The RTS? Is that the type that had the role of the “EM-50” from the movie STRIPES, oh how ugly they are indeed!!
MaineCentral229
Look at the 1980s hit movie: Beverly Hills Cop.
There was memorable scene in which a transit bus whips a 180 degree spin due to the cop car / semi-truck chase scene with Eddie Murphy hanging on for dear life! That bus is an RTS! Those are what replaced the GMC Fishbowls.
I rode my share of GMC Fishbowls and Flxible New Looks growing up in St. Louis in the 70s. The transit authority, Bi-State back then, had plenty of those and a couple hundred GMC “Old Looks.” They eventually also bought some AM Generals that looked a little like Fishbowls.
Fairfax County, VA’s transit owns a bunch of RTSes. Noisy things with less than stellar interior designs and doors that let winter air rush in because of problems with the seals.
Wasn’t one of the excuses to discontinue both the Fishbowls and New Looks the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for wheelchair seating on transit busses? That, and I think the Government threw some money at both GMC and Flxible to design a “bus of the future.” The result was the RTS and Flxible Metro.
Of course, Flxible is gone (1995?) and GMC sold out to TMC, who either sold out or spun off to Novabus, who discontinued the RTS 2 or 3 years ago.
The Fishbowl’s and New Looks were good looking busses.
The GMC TDH-5301 “New Look” bus was introduced in late 1959 and was built until 1962. Production of the New Look series lasted until 1976.
The Busch model (which I have seen) was originally scheduled for production in 2004. Due to several special orders from auto manufacturers, it had to be delayed until this year, as did the Toyota Land Cruiser that was also supposed to be a 2004 release.
The latest information I have from Busch is that the bus is scheduled for shipment this summer.
There will be three models initially: the #44500 green undec, the #44501 red undec and the #44502 Los Angeles Rapid Transit District Route 35. Future releases will include buses from other cities.
Walthers lists the two undecs at $23.99 each and the LA bus at $28.99. These prices are actually a bit higher than the straight conversion from the 16,99 euro and 19,99 euro prices in Germany. However, I would imagine you’ll be able to find the undecs around $20.00.
Used to ride these “fishbowls” and their predecessors in St. Louis before St Louis Public Service became part of “Bi-State Development”. All the red paint was covered up with green (I think-I had moved away by then).
BCawthon,
Bill! Great to see that you joined the forum. I very much appreciate the e-mail updates you have me back in 2003 and 2004.
Hope you stay onboard!
Adelie, you’re correct! The RTS and Metros were designed with wheelchair lift options. Your info on Flxible and GMC is right on target! Did you work for a transit company?
Peace!
No, I didn’t ever work for a transit company. In fact, I hadn’t even been on a bus from about 1989 until 2001, when I started working in Washington DC. Riding the thing brought back memories and raised questions. One holiday season, I sat at work with too little to do, and started wondering “who makes this Orion thing I ride on every day, and what are Flxible and GMC up to these days?” The internet is a dangerous thing for an idle mind, and I found a couple of sites from bus nuts that laid out the whole history.
Flxible was sort of a fascinating company - started in the motorcycle side-car business back in the steam era. The name came from the fact that it attached to the cycle with a sort of shock absorber thing, making it flexible.
Geez, I’m starting to sound like Cliff Clavin…it’s a little known fact…
By the way Ed, I vaguely remember red buses in St. Louis. Street cars, too. I caugh t the very end of those as a kid.
As stated on the other thread, many thanks to Bill Cawthon for keeping us up to date on the GM licensing situation.
Looks like the Busch models of the fishbowl coaches will be spared. Expected delivery date is Septemeber 2005.
I’m looking forward to these buses showing up at U.S LHS store shelves. This time I WON’T procrastinate like I did 25 years ago! I told my LHS rep, a great guy, that I have “first dibs” when they show up at his store. He already knew by the wacko look on my face that "a few of those buses WILL be set aside for me! Heh-Heh-Heh-heh… [:-,][D)][:P]
Oops! Got to control myself. [8D]
When the Pirate Models fishbowl buses first appeared at LHS shelves back then for $13, I took it for granted that they would be always available. Yep! Very Dumb Move on my part! [D)] After 1 year, it seemed like they were ALWAYS on backorder until HO production ceased altogether!
I love the Flxible New Look, that’s the real deal like the Fishbowls