 with open door, formerly Public Service Coordinated Transport Z603 Public Service Z603 (24748767772).jpg
PD-4903 with open door, formerly Public Service Coordinated Transport Z603

In 1966, GM introduced the PD-4107. Also known informally as "decks," these buses were similar in some ways to the Scenicruiser design, but had a larger "second level" with the first level reduced, and the lavatory was located at the rear. The 4107 was 35-foot (11 m) in length, and nominally (without lavatory) would seat 41 passengers (38 or 39 with lavatory). In 1968, the PD-4903 was introduced, a 40-foot (12 m) long version of the 4107 which nominally would seat 49 passengers (46 or 47 with lavatory). The PD-4903 was the first GM bus to use a 24 volt electrical system and was equipped with a third luggage bay. [4]

In the "Buffalo" bus, the driver sat higher than in the Scenicruiser, but the passenger compartment was no higher than the Scenicruiser's upper deck, so the Buffalo was not actually a double decker. The difference in the height of the front and rear roof was approximately one foot, giving a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape.

These product lines used an airplane-like stressed-skin construction in which an aluminum riveted skin supports the weight of the bus, while a rigid wooden floor platform kept the bus's structural shape. [1] :23 The engine cradle was hung off the back framing of the roof. [1] :209

GM's Buffalo models were powered by turbocharged eight-cylinder Detroit Diesel Series 71 two-cycle diesel engines, known as the 8V71N. [1] :iv GM buses used a unique "V-drive" configuration with a transverse-mounted engine. The transmission was set off at a 63° angle to connect to the rear axle. [1] :317 The left-hand rotating engines were canted backwards for maintenance access; in fact, the only major components not accessible from outside the bus were the right-hand exhaust manifold and the starter, which were accessible from underneath and via access panels under the rear passenger seat. The entire enginetransmissionradiator assembly was mounted on a cradle which could quickly be removed and replaced for maintenance, allowing the bus to rapidly return to revenue service while leaving the powertrain in the shop for repairs. [1] :203

The original buses had a four-speed non-synchronized Spicer manual transmission with a solenoid reverse. [1] :317 The 4107 and 4903 models were notorious for being difficult to shift through the gears, often making loud, grinding noises that tended to upset the passengers. The technique known as "double-clutching" reduced these noises, but even the most skilled driver would occasionally have problems, especially when changing buses gave the driver an unfamiliar clutching or shifting feel. [4]

Second generation: GM PD-4108 and PD-4905

In 1970, design improvements came with the updated versions, PD-4108 (35 ft) and PD-4905 (40 ft) both with a 24-volt electrical system. The driver's controls were updated for both. The biggest complaint about the 4905 and 4903, from the drivers' point of view, was that the extra 5 feet (1.5 m) of length was all between the front and rear axles. The baggage compartment doors could easily be scraped during tight turns. The 4905s looked just like 4108s but with three baggage compartments. In addition, synchronized gearboxes were added in the second generation. [4]

Some 4905s were equipped with a tag axle at the factory, with a single extra wheel on each side, located in the third baggage compartment for states with lower axle load limits. [4] The tag axle was forward of the drive axle, so turning radius was not affected.

In 1972, the PD-4108 was redesignated P8M4108A, and the PD-4905 became P8M4905A. In 1979 and 1980, the P8M4905A was replaced with the short-lived model H8H649, which added an automatic transmission from Allison for the first time. [4]

Markets

The GM Buffalo models were purchased primarily by affiliates of the National Trailways Bus System and many other smaller operators. After the Scenicruiser exclusivity arrangement with GM, Greyhound purchased an interest in Canadian bus manufacturer Motor Coach Industries (MCI), and by the mid-1960s, it had switched most of its purchasing over to MCI products. In the 1970s, MCI products began to overtake the GM Buffalo models in sales volume, especially after the introduction of the popular MC-8 at the Transpo 72 exhibition held at Dulles Airport near Washington, DC, in 1972.

As the market share declined, GM lost interest in updating its intercity motorcoach products. When the GM RTS bus models replaced the fishbowl models in GM's transit bus offerings in 1977, the loss of shared capacity meant the Buffalo models, which shared many common parts with the fishbowl, would not continue in production for long. The final Buffalo model buses were built in 1980.

