BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

All:

Just recieved today my much-awaited copy of "NEW YORK FIFTH AVENUE COACH COMPANY", by Oliver J. Ogden.

Allow me to sat that this book is one OUTSTANDING work, jam-packed with rare photos and maps, and MORE than worth inclusion in the library of any FACC/NYC bus enthusiast!

Man, if only we still had such a variety of coaches today!

Anyway, there is a "mystery" photo on Page #27, showing a FACC 1931 YELLOW (serving RT. #2) adjacent to the "Red & Tan layover area".

(This vague location is according to the photo caption).

IMHO, this would appear to be a R&T terminal. (several WHITES are visible).

To the rear of the double-decker, there is a large neon PSNJ sign that reads:

"BUSES TO NEW JERSEY".

Below that, is a smaller electric sign, reading:

"WAITING ROOM"

A PS "Old Look" can just be seen nosing into the picture on the far right.

Would I be correct in assuming that this photo shows the old "indy" bus terminals near the GWB, that served until the new GWB bus terminal opened in the early 60's?

The photo was taken in 1948.

Appreciate any info you might have.......

Thanks,

NYO

[Hart Bus]

Dear NYO:

I have the book, but its packed away since I am having some work and new carpeting done down there. When the dust clears I check you photo.

As far as you assessment of the book, I have to disagree with you in the respect that the book didn't go far enough.

Noticeably missing from the book is a chapter on the March 1962 demise of FACC and the events leading up to it. I am not alone in my opinion as I spoke to Eddie Crew on a MNYBA trip last spring and he has the same opinion of mine. I take his council seriously as he had collaborated with the late Alan Bromberger on at least one TA hand-out.

I also felt he gave a majority of the verbiage to the # 15 line. While it was my home line, I think a little less mention of that route and more on the other routes would have been better.

Just my $ 0.035 (inflation you know !)

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Hart Bus:

You know, now that you mention it, I saw no mention of the events leading up to the demise of FACC in 1962; to be honest, I've (so far) been just flipping through it, but, as I said before, was quite impressed by the large number of rare photos, maps, etc.

As this book covered so much of the early years of FACC, it would indeed have make sense to give the same amount of coverage to the twilight era (and demise) of the company.

Otherwise, I am quite pleased with the book.....

NYO

[Hart Bus]

I had pre-ordered the book through Amazon and received it about a year ago. I remember sensing that a major event like the collapse of a once magnificent company was covered. Left an empty feeling in me and took away from the overall enjoyment of the book.

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Hart Bus:

The more I think it over, the less sense it makes.

Why do such a thorough story on FACC, especially the early days and the glory years, and then, so obviously ignore the twilight years.....AND the events that led to the company's demise in 1962?

In Guy E. Martin's "NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT BUSES", at least there was a brief mention about what killed the company.

IMHO, if you are going to tell the story of a long-gone company, and otherwise tell its story in much detail, it simply does not make sense to NOT include the part of the story that tells of FACC's waning years and eventual demise.

I am in TOTAL agreement with you, there.......

NYO

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Just came across this.......IMHO, this is something that any true student/historian/enthusiast of the FACC will truly be able to "sink thier teeth" into!

EXCELLENT collection of vintage FACC photos, drawings, ads, and postcards, as well as extensive historical text!

Enjoy!

http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/f/fifth_avenue/fifth_avenue.htm