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AmTran_Buses
Active Member
USA
35 Posts |
 Posted - 04/27/2011 : 03:44:15 AM
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Hello all, as you can tell by name I like AmTran/International buses (we live in TN. so no rust comments please)
We have a 1996 Genesis and soon replacing it with a 2000 AmTran FE
But anyway, I don't see much discussion on these fellers...
These are Carpenter FE buses, (maybe a Cavalier...just newer??)
Spartan Chass...
Cummins engine/
I don't think I have ever seen one...anyone have/had one? |
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Jake
Top Member
USA
3527 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2011 : 08:07:33 AM
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I've only seen one Carpenter FE in person, being from Kentucky (church bus painted green). Surprised you haven't seen one though, I know TN is chock-full of them. They're still around, Ohio has a lot of them too. Though, probably not for long, age is starting to catch up with them.
And yeah, its just the "Carpenter FE", I believe they dropped the "Cavalier" phrase in the late 80s. It may have been called the "Counselor FE" though.. I've seen several websites list them as that, but I'm not entirely sure.
Late 80s:
http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/gallery/updates/jul05/car1_88fe_lit.htm
1968 model:
http://busweb.22web.net/Photos/collections/Jan10/sbw_jan10-68carpfe01.htm
In 2000 I believe the Carpenter FE (well, Crown FE then) was redesigned and renamed to become the Chancellor FE. Due to Carpenters' demise shortly after, I don't believe many of these units exist. But they are out there.
http://busweb.awardspace.us/archives/sbw2/sept09/sbw2_00crfe1.htm
http://busexplorer.com/PHP/MidPage.php?id=1034
Like I said, Kentucky never had them. Some churches may have picked them up second hand, but the state bid never allowed Carpenter transits.
-Jake
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A new forum community dedicated to school bus driving, operations, maintenance and enthusiasts!
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AmTran_Buses
Active Member
USA
35 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2011 : 12:23:08 PM
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Thanks for the information!
I will have to look closer at other school districst around here.
In my county we can't drive a bus older than 15 years. The good ol' '90s buses are leaving :( |
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SteveCof00
Senior Member
USA
128 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2011 : 1:29:05 PM
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| The Cavalier was gone by 1990, mainly because Carpenter switched chassis suppliers (out of necessity; GM had stopped making the S7 chassis). From what I've seen of the Crown by Carpenter website, the Counselor name was dropped in 1996 as part of the Crown re-branding. |
http://schoolbusweb.proboards.com/ |
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Schoolbus56
Senior Member
United States
128 Posts |
Posted - 04/27/2011 : 2:38:23 PM
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Then The carpenter name re appeared for the 2000 and the 01's that made it out (very few 2001's actually hit the streets)..
I had a 2000 Carpenter FE It wasnt a terrible bus. Wasnt the best either.
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wow. |
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C.HARDY
Advanced Member
354 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2011 : 12:21:54 PM
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| You know I dont believe there any of those in Virginia either. If so I've never seen one. I have heard they were good driving buses but I have never owned or driven one. |
"Hardybusman" |
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Tatum
Top Member
United States
606 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2011 : 2:44:46 PM
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| ^If they were on a Spartan chassis, nothing could beat it! Too bad Spartan Chassis were only available on Waynes and Carpenters, because I know many, many more people would enjoy them if they were offered with a Blue Bird or Thomas body. |
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bigredmachine
Senior Member
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - 04/28/2011 : 5:29:23 PM
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| One of the first school buses I ever rode was a Carpenter FE. I was just in Kindergarten, but I distinctly remember the blue interior and a large gap between the driver and the seat behind the driver. One rainy day a windshield wiper broke and we had to wait for another bus..I was freaking out because I was afraid we wouldn't get home and my mom would be worried. Good thing a blue bird came to our rescue! |
Formerly BlueBirdMan |
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Carpenter FE buses