Total production of the 4,558 Buffalo buses was as follows:

GM "Buffalo" bus model and production history [5]
GenYears35-ft40-ft
ModelQuantityModelQuantity
11966–69PD-41071,267PD-4903401
21970–71PD-410868PD-4905330
1972–78/79 [lower-alpha 1] P8M-4108A232P8M-4905A2,027
1979–80N/AH8H-649A233
Totals1,5672,991
Notes
  1. 35' (P8M-4108A) manufactured until 1979. 40' (P8M-4905A) manufactured until 1978.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Coach (bus)</span> Bus used for longer-distance service

A coach is a type of bus built for longer-distance service, in contrast to transit buses that are typically used within a single metropolitan region. Often used for touring, intercity, and international bus service, coaches are also used for private charter for various purposes. Coaches are also related and fall under a specific category/type of RVs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GMC Envoy</span> American mid-size sport utility vehicle

The GMC Envoy is a mid-size SUV manufactured and marketed by General Motors for the 1998 to 2009 model years over two generations. Adopting a nameplate used by GM Canada, the Envoy was a rebadged variant of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Oldsmobile Bravada, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7X.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GMC motorhome</span> American recreational vehicle

The GMC Motorhome is a recreational vehicle that was manufactured by the GMC Truck & Coach Division of General Motors for model years 1973–1978 in Pontiac, Michigan, USA — as the only complete motorhome built by a major auto/truck manufacturer. Manufactured in 23 and 26 ft lengths, the design was noted for its front-wheel drive and its low profile, fully integrated body.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greyhound Canada</span> Canadian intercity bus company

Greyhound Canada Transportation ULC began as a local British Columbia bus line in the early 1920s, expanded across most of Canada, and became a subsidiary of the US Greyhound in 1940.

The Yellow Coach Manufacturing Company was an early manufacturer of passenger buses in the United States. Between 1923 and 1943, Yellow Coach built transit buses, electric-powered trolley buses, and parlor coaches.

NJ Transit Bus Operations' and companies leasing buses from NJ Transit use various models of buses between 25 and 60 feet in length to provide service within the state of New Jersey. The lists and rosters below list current and past buses purchased new or inherited by NJ Transit for heavy duty fixed-route service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet/GMC B series</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet and GMC B series was a series of cowled chassis that were produced by General Motors. Produced across three generations from 1966 to 2003, the model line was a variant of medium-duty trucks marketed under the Chevrolet and GMC nameplates. Initially derived from the medium-duty C/K series, later examples were derived from the GMT530 architecture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eagle bus</span> American motor coach

The Eagle was a make of motor coach with a long and interesting history. During a period of over four decades, some 8,000 Eagle coaches were built in four countries on two continents. The coaches were a common sight on American highways and were strongly associated with Continental Trailways for over three decades.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GM New Look bus</span> American public transit bus

The GM New Look bus is a municipal transit bus that was introduced in 1959 by the Truck and Coach Division of General Motors to replace the company's previous coach, retroactively known as the GM "old-look" transit bus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rapid Transit Series</span> American transit bus type

The Rapid Transit Series (RTS) city bus is a long-running series of transit buses that was originally manufactured by GMC Truck and Coach Division during 1977, in Pontiac, Michigan. First produced in 1977, the RTS was GMC's offering of an Advanced Design Bus design (the other entry was the Grumman 870 by competitor Flxible) and is the descendant of GMC's prototype for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transbus project. The RTS is notable for its then-futuristic styling featuring automobile-like curved body and window panels; the Advanced Design Buses were meant to be an interim solution between the high-floor transit buses that preceded them, such as the GMC New Look (which had a curved windshield, but flat side glass and body panels), and modern low-floor buses that would facilitate passenger boarding and accessibility. Most current buses are now made by specialized coach manufacturers with flat sides and windows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PD-4501 Scenicruiser</span> Motor vehicle

The GMC PD-4501 Scenicruiser, manufactured by General Motors (GM) for Greyhound Lines, Inc., was a three-axle monocoque two-level coach that Greyhound used from July 1954 into the mid-1970s. 1001 were made between 1954 and 1956.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GM "old-look" transit bus</span> GM bus manufactured from 1940 to 1969

