BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Back in the heydey of the late, great Flxible Clipper, a number of these sleek, streamlined buses were sold for non-passenger services, such as Highway Post Offices and Mobile TV Units. Here is a fascinating story (with many rare and interesting old pics) about one Clipper used by the old DuMont Network as a "Telecruiser". Enjoy! http://www.chalkhillmedia.org/Museum/dumonthistoricpix.htm

[Mr. Linsky]

The Flxible Clippers were very versatile vehicles and were used in many applications aside from carrying passengers including medical related duties and Mobile TV transmitters.

A couple of samples below.

Photos courtesy of Flxible.

Mr. Linsky - Green Bus Lines, Inc., Jamaica, NY

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Mr. Linsky: Thanks for sharing these beautiful old pics!!!! I've been a Clipper fan since my long-ago kid days, and have always thought they were probably the sleekest and most streamlined of highway coaches....they sure were STUNNERS!!! John

[roymanning2000]

I remember seeing the Ohio Department of Health bus back in the sixties and seventies. It was based at a state building on the west side of Columbus just off West Broad Street as I recall.

Also, Flxible turned out ten Clipper Highway Post Offices. They also had that raised roof. Several years back, Motor Coach Age had a history of Highway Post Offices. One of the Clipper HPO's was on the cover.

Roy

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Roy: I just purchased a late 1950s/early 60s tin toy RCA Mobile Television Unit Bus (from eBay), which, clearly, used the Flxible Clipper for at least SOME inspiration! There's even that circular porthole window on the side! Flxible built only 11 such coaches in 1950, which were sold to individual bus companies that had contracted to operate them for the Post Office Department.

And, speaking of the Health Department, in the 1960s, the CTA converted an ex-CSL White 798 into a Mobile Medical Unit. QUITE interesting, without a doubt!! John

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's an interesiting site featuring Highway Post Offices; the Whites are particularly handsome!! http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibits/2c1e_hypobus.html

[pitpup]

Excellent thread. Just excellent! Thank you for posting...

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

You are more than welcome, my friend! John