BusTalk

Q65A · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:08 pm Post subject:

BRT has been proposed for 34th Street but, curiously, not for 42nd Street. Perhaps NRT would be better than light rail on 42nd.

Q65A · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 6:09 pm Post subject:

That should read BRT, not NRT.

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 11:27 pm Post subject:

This should settle the whole proposed 42nd. Street Light Rail debate;

http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/transportation/20050518/16/1420

Enjoy.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

RailBus63 · Moderator Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 1063

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 3:43 pm Post subject:

Pictured in early 1972 sitting at a special 'Bus Zone' somewhere in midtown Manhattan is fleet number 6187 - a 1972 GM Model T6H-5310A and one of thirty-five numbered 6164 to 6199 delivered to the New York City Transit Authority between February and March of that year.

Only 106 of this model were built and all exclusively for New York between 1972 and 1973 with an additional 56 to the Transit Authority, 6 to MABSTOA and 8 to Nassau's MSBA.

While almost identical to the T6H-5307A, the T6H-5310A was configured for 'express' service with 47 seats facing mostly forward.

Shown brand new in pleasing tones of blue, # 6187 is signed for R9X Line express service to Great Kills Park in Staten Island.

# 6920 of this order is preserved by a collector in California.

Photo borrowed for educational purposes only.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, New York

Hankg42 · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2011 8:47 pm Post subject:

If I recall correctly, the 9X was the first (or one of the first) express bus lines instituted from S.I. to Manhattan. Those of us who had to ride the SIRT, then the ferry, and then the subway, really appreciated the service.

Also, there were about a dozen or so buses numbered in the low 8900 range, used for express service, that had 3 speed transmissions. They also had a yellow / gold seat color that distinguished them from others. Those buses could fly compared to the 2 speed models.

yc720_06 · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 3:15 am Post subject: Betsy FACC 1263

Mr L and Bob,
Turns out Betsy is quite a different 'animal' from when built in 1931.
I came across this in Old Autos magazine of Aug 5 2002. Originally sold to the Harrah Collection of Reno, NV in 1961, Betsy underwent a ground up rebuild in 1973. All the original Yellow Coach running gear was removed and replaced. I'm assuming that the following are still in place from that time:

Engine: 71-74 International 'Red Diamond' inline 6 cylinder 501 cubic inches.
Transmission: Fuller 10 speed Road Ranger "RT 610".
Driveline: 1700 series Spicer.
Differential: Single speed Eaton.
Steering gear: Ross power stearing.
Regards.

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2459 Location: South Florida

Q65A · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2011 4:03 pm Post subject:

I have similar memories of Domenico MC-8's working in Staten Island express service.

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 1:20 am Post subject:

I'll admit that this one is pushing the envelope a little too far but I know that it's something my good friend Bob (Q65A) will enjoy.

Seen in 1950 (albeit with a microscope) traveling south on 164th. Street in Flushing on the Q65A route is a 1937 ACF Model H-16-S numbered somewhere between 20 and 74 operating for Queens-Nassau Transit Lines, Inc. of Flushing, New York.

The Q65A, which was commonly referred to as the Jewel Avenue Line, was one of the company's shortest and ran from 71st. Avenue and Queens Boulevard in Forest Hills to 164th. Street in Flushing.

If you look very closely you'll see 'The Route of the Orange Bus' written under the driver's window - but if you have any trouble espying it, I've also attached a larger than life reasonable facsimile for you.

Photos borrowed for educational purposes only.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, New York

Q65A · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 5:59 am Post subject:

Many thanks (from a lover of "THe Orange Bus") Smile

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2459 Location: South Florida

Thanks so much for those great photo's, Mr. L!

I have been riding the Q65A (now called Q64) from Parsons and Jewel (aka Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Avenue) since 1954 when we moved into our newly constructed apartment in Electchester. So any photos's of old times on that line are really appreciated.

I am trying to figure the exact location......if that is indeed a Q65A on 164 street, and not a Q65, it would have to be going North between 71st Avenue and Jewel, as that is the only stretch of 164 Street that the Q65A travels, other than deadheading from garage. In that case, the photo would make sense as the photographer seems to be shooting from the construction site of my old alma mater, PS200, aka Pomonok School.

When I get a chance, I'll take a stroll over to that location to see if the homes match up with the photo. Many of the homes in that area are still original.

traildriver · Joined: 26 Mar 2011 Posts: 2459 Location: South Florida

As I've mentioned, I have been riding Queens Transit and its successor's since my family moved here from Brooklyn in 1954.
I only recall the old look GM's. Would love to see more shots of the ACF's, and some Mack's on the routes....

Hankg42 · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 2:34 pm Post subject:

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2011 4:00 pm Post subject:

traildriver,

The only Mack's that Queens Nassau ever ran were four 1931 Model 6-BG-3S's which I'm certain would not have been around anymore at the inception of the Q65A route in 1950.

However, the later generations of ACF's including the above pictured H-16-S's and the post war C-44 Brills (lower frame below) were and I remember them sitting at the Ridgewood Savings Bank on Queens Boulevard waiting to return to Jewel Avenue.

The upper photo below was a 1935 Model ACF and one of the first new buses that Queens Nassau ever bought.

You now have representations of every Pre GM model operated by the company.

BTW; the question of the 164th. Street location is certainly debatable and the Q65A reference may have been erroneous in the caption - you're the expert and I'll leave that detail up to you.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'