BusTalk

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629

Just came across this truly classic PS image earlier today...... Very Happy

http://bus.nycsubway.org/perl/show?3331

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:15 am Post subject:

John,

These are very unusual buses because of the combination high suburban windows and ThermoMatic heating and ventilation which would make them TDM 4509's and very early ones at that.

In fact, they were among the very first off the line in 1949 with serial numbers ranging from 0001 to 0112 and numbered C510 to C611.

You can see plainly that they preceded the roof alteration.

Nice find.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 2:06 am Post subject:

Mr. "L":

Glad you liked the picture.....it really made my day when I came across these two handsome PS coaches! Very Happy

Being a lifelong Jerseyan, I've always been a tremendous fan of those big TDM's......easily, some of the best-looking coaches EVER to hit the roads! Very Happy

Also, appreciate your additional historical data!

John

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:47 am Post subject:

John,

On one Saturday back in the mid fifties my friends and I decided to take a ride to Newark to an auto show to see, among other rarities, Adolph Hitler's Mercedes Benz Staff car and, if we had extra time, a stop at the famous Minsky's Burlesque Theater only doors away from the exhibit.

We arrived at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan which was still pretty new and clean and boarded a Public Service Coordinated Transport GM TDM 5108 signed for Route 118 Newark.

We deliberately sat at the rear bench so we could hear and feel the roar of the 6-71 Diesel running down through the gears which was awesome!

We enjoyed the car show and the burlesque which was rated PG by today's standards but there is no question that the rides back and forth on that 'tough' bus were the highlights of the day.

Too bad nobody can enjoy that experience any more!

Photo courtesy of Double A Transportation.

Regards,

Mr. 'L'

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 9:39 am Post subject:

Mr. "L":

Now THAT's what I call a BUS!!!! Very Happy

Sure brings back a lot of great old memories for yours truly!

Also, greatly enjoyed your personal memories.......most nostagically reflecting a long-ago, far more innocent time!

Minsky's?

What with the "show" PSNJ was putting on in Newark back then, one would have thought that was "enticing" entertainment enough! Shocked

How could one possibly do better than watching the PS parade on Raymond Boulevard, or at the PS Terminal? Rolling Eyes

Now, IMHO, is ENTERTAINMENT!! Very Happy

Seriously, I cannot believe that those big, beautiful TDM's are now gone from my general area for at least 34 years........that's about the time I remember the handsome ORANGE & BLACK fleet of TDM's being pulled from service, when MAPLEWOOD EQUIPMENT COMPANY took over both O&B and INTER-CITY.

The O&B and INTER-CITY coaches sported two of the most handsome paint schemes in the State!

Once, back in 1976, when I was working on a temp job in Hackensack, I had just gotten off the #166 (a Fishbowl), and was just about to cross the street and walk the block to my job, when a big, beautiful ex-PS TDM swung around the corner, headed for the PABT.

Well.......as I could barely stomach my boss, and was not at all enamored with the job, anyway, I said "What the heck?" and boarded that sleek TDM for the run into the PABT, where I then caught another bus back to Hackensack.

On my inbound trip, I sat on the rear seat by the window, and just savored the sweet, sweet sounds of that big "Jimmy" at work!

Ooooh, man!!

So, I was late for the FIRST and ONLY time I worked that job.......I quit not long afterwards, anyway!

But......was that TDM ride worth being late for work?

You bet your silversides it was!! Very Happy

Again, thanks for sharing that great pic....a true "JOISEY" bus!! Very Happy

John

HwyHaulier · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 932 Location: Harford County, MD

John - Mr 'L' -

Not to be a gratuitous gadfly, but: The marvelous photo depicts PSNJ "F-5xx" class. IIRC, it should have been a
1952 build identifier, and "5xx" types with auto transmissions. Mackey site positively resolves "Alphabet Soup"
queries. http://www.davemackey.com/psct/roster/1947-1959.html

Alas! The PSNJ Route #118, PABT - NWK (Penn Station). It was a wondrous thing! I rode it any number of times,
apparently in contemporary "time window" as Mr 'L'. Something of a Great Bus Legend, so long after the fact. Little
children should be taught this folk fable and morality play...

Hmmmm... Maybe I should catch up with some old friends on the West End, and receive installation as Tribal Chief,
Hon. I could tell little ones stories of "...the Great Thundering Wagons without Horses..." streaking across the land...

......................Vern....................

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:17 pm Post subject:

Vern......

Well.....as you certainly know, the unforgettable sounds of a big TDM cruising along on an express run, surely, was one of life's sweetest experiences, back in the day!

I know this quite well, from when ORANGE & BLACK's stunning TDM's "opened up" on River Road on the rush-hour expresses......ooohhh, Lord! Sweetest sound in the world!

Too, the same experience could be savored when De Camp's coaches were in full cry on the #22, when humming along the old Newark Turnpike/Belleville Pike, to and from JSQ, when we'd go out to vist relatives in West Orange.

Too, going through the Lincoln Tunnel, and having the unforgettable sounds of a hard-workin' Jimmy echoing and blatting off of the tiled tunnel walls.......aaahh, shoot! I'm really showing my age now...... Rolling Eyes

Sure was great fun while it lasted! Very Happy

John

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:30 pm Post subject:

Speaking of the "sweet, unforgettable sounds of a Jimmy at work", treat your ears to these oh-so-memrable sounds!

This battered and faded old relic STILL knows how to put on a good show! Very Happy

Note quick glimpse of "crowd gate" through open doors as bus passes by; this tells us that, without a doubt, this was an old "Joisey" coach!

Quite possibly, this MIGHT have been an ex-PS unit.......

Enjoy!

John

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HybnM_nzuxs

NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629 · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:37 pm Post subject:

Aaaahhh, how sweet the sounds of a magnificently restored PS suburban coach......(!!) Very Happy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XkYXTv4BJ4

Mr. Linsky · Posted: Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:50 pm Post subject:

HwyHaulier · Joined: 16 Dec 2007 Posts: 932 Location: Harford County, MD

Mr. 'L' -

I was more concerned with the coaches shown in the link, provided in first lead message here by NYO.
It certainly supports your earlier observation that best have a subject photo right up on the screen,
rather than chase a link..

The 5108 you posted a welcome sight!

.........................Vern................