| Author | Message | ||
| thomas mcnally (Pd45017712003)
Registered Member Username: Pd45017712003 Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 144.195.6.10 Rating: N/A |
Some of you may alread know,But for those that have not heard......I just bought two Scenicruisers PD4501-997 & PD4501-1001 !!!! I figure Diesel is about five bucks a gallon, so it's a great time to own four buses.Right? (I already have a Scenic, and 4104) I am so excited about the opportunity to buy, and restore 1001. Most of you probably already know the history of 1001, much has been written about 1001, but for a quick explanation..... here goes.... In 1953 GMC built EXP 331 an experimental prototype bus that would eventually become the Scenicruiser. Prior to it's creation, a full sized plaster model mock-up was built. EXP 331 was based directly on this mock-up. Even before this, I believe in 1949 GMC built the GX2. Anyway, after all testing and styling was completed, GMC began production of the PD4501 Scenicruiser in 1954. At the end of the planned 1000 run production, in 1956, Greyhound wanted EXP 331 finished as a bus, and added to the end of the run. So, EXP 331 became PD4501-1001. Due to an earlier regulation, EXP 331 was built with an emergency exit door on the left side. No other Scenic was ever built this way. It also was equipped with a factory spot light.It then went into service with the other 1000 cruisers.It remained in service at least until 1974. It still appeared on the 1974 Greyound roster. At some point between 74, and 1978 Ridgley coach, a charter company from Washington D.C. bought 1001. I do not know yet if Ridgley bought it from GH directly or from some other private company. If anyone has any doctumentation either way...I would love to here from you. Sometime in the late 1980s Ridgley began scrapping the seven Scenics they had. In 1982 my good friend Fred Rayman, a bus driver from Oklahoma City, OK. discovered 1001 at Ridgley in Washington D.C. Fred was on a charter trip hauling people from a church group in OK City to New York City, and Wash D.C. Fred had some down time in D.C. and wanted to ride the commuter trians around D.C. So, Fred and his pal Bob Beard took a ride on the train. While on the train, Fred spotted about 4 or 5 Scenicruisers sitting in a bus yard. Turns out....the train tracks went right past Ridgley's yard. Fred now had to convince Bob to go back and look at all these Scenics. Anyone that knows Fred.. Knows he loves to keep track of Serial numbers....and here was some he did not have yet! Bob gave in, and they went to oogle over the cruisers. Fred tells me he nearly fainted when he found serial number 997, and then the one and only 1001. This was October 15, 1982. Fred must have told anyone that would listen what he had found in D.C. He must have made an impression on Gordon Pfalzgraf of Belpre, Ohio. Because, over the telephone Fred convinced Gordon to save 997 & 1001 from the scrapper. Three years had pasted. Then in 1985 Gordon was at the Hearshy car swap meet with his now famous hatchback Scenic selling car covers. He met someone from D.C. and asked if they would check to see if 1001 was still at Ridgley. The man honored the request, and reported back....it was still there with 997. Niether had engines, or trans., but still there! The very next day Gordon went home to Belpre, Ohio and immediatly left for Wash D.C. A man on a mission ! He struck a deal to buy both 997 & 1001. He had them both hauled home to Ohio in Nov./Dec. of 1985. Gordon had plans to restore 1001, but never began any work. He had his plate full with 16 other antique cars that needed maintained or restored. I have known of these two buses for years, but always assumed they were not for sale. Then in January of this year, I was sent to Dayton, Ohio for work. I called Mr. Pfalzgraf, and to my surprise...they were for sale. I left a day early and drove the 520 miles to Belpre, Ohio. And the rest is history. I returned to ohio this past weekend to complete the deal. My nephew Patrick and I spent all day Saturday prepping 1001 to be moved home here to Peoria, Illinois. I hope to move them home in the next few months. Certainly before winter. They are stored inside, as they will be here also. Anyway, I am so thrilled about this chance. I am so lucky. Fred Rayman, and Gordon Pfalzgraf are my heros ! Without their efforts these important pieces of automotive history would have been lost forever. Both of them