BusTalk

Q65A · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:09 pm Post subject: 2007 DOB Roadeo Report

Today I attended the 2007 DOB Roadeo at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn.
This year, it was held adjacent to the NYC Sanitation Dept. Training Facility (and the aircraft hangar that holds the vintage aircraft collection for Gateway National Park). This is the same venue as the 2005 Bus Centennial Roadeo. Unlike last year's soggy event, today's weather was absolutely perfect, with bright sunshine, low humidity, and a refreshing breeze blowing in from Jamaica Bay. Here's a rundown of the modern buses that were on display: NF D60LF #5577 (from MJQ); NF C40LF #870 (from JG); brand-new Orion VII HEV #6894 (from CS); MCI Cruiser #2185 (from UP, it is a 9/11 victim amazingly rebuilt by NYCT). There also were several NYCT museum buses: 7340 (Flx New Look); 236 (Flx 870); 1201 (GMC RTS-04); FACCO 3100 (GM TDH-5106); "NYCO 2969" (GM TDH-5101, "The Jackie Gleason Bus"); 5227 (Blitz/GMC T6H-5305A); 100 (GM TDH-5301); 3758 (GM TDH-5303); 8928 (GM T6H-5305A). The contestants' buses were all Nova RTS-06's numbered in the 5000-5200 series (from FB, ENY, perhaps other depots as well). Cruiser 2178 was operating as a roadeo shuttle, originating presumably from "The Junction" at Flatbush & Nostrand Avenues. Also present was FACCO 1263 (aka "Betsy", a 1931 Yellow Model Z double decker); this unit was used to give free 15 min. rides around the park. I took a ride on Betsy, who is gas-powered with a manual tranny and steel springs. She was less than graceful on the wavy runways of Floyd Bennett Field, and it makes you realize just how far buses have come in the past 75 years. Of special interest: the British Airways Concorde (probably the unit that had been on display adjacent to the Intrepid Museum) is on display at the Aviation Sports & Recreation facility. There also was a bus-enthusiast tent called "The Bromberger Table", in memory of the late Alan Bromberger (who, along with Eddie Crew, was a regular attendee). There were very few giveaways, mainly current MTA bus maps. All in all, a very nice day; it will also run in the same location tomorrow (I believe from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM), Admission is free and all can observe the exhibits (NYCT employees and their guests can partake of the food and get this year's official hat & golf shirt).

TransitGuy · Joined: 18 Apr 2007 Posts: 62

Thanks Bob for letting us know. Its too bad I didn't even realize that the roadeo was today. When will the MTA bus Roadeo occur?

Q65A · Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2007 6:05 am Post subject:

Q65A · Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:12 pm Post subject:

This link (posted by former BTN member "Terrapin Station" at BusChat) has some very nice photos of the '07 Roadeo:
http://www.railfanwindow.com/gallery/album385

Q65A · Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:17 pm Post subject:

Here are some more photos posted at BusChat by QM18Express:
http://www.subchat.com/buschat/read.asp?Id=60138