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Elliot
Senior Member
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2017 : 5:39:58 PM
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I'm considering buying a second bus, and I see this one on an online auction. 1992 BB TC2000 Forward Control, listed as having a Cummins 5.9. This one has a Telma retarder, which I very much want.
But what's with the extended front? I already have exactly a 1992 TC2000 FC with 5.9, and its front is flat.
I have seen others like this, and I believe this to be an option of some sort. Well... the option is... whatever that six inches or so "bubble" is covering.
There is no sign of air-conditioning in the driver's area, so probably not an a/c condenser.
Can a Telma be water cooled? But the same district has other similar buses with Telma, but no "bubble".
Sure appreciate your knowledge!
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Elliot
Senior Member
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - 01/09/2017 : 10:41:19 PM
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Poking around on the interweb.... On Wikipedia, they say that this "bulge" was a running change in 1991. The large hinged panel was supposed to make access easier for drivers and mechanics. But this was abandoned in 1992.
OK, so... feedback from districts was negative. So far, it makes sense.
But why extend forward six or eight inches? That cost money in new tooling.
Also... I believe the extension would put an 84 pax bus over 40 feet. My 84 pax 1992 is right at 40 feet.
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Elliot 1992 Bluebird TC2000 FE, 5.9, MT643 |
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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4544 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2017 : 03:33:01 AM
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It seems like Blue Bird likes to come up with new designs and then abandon them. How many new buses were supposed to be the best new thing, then disappeared quickly? I think this was the beginning of that trend. |
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Elliot
Senior Member
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - 01/10/2017 : 2:24:12 PM
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Yes, that's not unusual. In this case, maybe people were cutting their heads open on the edge of the raised panel (just as a theory). That would probably get back to BB after a while. (I should hope.)
I sure appreciate all thoughts on this, gentlemen! |
Elliot 1992 Bluebird TC2000 FE, 5.9, MT643 |
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buster133
Top Member
USA
512 Posts |
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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4544 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2017 : 06:24:04 AM
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Keen observation there about the wipers! That might explain it. |
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baptistbusman1
Senior Member
USA
175 Posts |
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Thomasbus24
Administrator
USA
4544 Posts |
Posted - 01/11/2017 : 09:17:02 AM
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Did it have a prop rod of some sort? I hope? |
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baptistbusman1
Senior Member
USA
175 Posts |
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