should be very proud. I have created a photo album here at yahoo.com/group/Scenicruiser21 called "PD4501-1001 EXP 331 McNally's latest" Check out the clunker! She is rough, but I have delt with worse before. Below is the history on PD4501-997 & PD4501-1001 from the Stray Hound site: PD4501-1001 Emergency Rear Door Prototype GM EXP 331 Built 1953 Atlantic Greyhound Lines A-2267 GM Factory Public Relations Photo -- Left Front View GM Factory Public Relations Photo -- Left Rear View Atlantic Greyhound Lines A-6464 Southeastern Greyhound Lines M-5399 Southern Greyhound Lines 5399 Still on Greyhound Roster Spring 1974. Researching... Preserved Owner: Gordon Phalzgraf -- Belpre, Ohio Good condition, but no powerpack. Searching for one. Also owns PD-4501-536 and PD4501-997 Currently under discussions to be brought into Chicagoland Historical Bus Museum. Bus to remail as seated coach when completed. PD4501-997 Atlantic Greyhound Lines A-2263 Atlantic Greyhound Lines A-6460 Southeastern Greyhound Lines M-5395 Southern Greyhound Lines 5395 Researching... Researching... Preserved Owner: Gordon Phalzgraf -- Belpre, Ohio Good condition, but no powerpack. Also owns PD-4501-536 and PD4501-1001 Bus to remain as seated coach. Note: The Chicago bus museum never followed through on the acquistion of 997 &1001 Regards, Tom McNally Peoria, IL. | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 482 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 153.2.246.32  Rating: N/A |
I wish I had more time (I am at work) to comment on this, but I must say, this is AWSOME! | ||
| Laryn Christley (Barn_owl)
Registered Member Username: Barn_owl Post Number: 483 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 153.2.246.32 Rating: N/A |
Scenicruiser21 link everyone: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/Scenicruiser21/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=g roup&slk=1 | ||
| thomas mcnally (Pd45017712003)
Registered Member Username: Pd45017712003 Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 98.214.125.113 Rating: N/A |
Here is the photo link. Thanks http://finance.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/Scenicruiser21/photos/browse/1d03 Tom McNally | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1394 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.166.160  Rating: N/A |
Tom - GREAT NEWS!! You should also send a note to Larry Plachno at National Bus Trader. (www.busmag.com) Lots of industry people regard the Scenics fondly, and they often do not monitor the hobbyist's BBS's. Sending a note to Larry about your find and plans will get the word out to the industry, and you might be surprised what comes out of the woodwork! Oh, and cc the note to BusRide, too! www.busride.com FWIW & HTH. . .  | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 406 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.191 Rating: N/A |
RJ , Email me your address . FF | ||
| thomas mcnally (Pd45017712003)
Registered Member Username: Pd45017712003 Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2005 Posted From: 98.214.125.113 Rating: N/A |
Thanks RJ. will do. Tom | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1395 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.166.160 Rating: N/A |
Fred - Done. . . | ||
| RJ Long (Rjlong)
Registered Member Username: Rjlong Post Number: 1396 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 67.181.166.160 Rating: N/A |
Fred - The email address I have for you bounced back "permanent failure".  Send me a note thru mine - which is available by clicking on my name to the left. RJ | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 409 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.140 Rating: N/A |
The email address I have for you bounced back "permanent failure". :-( Nope it worked just fine,Look in the Snail box in a week or two. FF | ||
| Michael W. Haworth (57fitzjohn)
Registered Member Username: 57fitzjohn Post Number: 19 Registered: 9-2007 Posted From: 70.141.108.164  Rating: N/A |
Tom, Youre the man!! Thank God someone is out there saving these historic old coaches! I alwaya thought I'd end up with a scenic, but ended up buying my Dads retirement project. Its the sole surving one of only 3 Fitzjohn Roadrunner private coaches ever produced. (1957) Ongoing progress pics @ Fitzjohn Bus Interest Group on Yahoo. (Mikes Roadrunner) Keep posting pics of your build/resto! I might need some tips!! Regards, Mike |