The GM "old-look" transit bus was a transit bus that was introduced in 1940 by Yellow Coach beginning with the production of the model TG-3201 bus. Yellow Coach was an early bus builder that was partially owned by General Motors (GM) before being purchased outright in 1943 and folded into the GM Truck Division to form the GM Truck & Coach Division. The Yellow Coach badge gave way to the GM nameplate in 1944. Production of most "old-look" models was stopped upon the release of the GM New-Look bus in 1959, however some smaller "old-look" models continued to be built until 1969. Approximately 38,000 "old-look" buses were built during the 29-year production run. The "old-look" name is an unofficial retronym applied to this series of GM buses after the release of the GM New-Look series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blue Bird All American</span> Motor vehicle

The Blue Bird All American is a series of buses produced by American school bus manufacturer Blue Bird Corporation since 1948. Originally developed as a yellow school bus, versions of the All American have been designed for a wide variety of applications, ranging from the Blue Bird Wanderlodge luxury motorhome to buses for law enforcement use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crown Supercoach</span> Motor vehicle

The Crown Supercoach is a bus that was constructed and marketed by Crown Coach Corporation from 1948 to 1991. While most examples were sold as yellow school buses, the Supercoach formed the basis for motorcoaches and other specialty vehicles using the same body and chassis. While technically available outside of the West Coast, nearly all Crown school buses were sold in Washington state, Oregon and California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet van</span> Motor vehicle

The Chevrolet Van or Chevy Van is a range of vans that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1964 to 1996 model years. Introduced as the successor for the rear-engine Corvair Corvan/Greenbrier, the model line also replaced the panel van configuration of the Chevrolet Suburban. The vehicle was sold both in passenger van and cargo van configurations as well as a cutaway van chassis that served as the basis for a variety of custom applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GM PD-4103</span> Motor vehicle

The GM PD-4103 was a single-decker coach built by GMC, in the United States, in 1951 and 1952. It was a 37- or 41-passenger Parlor-series highway coach and was an improved version of the earlier PD-4102 "transition" model. A total of 1501 were built, 900 in 1951 and 600 in 1952, plus one that was converted by GMC from a PD-4102. In early 1953, this model was replaced by the groundbreaking PD-4104 "Highway Traveler". The PD-4103 competed directly with, and surpassed in sales, a similar model from ACF-Brill Corporation, the IC41.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GX-1 (bus)</span> Concept bus by Greyhound

GX-1 was the first post-WWII concept bus from Greyhound that evolved into the Scenicruiser PD-4501.

The GX-2 was a prototype bus built for Greyhound that would eventually be developed into the Scenicruiser. It began in mid-1948 as a 35-foot design, but, in part, to accommodate more passengers, Greyhouse President Orville Caesar directed his engineering department, which had obtained from GM a PD-3751, to add five feet in length to the upper deck. After Greyhound's initial experiences with GX-1, the 50-seat double-decked bus, Caesar decided that the next prototype would be a deck-and-a-half style. This decision resulted in the iconic silhouette of the Scenicruiser.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flyer 700/800/900 series</span> Canadian bus model series

The Flyer 700/800/900 series were a series of transit buses built in three generations by Western Flyer and its successors Flyer Industries and New Flyer, of Canada, between 1967 and 1987. Except for brief overlap during transition from one generation to the next, they were not in production concurrently. All individual model designations included a prefix of either D, for diesel propulsion, or E, for electrically powered trolleybuses, with the first digit indicating the generation and the last digit indicating a variant within the generation. The introductory model was the D700, originally released in 1967 for the Canadian transit market, and the last series group to be produced, D900, was discontinued in 1987. Flyer had become New Flyer only the year before, in 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet C/K (second generation)</span> American truck series

The second generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors. Marketed by both the Chevrolet and GMC divisions from the 1967 to 1972 model years, this generation was given the "Action Line" moniker by General Motors. As with its predecessor, the second generation C/K included full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty commercial trucks.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Maintenance Manual: GMC Coach Models PD-4903 and PD-4107 (After Serial No. 1065). GMC Truck & Coach Division. May 1968. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  2. Maintenance Manual: GMC Coach Model PD-4104. GMC Truck & Coach Division. April 1958. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  3. Maintenance Manual: GMC Coach Model PD-4106. GMC Truck & Coach Division. June 1961. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Brophy, Jim (October 15, 2016). "Bus Stop Classic: GM PD 4107/4108 and 4903/490-5; GM's Buffalo – Last of the Line". Curbside Classic. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  5. "General Motors Corporation PD-4903 - PD-4905 - P8M-4905A - H8H-649". The Dean Library. Retrieved 13 June 2022.