Bus Length Estimations

White99z · 02-15-2014, 03:45 PM

Hello Everyone! I am currently deep in the search for a bus for my partner and I. We recently were looking at a 28ft. Bluebird TC2000 that we almost bought, but we decided it was a bit too pricey for what it was. As we continue our search and watch auctions, craigslist, etc., it's always difficult to tell the lengths of buses where they aren't listed. Are there any genuine guidelines for estimation when it comes to these things?

We loved the size of the 28ft BB. It would be perfect for us.

Any ideas of windows vs. length (ex: a 11 window bus is "x" length) or passengers vs length? I haven't been able to find much info. I did a bit of searching on the forum too and couldn't find much.

gbstewart · 02-15-2014, 04:00 PM

my bus is a 12 window 38 foot bumper to bumper dog nose bluebird
weights 8500kg converted
gbstewart

White99z · 02-15-2014, 04:02 PM

Thanks gbstewart! Good to know, as this would probably be a bit long for our tastes!

gbstewart · 02-15-2014, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JArndt

Thanks gbstewart! Good to know, as this would probably be a bit long for our tastes!

well it can be at times, I have put over 14,000kms been down some narrow streets and roads etc, im used to it and I do like to have all the room I can get , from the back of the drivers seat its only 28ft , also full size bus was cheaper , and more of them around, anyway that's just me
enjoy
gbstewart

White99z · 02-15-2014, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbstewart

Quote:

Originally Posted by JArndt

Thanks gbstewart! Good to know, as this would probably be a bit long for our tastes!

well it can be at times, I have put over 14,000kms been down some narrow streets and roads etc, im used to it and I do like to have all the room I can get , from the back of the drivers seat its only 28ft , also full size bus was cheaper , and more of them around, anyway that's just me
enjoy
gbstewart

I am not opposed to it

We do want a flat front. I am not picky on FE or RE.

bansil · 02-17-2014, 09:24 AM

make sure to drive a Flat nose before purchase...it makes some people sick sitting in the passenger seat

the front of the bus doesn't "turn" like a car or truck with wheels in front of driver...it's funny turning hard left and your still facing straight as you turn

my friend about got sick riding with me, he ended up having to sit at table and was fine from then on

Locutus · 02-17-2014, 09:41 AM

If you can shop buses in California, consider buying a Crown from a school district. Crowns are among the finest coaches ever made. Sadly most school-owned Crowns in California are scheduled to be crushed by the end of this year due to State green incentives. Time is running out for these fine buses.

Stu & Filo. T · 02-17-2014, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locutus

If you can shop buses in California, consider buying a Crown from a school district. Crowns are among the finest coaches ever made. Sadly most school-owned Crowns in California are scheduled to be crushed by the end of this year due to State green incentives. Time is running out for these fine buses.

Your lucky if you can get a Crown, Most school districts are getting grants of around $80,000.00 plus per bus to crush them, Redwood City has 4 of them their crushing won't even consider selling them, if you can find a district that has used up their allotted grants you might get lucky

Westward · 02-17-2014, 11:16 AM

My bus is 14 windows, 38' from bumper to bumper (Flat nose FE), around 31 from back of the drivers seat to the back of the bus. When looking at the bus length you can estimate about 22.5 inches per window with about 2.5 inches for the brace in between, this will give you an estimate (give or take a foot or two). You also have to look at how the windows are layed out. A Blue bird's windows go all the way to the corner of the back of the bus. A thomas, ward, or amtran have about 1-1.5 feet of sheet metal between the last window and the back corner of the bus. As for passenger count most of the numbers are for children and they say 3 kids to a seat (mine is 84 pax, 84kids/ 3 kids per seat = 28 seats.....28seats /2 (left side and right side) = 14 seats = 14 windows behind the drivers seat). One piece of advice that was given to me by folks on here is to walk buses. Find a place that has buses for sale (even if they are out of your price range) go look at them, walk the isles, break out the measuring tape (overall length, interior length, height, for RE how deep is the engine compartment cover, side exit locations (mine has a side emergency exit, going to work out nice I think) take pictures, find out what you don't like and what you do) Then you have a better idea of what to expect of a bus you see online. Hope this helps!!

nat_ster · 02-17-2014, 08:19 PM

Both my bluebirds have 24" and 32" windows.

No one size used in all.

Nat

White99z · 02-17-2014, 11:30 PM

Wish we could shop crowns in California, but I can't make it out there to search in person locally. Internet sales would have to be the way at that point. There's a Cali Crown for sale in my city right now, but for 10K

A little too much for our budget!

Locutus · 02-18-2014, 08:45 AM

Try offering 1/2 off ($5000.00). Can't hurt to try. The worst thing the seller can do is say no.

Elliot Naess · 02-18-2014, 11:46 AM

Millicent has/had 14 rows at 28" = 84 kids in a 40' bus. There may have been a couple feet luggage space at the rear -- at least on one side. Note that there are usually irregularities: In Millicent, the left and right benches were offset 16" from each other -- the first seat on the right was further back because of the door.

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